Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Vice President for Professional Programs oversees and directs Washington, DC-based and field office managers who administer programs funded by the U.S. government, private foundations, and other funders. The Vice President plays a critical role in developing program strategy, overseeing planning, and coordinating activities for professionals on study tours, fellowships, or internship-type activities in the United States, and managing year and grant-cycle activities. The Vice President reports to the President and CEO of American Councils and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The role of the Vice President for Professional Programs is to develop, coordinate, and oversee a broad portfolio of programs for professionals (both in the U.S. and reciprocal components for Americans abroad) administered by American Councils Washington, DC-based and field staff; develop strategy for coordinating policies and resources across programs; and interface with funders regarding program needs, results, and approaches. Programs include Professional Fellows Programs (PFP) for Europe, Eurasia and Southeast Asia including the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI PFP), the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), the Open World program, International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), and a variety of Business Leaders and other programs. Programs are funded by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), U.S. embassies, and others. Programs include participants from more than 60 countries around the world.

Program Oversight

• Supervise several program Directors, Senior Managers, and Managers implementing a wide range of professional programs
  • Support staff in developing and implementing high quality professional programs funded by a variety of government agencies and entities
  • Develop components to promote and support participant health and safety
  • Promote learning and growth through cutting edge implementation strategies
• Support and promote a culture of continuous learning and ongoing program development based on best practices, research, and monitoring and evaluation data
• Work with staff to support participants while on program, including developing and implementing enrichment and support initiatives
• Work with staff to create solutions to program dilemmas, taking into account participant needs, strengths, and weaknesses; funder requirements; and global political situations
• Supervise and support program proposals and reporting, including review of narrative and budget components
• Monitor program spending and adherence to budgets and funder guidelines or regulations
• Conduct program evaluations potentially including site visits and evaluation of partners
• Serve as a link and bridge between divisions to identify synergies and develop and share solutions to common problems

Program Development and Promotion

• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with program funders, implementing partners, and other stakeholders
• Oversee the team of managers in exploring opportunities for program development and improvements
• Represent the programs to the funders and outside audiences at a variety of venues
• Support the development of alumni networks
• Support the development of program publicity initiatives
• Contribute to thought leadership development

Administrative

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Other representational and support duties as needed

Qualifications

• Significant experience in management of professional programs, at least ten years
• Very strong writing and communication skills
• Seven years or more of supervisory experience and ability to inspire managers
• Experience in federal grants management
• Demonstrated organizational abilities
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation, including statistical analysis, benchmarking, and reporting
• Demonstrated representational, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including cultural sensitivity
• Commitment to inclusive programming that supports and expands opportunities for women, youth, underrepresented populations, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI persons
• Proven effectiveness in a cross-cultural work environment and experience in international workplaces, valuing people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to lead a team and build consensus
• Creativity and demonstrated ability to plan and manage large-scale programs
• Bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant field

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

American Councils is committed to taking affirmative steps to enhance employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that meaningful employment and promotional opportunities are maintained for everyone. American Councils’ commitment to equal employment opportunity is based not only on federal requirements, but also on a longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities in which we operate.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.