Program Manager, TechLeaders - Critical Emerging Technologies Exchange (Contingent Upon Funding)

Status: Contingent Upon Funding Award

Reports to: Director

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 per year

SUMMARY:

American Councils seeks a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to support implementation of the proposed FY26 TechLeaders: Critical Emerging Technologies Exchange, pending funding approval from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This position is contingent upon funding.

TechLeaders will engage approximately 60 emerging technology professionals from around the world in intensive U.S.-based professional placements focused on critical emerging technology sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Space Technology, Biotechnology and Health Technology, Supply Chain and Cold Chain Technology, and Agricultural Technology (AgTech). Participants will collaborate with U.S. mentors and host organizations to strengthen innovation partnerships that advance U.S. economic and strategic interests.

The Program Manager will oversee day-to-day program implementation, participant and host engagement, logistics coordination, partner management, monitoring and evaluation activities, and alumni engagement initiatives. The position requires strong project management skills, experience managing international exchange programs, and the ability to build relationships with private-sector, academic, and government stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management

• Manage day-to-day implementation of all program activities in collaboration with the Director and program team.
• Develop and maintain detailed work plans, timelines, and implementation schedules.
• Coordinate participant recruitment, selection, placement, orientation, and alumni engagement activities.
• Monitor progress toward program goals, deliverables, and performance indicators.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and program updates for funders and stakeholders.

Participant and Host Management

• Coordinate communication and support for international participants throughout the program lifecycle.
• Build and manage relationships with U.S. host organizations, mentors, and partner institutions.
• Support placement matching processes to align participant backgrounds and placement expectations with host organization opportunities.
• Ensure high-quality participant and host experiences through regular monitoring and support.

Logistics and Operations

• Oversee travel, lodging, orientation, and event logistics.
• Support implementation of opening orientation, industry-track programming, and closing activities in Washington, DC.
• Ensure proper visa procedures and participant compliance.
• Maintain accurate program records and participant databases.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with technology companies, industry associations, universities, innovation hubs, accelerators, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities with U.S. embassies, overseas partners, and Department of State representatives.
• Support planning and implementation of reciprocal exchange activities and alumni engagement initiatives.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

• Support collection and analysis of participant and program data.
• Track performance indicators and assist with reporting requirements.
• Document success stories, outcomes, and program impact.
• Contribute to continuous program improvement efforts.

Communications and Outreach

• Support development of program communications materials and participant resources.
• Coordinate collection of participant stories, photos, videos, and other impact content.
• Assist with outreach activities that highlight program outcomes and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum five years of professional experience managing complex international education, exchange, workforce development, leadership, or capacity-building programs.
• Minimum three years of experience managing direct reports in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
• Experience working with U.S. government-funded programs or federal grants and cooperative agreements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

• Experience implementing U.S. Department of State exchange programs.
• Experience living and/or working abroad on an exchange program.
• Experience working with private-sector partners, technology companies, innovation ecosystems, universities, or workforce development initiatives.
• Familiarity with critical and emerging technology sectors, including AI, biotechnology, space technology, advanced manufacturing, supply chains, or agricultural technology.
• Experience supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities.

Please note: This position is contingent upon securing funding.

BENEFITS

This position is eligible for healthcare benefits.

American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit. American Councils’ commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.

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.

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000