J-1 Program Specialist – Sponsor Organization Experience Required

Position Overview

ICN Group is preparing to pursue U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor Designation and is seeking an experienced J-1 professional to support the development of our program, compliance framework, and sponsor designation process.

We are specifically interested in candidates who currently work or have previously worked for a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 Sponsor organization and have hands-on experience administering a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Experience serving as a Responsible Officer (RO) is strongly preferred. However, we also welcome experienced J-1 sponsor professionals who have worked directly with SEVIS, participant administration, host organization oversight, sponsor compliance, or Department of State requirements.

This position is ideal for someone who understands how a J-1 Sponsor actually operates and can apply that practical experience as ICN Group develops its own J-1 program.

Key Responsibilities

• Support ICN Group's preparation for J-1 Sponsor Designation
• Provide practical guidance based on prior experience working within a designated J-1 Sponsor organization
• Assist with the development and review of J-1 program policies, procedures, and compliance documentation
• Provide guidance on SEVIS administration and J-1 participant records
• Support development of participant screening, orientation, monitoring, and recordkeeping procedures
• Support development of host organization vetting, monitoring, and oversight procedures
• Review program documentation for compliance with U.S. Department of State requirements
• Support preparation of Form DS-3036 and Sponsor Designation documentation
• Provide guidance regarding Department of State inquiries, RFIs, compliance reviews, audits, or site visits
• Collaborate with ICN Group leadership and outside consultants throughout the designation process
• Support the development of an operational and compliance framework for ongoing J-1 program administration

Required Qualifications

• Current or previous professional experience with a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 Sponsor organization
• Hands-on experience administering or supporting a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
• Practical knowledge of J-1 sponsor regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience with SEVIS and J-1 participant records
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• J-1 participant administration and monitoring
• Host organization vetting and oversight
• SEVIS administration
• Sponsor compliance
• Program documentation and recordkeeping
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a flexible Part-Time / Hybrid / Remote environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous or current experience serving as a Responsible Officer (RO)
• Experience preparing or supporting Form DS-3036
• Experience with new J-1 Sponsor Designation or Redesignation
• Experience responding to U.S. Department of State RFIs, inquiries, audits, compliance reviews, or site visits
• Experience administering Intern and/or Trainee programs
• Experience developing J-1 sponsor policies, procedures, manuals, or compliance documentation
• Experience helping establish or improve a J-1 program's operational framework

Position Details

• Employment Type: Part-Time
• Compensation: Starting at $40/hour, commensurate with relevant J-1 Sponsor experience and qualifications
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid / Remote
• Location: New York, NY
• Schedule: Flexible; availability for scheduled meetings with ICN Group leadership and consultants is required

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone with real-world experience inside a designated J-1 Sponsor organization.

This is not a general immigration or international student advising position. We are particularly interested in professionals who understand the day-to-day operations, compliance responsibilities, SEVIS administration, participant management, and host organization oversight required of a J-1 Sponsor.

Current J-1 Sponsor employees, former Sponsor employees, and experienced Responsible Officers are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and briefly provide the following:

• Name of the J-1 Sponsor organization(s) where you currently work or previously worked
• Your position/title and years of J-1 program experience
• J-1 categories administered
• RO experience, if applicable
• SEVIS experience
• DS-3036 / Sponsor Designation or Redesignation experience, if applicable
• Department of State compliance, RFI, audit, or site visit experience, if applicable
• Your desired hourly rate

ICN Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: From $60.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Have you previously worked for, or do you currently work for, a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 Sponsor organization?
• How many years of hands-on J-1 program experience do you have?
• Have you served as a Responsible Officer (RO)?
• Do you have hands-on experience using SEVIS for J-1 Exchange Visitor records?
• Please provide the name of the J-1 Sponsor organization(s) where you gained your experience and briefly describe your role, including any DS-3036 / Sponsor Designation experience.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Manhattan, NY 10001

Salary : $40 - $60