Program Officer

Open Position: Program Officer

Company: San Diego Diplomacy Council

Location: San Diego, CA

Employment Type: Full-time (Hybrid)

Salary: $25/hour

The San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC) is a 501C3 organization based in San Diego, CA. For 45 years, SDDC has been fostering international dialogue and cross-cultural understanding between San Diego and the world. Last year, we hosted almost 700 international leaders from over 120 countries in San Diego for professional exchange experiences. We also organized international affairs training programs for students, and community events, fellowship programs, and other experiences to connect our international visitors with the San Diego community in meaningful ways. 

We are a small, passionate and collaborative team working at the intersection of international relations, community engagement, and public diplomacy.

Position Summary

The Program Officer plays a key role in coordinating SDDC’s international exchange programs and supporting broader communications and development efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for planning and executing visiting delegations from start to finish—working on everything from logistics and itineraries to community outreach and on-the-ground support. Duties also entail tracking project expenditures, maintaining database, statistics and activity records related to the program. 

This role also contributes to our communications and fundraising work, helping share our impact through storytelling, event promotion, and donor engagement. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and brings creativity, cross-cultural fluency, and a proactive mindset to everything they do.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on a variety of international topics and local professional contacts
• Make logistical arrangements for groups of international visitors to San Diego, including travel, hotels, ground transportation, catering, etc.
• Arrange meetings with local partners, implementing program objectives as outlined by program funders
• Process and track project expenditures; produce financial documents; Assist in the monitoring of project budgets
• Maintain project files and database and provide general project support
• Provide direction to interns and volunteers working on related projects
• Assist in drafting program highlights, impact stories, and social media content
• Support the planning and promotion of community events, mixers, and public diplomacy initiatives
• Help maintain donor and partner databases and provide general development support
• Contribute to newsletters, fundraising appeals, and impact reports
• Represent SDDC at events and help cultivate new local partnerships
• Perform other duties as assigned

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in international relations, public affairs, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Strong computer skills including use of databases and proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel, familiarity with Salesforce, Notion, Mailchimp, WordPress and social media platforms a plus
• Demonstrated interest in international exchange, diplomacy, and global affairs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable engaging with diverse audiences
• Strong project coordination skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong verbal and writing skills with ability to communicate clearly and persuasively
• Excellent time management, attention to detail and organization skills
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in international exchanges, event management and protocol
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with the San Diego community and an interest in global affairs is a plus
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends during delegation visits or events
• A collaborative spirit, and willingness to jump in where needed

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through LinkedIn, or via email to employment@sandiegodiplomacy.org. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis. The San Diego Diplomacy Council is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining our team!