Program Lead, TechLeaders Exchange (Hybrid) in Chicago, Illinois at Institute of International Education

Organizational Unit: IIE Organization -> IIE US -> Experiential Learning

Schedule: Full Time

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Location: Chicago IL - Chicago, IL 60602 US
San Francisco CA - San Francisco, CA 94108 US
Washington DC - Washington, DC 20005 US (Primary)

Travel: 10 to 25%

Job Description:

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is hiring a Program Lead for the TechLeaders Exchange. We invite you to join a team united by our mission to help people and organizations forge brighter futures through educational exchange and lifelong learning. Working at IIE is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make an impact. To collaborate with a passionate team, grow your skills, and contribute to programs that change lives around the world.

Learn more about IIE and our culture here.

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Job Summary

The Program Lead will implement the ECA-funded TechLeaders Exchange, which engages approximately 60 emerging international tech industry leaders to collaborate with American companies and mentors and gain firsthand exposure to U.S. technological leadership. In collaboration with the Director, Technology Exchanges, this role will manage projects, deliverables, and work plans to support end-to-end implementation of the TechLeaders Exchange including U.S.-based and overseas exchanges, professional development initiatives, mentor activities, orientation and closing, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and alumni programming. The Program Lead will cultivate relationships with private-sector partners in technology fields, including AI, biotechnology, space, supply chain, and agri-tech, to support program implementation. The Program Lead will facilitate cross-functional activities, manage team workflows, including all performance management objectives, and support communications with the program sponsor and other external stakeholders. The role also supports sponsor reporting and the strategy and execution of monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan.

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT ON FUNDING

Essential Functions:

• Support the Director, Technology Exchanges, in delivering high-quality implementation of TechLeaders, ensuring alignment with program goals, timelines, and performance standards across the full program lifecycle.
• Design, develop and manage delivery of participant and alumni events and activities, as well as special projects, throughout the program lifecycle including the development and monitoring of implementation plans, budgets, status reports, and closeout activities. Responsible for identifying and securing content provider relationships, such as event speakers, trainers and facilitators, and for spearheading a comprehensive plan for team member collaboration and support for events-related programming. Manages and conducts sourcing of services from vendors, including caterers, restaurants, event equipment providers and others. Maintains communication with vendors in preparation for and execution of events.
• Cultivate private-sector partnerships and build industry networks in critical technology fields to secure mentors, host sites, and engagement opportunities for participants and alumni.
• Designs, launches, and leads TechLeaders participant application and selection process.
• Maintain proactive communication with participants and mentors, providing guidance, managing inquiries, and ensuring a clear and positive program experience.
• In consultation with IIE’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team, supports the strategy and execution of MEL plan for TechLeaders, including program reporting to sponsor and the development, management, and implementation of yearly strategic action plan to improve program design and delivery.
• Collaborates with IIE program support teams to deliver on the program scope of work.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Work Experience:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of related work experience, or combination education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 5-7 years of experience in exchange program implementation, preferably in workforce development or professional exchange is ideal. Experience with U.S. government programs preferrable.
• Experience developing partnerships, private sector partnerships preferrable.
• Subject matter expertise in STEM-ecosystem program implementation. Experience in managing programs in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Space Technology, Biotechnology/Health Technology, Supply Chain/Cold Chain Technology, or Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) welcome.
• Ability to manage a large volume of work under severe time constraints and pressures, while demonstrating creativity and suggesting innovative yet practical solutions to new challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, superior writing and editing skills, and a thorough knowledge of the English language.
• Must exhibit maturity, be comfortable interacting with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including the program sponsor, and have the ability to use diplomacy in difficult situations.
• Experience with monitoring and managing project budgets and financial literacy required.
• Experience working with logistical arrangements, program content development, and facilitation of group training or events. Comfortable with extensive public speaking.
• Strong program management skills, including the ability to prioritize successfully meet deadlines and provide high-quality deliverables in complex situations.
• Passion for supporting STEM initiatives, global education, exchange, and training, and/or emerging STEM technologies highly encouraged.

Salary and Benefits:

• Hiring Range: $77,623 - $101,244. A candidate’s starting salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, internal organizational equity, and geographic region.
• IIE offers a robust suite of benefits to team members including medical, dental, and vision plans, paid time off and holidays, student loan, tuition and professional development reimbursement programs, retirement plans and a family medical leave benefits. Please visit our careers page for further details.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) offers a flexible hybrid work environment which leverages both office work and telework.

Salary and Benefits:

Work Conditions & Physical Demands:
Essential functions are performed in a general office setting with low noise. Job demands may require long periods of sitting; telephone work and/or computer work, as well as interactions with other team members and external stakeholders. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IIE is committed to offering a respectful work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We are committed to employing and promoting individuals based on their merits, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizen status, status with regards to public assistance or any other protected classification.