The Vice President (VP), Exchange Programs is responsible for driving and managing program and technical support within the Exchange Program portfolio across the organization and in countries where Amideast has activities. The VP is responsible for ensuring that exchange programs are implemented on-time, on scope, on budget, with high-quality products and services, exceeding expectations with funders; and supporting collaboration between departments to ensure all programs are in alignment with organizational policies and guidelines. S/he works closely with Business Development to identify new business opportunities that are consistent with Amideast’s strategic priorities; supervises program directors and leads technical impact areas to ensure strong collaboration and coordination between Field Operations, Programs, Finance, Administration, and Business Development as well as with Country Offices; ensures that new business targets are met by regional directors and technical impact leads. S/he also contributes to and promotes thought leadership and represents Amideast externally with key stakeholders, including funders and partners.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), incumbent will participate in and present at the weekly SLT meetings; review, plan, and execute organizational policies and activities; participate in strategic planning; and motivate and lead staff to work together to accomplish the organization’s objectives.
The Vice President for Exchange Programs is responsible for overseeing effective, efficient, and compliant program delivery that meets or exceeds industry standards and best practices. S/he will ensure compliance, superior financial management, and care for employee and student and program participant well-being.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
S/he will provide overall supervision and guidance to staff in the Exchange programs division, including the following:
• Plans, reviews, and enforces Amideast’s organizational strategy and activities as they relate to the Exchange Program division and as a member of the senior leadership team
• Oversees and directs activities and operations within the Exchange Programs portfolio, including staff hiring and training; budget planning, analysis and accountability; fundraising and project proposal development; and development of marketing and public relations materials
• Drives alignment across programs, projects, and countries to support efficiencies in staffing, resources, and implementation
• Develops mechanisms to promote cross-project sharing and inter-project relationships and maintains productive relationship with program sponsors, while ensuring financial and programmatic reports to program sponsors are produced and adhere to program requirements
• Provides oversight and serves as the responsible party for the success of the Fulbright Foreign Students Program, the Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES), Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL), and the Alumni Relations development initiative
• Oversees recruitment efforts for the YES program and the Tomorrow’s Leaders programs
• As Amideast’s Responsible Officer for the J visa, provide annual reporting to DOS on J usage, apply for re-designation of Amideast’s J programs, provide annual certification of RO/AROs, and update staff and field offices on new SEVIS and Department of Homeland security regulations
• Assists the Business Development staff with proposal development for projects with participant exchange academic/training components
• Represents Amideast to ECA, MEPI, and at professional meetings/conference and keeps exchange program staff and country directors updated on information affecting exchange
• Communicates and maintain liaison with Amideast field offices, representatives of U.S. universities, embassy officials, donors, and other organizational representatives
• Promotes and models accountability for compliance and sound financial management Monitor for and addresses any significant variations in global program delivery as it affects budget execution or indirect recovery
• Remains current on changes within the industry through publications and continuing education
• Projects a qualified and cooperative attitude and always maintains high ethical standards of confidentiality when representing Amideast to ensure a professional representation
• Assumes other special activities and responsibilities from time-to-time
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
Required
• Master’s degree in relevant field: education, international relations, Middle East studies, business administration, etc.
• 15+ years of relevant and progressive senior level education program management experience
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in education program management, scholarship management, and/or University relations in an international environment
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal communications, and cross-cultural communications skills suited to inspiring and leading a large and diverse global team of professionals
• Extensive experience with USG contracts, awards, and grants
• Proposal and grant writing and business development experience
• Familiarity with the Middle East and North Africa regions
• Proven ability to secure and manage financial resources using innovative and high-impact approaches
• A track record of excellence in achieving program and business results
• Excellent oral and written English language and communication skills
• Competency in the Microsoft Office environment
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with clients
• Excellent research and editing skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills
• Must be self-motivated and able to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously
• Must possess problem-solving skills, be a self-starter, and a team player
• Requires an ability to work independently and accept responsibility
• Ability to travel internationally at least 20% of the time
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
Preferred
• Arabic and/or French language skills
• Doctorate degree in education, international relations, Middle East studies, business administration, etc.
• Demonstrated capability in strategic visioning, planning and agency representation
• Experience working with a variety of international funder organizations both public and private
• Strong understanding of US foreign policy and geopolitical dynamics
• International development country experience, preferably in a long-term leadership role
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the following equipment when working from the corporate office or remote home office (temporarily due to COVID-19).
• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax
• Telephone
• Other (Specify if any)
Up to 20% business travel may be needed to support overseas programming and management.
The physical demands and work environment that have been described is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.
Amideast is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Established in 1951, Amideast is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to creating hope, opportunity, and mutual understanding among people in the Middle East, North Africa, and United States through life-changing opportunities for education and cultural exchanges. Working with local, regional, and international partners, we provide programs and services that improve educational opportunity and quality, expand access to U.S. study, empower youth and women, strengthen local institutions, and develop language and professional skills for success in the global economy. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Amideast operates offices in 11 countries in the MENA region. For more information, visit us at www.amideast.org.
