Temporary Program Associate, National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Administration

Based in Washington, DC, American Councils is currently seeking a temporary, full-time Program Associate with the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. NSLI-Y provides merit-based scholarships for eligible U.S. high school students to learn less commonly taught languages. To learn more about NSLI-Y, please visit www.nsliforyouth.org.

The Program Associate will primarily support NSLI-Y Administration Team on administrative matters, public facing communication, selection activities and special events. The NSLI-Y Program Associate will work closely with the NSLI-Y Administration team and primarily report to the NSLI-Y Administration Senior Program Officer.

The position is a temporary assignment through mid-late August 2026. The position is hybrid, currently requiring at least two days a week in the office and for in-person events and tasks as required by supervisor. If needs require, this position may require additional days in the office and occasional work outside of regular business hours for NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y events or trainings.

• Supports the administration of NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y;
• Responds to phone and email inquiries from NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y applicants and participants;
• Assists in coordination of travel, logistics, and content for NSLI-Y orientations, alumni activities, and other events
• Assists in participant recruitment and selection for Virtual NSLI-Y;
• Collects, files and manages finalist deliverables across platforms, with careful data entry and high attention to detail;
• Contributes to the creation and distribution of program highlights, reports, social media assets, and promotional materials; and
• Assists in operation and entry of program databases;
• Provide support for NSLI-Y staff for logistics and administrative needs; and
• Other duties as assigned.

• Professional experience in education, student advising, international education, study abroad, or virtual/cultural exchange;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Ability to handle high volumes of communication effectively and professionally;
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;
• Ability to exercise problem-solving skills, good judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information and participant issues;
• Ability to approach challenges with flexibility, creativity, and a positive attitude;
• Outstanding attention to detail; and
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

• Bachelor’s degree or currently degree seeking in one of target languages, international affairs, international education, education, or related field.
• Personal experience with study abroad, language study, language teaching, and/or second language acquisition especially in NSLI-Y, Virtual NSLI-Y, or a similar USG exchange program;
• Professional experience in customer service capacities;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, social media platforms and Canva.

Based on ACA regulations, this position is eligible for medical insurance after 90 days.

Essential functions are performed in a general office setting or remote work environment 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 and lifting up to 15 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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.

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.