Exchange Visitor Support Manager

Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Team Management
· Lead, coach, and supervise a team of five program staff responsible for Intern, Trainee, and Teacher program operations.
· Establish team priorities, performance goals, and accountability measures aligned with organizational objectives.
· Provide ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development to ensure high performance and regulatory competency.
· Monitor workloads and allocate resources to ensure timely and accurate processing of program activities.
· Foster a collaborative, service-oriented team culture focused on continuous improvement and participant satisfaction.
Exchange Program Operations (ARO Duties)
· Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in accordance with Department of State regulations.
· Oversee the end-to-end intake and vetting process for exchange visitor applications, ensuring eligibility, completeness, and compliance.
· Review and approve program documentation, including DS-2019 issuance readiness, training plans (DS-7002), and supporting materials.
· Ensure adherence to sponsor obligations, including participant orientation, monitoring, and program oversight.
· Maintain accurate participant records in SEVIS and internal systems in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
· Ensure full compliance with all federal regulations governing J-1 Intern, Trainee, and Teacher programs.
· Monitor program activities to ensure adherence to health, safety, welfare, and programmatic requirements.
· Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions proactively.
· Support internal and external audits, site visits, and Department of State reviews.
· Maintain current knowledge of regulatory updates and integrate changes into program policies and procedures.
Participant Support & Stakeholder Engagement
· Oversee participant support processes, ensuring timely and effective issue resolution throughout the program lifecycle.
· Serve as an escalation point for complex participant, host organization, or partner issues.
· Collaborate with host organizations, partners, and stakeholders to ensure program quality and compliance.
· Ensure clear communication of program rules, expectations, and responsibilities to all stakeholders.
Programmatic Reporting & Data Management
· Develop and deliver regular programmatic reports on program performance, compliance, and participant outcomes.
· Track key metrics related to intake, processing timelines, participant demographics, and program success.
· Analyze data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for program improvement.
· Ensure accurate and timely submission of required regulatory and organizational reports.
Process Improvement & Strategic Initiatives
· Evaluate existing program processes and identify efficiencies, automation opportunities, and quality improvements.
· Lead initiatives to enhance participant experience and operational effectiveness.
· Contribute to strategic planning and program growth initiatives.
· Develop and document standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and scalability.
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Public Administration, Education, or related field.
· 7+ years of experience managing J-1 exchange programs or similar regulated programs.
· Experience serving as or working closely with a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
· Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams.
· Strong knowledge of Department of State regulations for Intern, Trainee, and Teacher programs.
· Experience with SEVIS and exchange program compliance requirements.
Preferred:
· Master’s degree in a related field.
· Experience overseeing multi-program portfolios within J-1 exchange visitor programs.
· Background in program evaluation, data analysis, or reporting.
Key Competencies
· Leadership and team development
· Regulatory compliance and risk management
· Program operations and process management
· Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making
· Communication and stakeholder engagement
· Problem-solving and escalation management
· Attention to detail and organizational skills