Program Manager, Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund

The Program Manager, Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) plays a key role as part of Global Ties U.S.‘ work with the Office of Alumni Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The CDAF grant is an opportunity for alumni of U.S. exchange programs to be changemakers in U.S. and international communities through utilizing the funding to implement community service projects in the United States and abroad. The Program Manager will be responsible for distributing grant funding to 40-50 alumni project teams focusing on a diverse range of topics that align with U.S. foreign policy goals. 

Additionally, to create and foster alumni communities across the United States, the Program Manager will lead a group of six ExchangeAlumni Fellows. These Fellows are tasked with creating exchange alumni networks across the country to strengthen ties between alumni of U.S. government funded exchange programs. The Program Manager will also be the key contact for international alumni at Global Ties U.S.  

The Program Manager, Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund will work closely with the Program Manager, Career Connections and the Senior Program Manager, ExchangeAlumni to act as a resource for the ExchangeAlumni community and project teams. They will also oversee reporting, grant management, budgeting, and analysis of CDAF grant-funded projects. The successful candidate must be hands-on and open to working within a small team. 

Reports to: Senior Program Manager, ExchangeAlumni 

Location: This position is based in Washington, DC. This position has limited telework. Occasional work during evening hours may be required. This position is contingent upon grant funding. 

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Essential Functions and Duties   

Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF) 

  • Facilitate the CDAF Program Cycle from application and selection to award distribution and reporting, continuously improving each funding cycle, supporting 40-50 alumni teams per year, and ensuring federal compliance requirements are met 
  • Coordinate project performance and financial reports, and respond to ad hoc reporting needs 
  • Liaise with stakeholders at the Office of Alumni Affairs at the U.S. Department of State  
  • Monitor and evaluation of the CDAF process, ensuring a complete feedback loop to the funder 
  • Work with the Strategic Communications & External Affairs team to promote and advance the CDAF program, including developing impact storytelling around various Fund projects 
  • Work with the Program Manager, Career Connections and Senior Program Manager, ExchangeAlumni, to develop a series of proposal-writing and budgeting workshops each year for alumni, to be delivered virtually and in-person, in addition to supporting the development of asynchronous content for the alumni learning platform 
  • Supervise a designated program intern 

U.S ExchangeAlumni Fellowship 

  • Supervise six (6) remote ExchangeAlumni Fellows across the United States who are tasked to be regional advocates for international exchange programs, strengthening alumni networks throughout the United States 
  • Develop and coordinate professional development content for virtual sessions, in addition to reviewing and evaluating Fellow event proposals and reports 
  • Cooperate with Office of Alumni Affairs on targeted outreach and regional opportunities for Fellows’ engagement    
  • Oversee logistics and operations of professional development event in Washington, DC in June 2025   

International Affiliates & Associates Coordination 

  • Serve as the main point of contact at Global Ties U.S. for International Affiliates (U.S. exchange alumni groups worldwide) and International Associates (U.S. exchange alumni individuals worldwide) 

Minimum Qualifications & Experience 

  • Five to seven years of professional experience relevant to this position.  
  • Bachelor’s degree in social science, international relations, program management or a related field. 
  • Strong project management skills including demonstrated attention to detail as well as the ability to work under pressure while ensuring efficacy through process management.  
  • Experience in developing complex processes and managing budgets in a cost-effective manner.   
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including strong written, and oral communication skills.  
  • Proactive and self-motivated with experience working across multiple departments in a dynamic environment; Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills.  
  • Demonstrated experience with MS Office (including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, SharePoint), and other databases and software.  
  • Proven ability to work well in a diverse setting with staff of all levels.

Preferred Qualifications 

  • M.A. in international relations, nonprofit management, or related field.  
  • Strong knowledge of Excel and payment processing software, like QuickBooks and Bill.com.  
  • Demonstrated experience directly managing and implementing programs with multiple stakeholders and audiences.  
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs, and exchange program implementation, administration, and planning.  
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, stakeholders, and program participants.  
  • Ability to develop new partnerships that help strengthen the organization.  

Salary and Benefits 

  •  Salary range: $70,000 – $73,000 per year
  • Mission-driven organization 
  • Collaborative, flexible environment 
  • Excellent professional development opportunities 
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 
  • Long-term / Short-term disability insurance 
  • FSA and/or HSA 
  • 403(b) retirement savings plan match after one year of service 
  • Wellness benefit 
  • Commuter benefits 
  • Generous paid leave policies (vacation, sick, personal, parental, family medical, etc.) 
  • Mobile phone use reimbursement ($50/month) 
  • Must be able to work a hybrid work schedule – in the office Wednesday and Thursday each week at minimum. Telework is allowed on the other days. 
  • Must be based in the Washington, DC-area. 

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Global Ties U.S. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Read more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion HERE.