International Progams Manager

About the role

The International Programs Manager leads the YMCA of the Rockies International Programs. This role manages international recruitment, Exchange Visitor Program administration, sponsor and agency partnerships, participant services, cultural programming, and program operations. This position ensures programs follow the U.S. Department of State regulations and YMCA policies while delivering an exceptional participant experience from recruitment through program completion.

Responsibilities

• Create and carry out international recruitment strategies to meet organizational staffing needs.
• Manage the Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring compliance with Department of State regulations, sponsor requirements, and YMCA policies.
• Maintain participant records, documentation, reporting, and compliance tracking throughout the program lifecycle.
• Oversee and support in coordinating Social Security appointments, transportation, application tracking, card distribution, HRIS updates, and payroll cards, deposits and records.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international sponsors, agencies, educational institutions, and recruitment partners.
• Lead onboarding, orientation, participant support, and cultural activities that create a positive exchange experience.
• Plan and coordinate cultural exchange events, professional development opportunities, excursions, and participant engagement activities.
• Provide leadership, coaching, scheduling, training, and performance support for assigned International Programs staff.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, department leaders, and operational teams to coordinate recruitment, onboarding, participant support, and workforce planning.
• Manage assigned program budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze program metrics, prepare reports, and recommend operational improvements.
• Serves as the primary escalation contact for urgent participant and sponsor matters, providing timely communication and resolution, including after-hours participant emergencies, visa issues, travel disruptions, and sponsor concerns.
• Review program results and make improvements that support compliance, participant satisfaction, and efficient operations.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of experience in Human Resources, international recruitment, Exchange Visitor Programs, international programs, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership, or project leadership experience required.
• Strong knowledge of J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs, Department of State regulations, sponsor requirements, participant documentation, and compliance standards.
• Experience developing and managing partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience managing budgets, preparing reports, analyzing metrics, and supporting strategic planning.
• Experience in developing program processes, orientation materials, training resources, or operational procedures is preferred.
• Excellent organizational, project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to create a welcoming and supportive environment for participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems, applicant tracking systems, reporting tools, and database management.
• Able to manage several tasks and deadlines while paying close attention to details.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Must be fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.