J-1 Visa Program Manager

About the role

ITES is seeking a Program Manager to support ITES teachers in and around San Francisco, California. This position is remote but requires the candidate to be locally situated and to use a vehicle to visit schools within San Francisco County.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a localized team member, responsible for communicating with a cohort of J-1 Cultural Exchange Teachers, school site administrators, and relevant stakeholders, in line with J-1 program regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ITES teachers, school administrators, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support J-1 processes before, during and after the teachers’ program in line with Department of State regulations.
• Support teachers with arrival logistics; liaising with local resources and stakeholders to ensure that all teachers receive a comprehensive level of service and are prepared to teach effectively in schools in the United States.
• Maintain effective documentation of classroom visits, teacher communication, and other data.
• Maintain efficient and organized communication through phone, email, and other channels with teachers, school administrators, team members and stakeholders.
• Coordinate, communicate and collaborate with team members domestically and internationally to best support the ITES teacher community, school administrators, and relevant stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

It is important to know

• There will be frequent travel required to schools throughout San Francisco, California. Most trips will be planned beforehand, but comfort with driving and flexibility with travel are essential.
• You will be working with teachers from all over the world. You must be comfortable speaking to people from diverse backgrounds, engaging with them, and getting to know them as you guide them through this process. Patience and kindness are the most important characteristics you can have.
• You will act as a resource for teachers, answering questions and helping support them throughout arriving in the United States to the end of their program. You will act as a guide and soundboard for these teachers. You will need to build strong relationships with them by listening and caring.
• This position will be busiest in the summer months as we prepare for the teachers’ arrival and then support their transition in July, August, and September for the academic year.
• You will be spending considerable time using online tools such as Jiffy, Microsoft Office Suite, MailChimp, Adobe e-sign, and others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of practical technology usage and immersion
• Ability to work with highly diverse populations
• Ability to assist ITES teachers in providing appropriate educational opportunities to children
• Ability to develop and sustain productive working relationships
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and assignments
• Driver’s license
• Reliable transportation

Physical requirements

• The role will involve frequent driving to multiple schools within San Francisco County.
• You must be comfortable with travel and flexible travel arrangements as needed.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, or driving a vehicle (when needed).
• Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to carry furniture such as tables and chairs, supplies, and materials.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms routinely.
• Ability to bend, stoop, carry, push, or pull.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds routinely and 30 pounds occasionally.