Program Specialist

At InterExchange, we are on a mission to provide meaningful intercultural experiences. Our Work & Travel USA program promotes international friendships and mutual understanding through life-changing cultural exchange programs for a diverse group of participants from around the world. If you are an effective problem-solver with excellent communication and client services skills, we want you to join us on our mission!

As our Program Specialist, you will work on a program support team providing administrative support for the Work & Travel program for Summer 2023 season. Your role will provide critical real-time participant and employer program support to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations and program satisfaction. You will bring your skills in empathy and cultural awareness as well as customer service, mediation, and attention to detail to help support a program our participants will never forget! This is a long-term temporary role that we seek to fill ASAP and will end in September (willing to discuss your college or grad school schedule). 

What you’ll do: 

Participant and Employer Support:

Provide support to program participants and employers on program-related questions and issues by:

• Answering phone and email inquiries from participants and employers
• Responding to live chat messages and delegate inquiries to team members
• Mediating urgent program-related issues   
• Responding to emergency situations following program protocol as necessary

Administrative:

• Determining employer’s eligibility for hosting Work & Travel participants by conducting in-depth phone interviews
• Collecting and verifying the validity of business documents 
• Researching and reviewing publicly available and internal historic data about each employer 
• Researching and becoming familiar with program regulations as well as applicable US laws specifically relating to Social Security, tax regulations, and labor regulations
• Ensuring participant and employer program compliance with established program guidelines
• Using InterExchange’s database to record detailed notes, access relevant information, and maintain accurate records
• Collaborating with team members on additional projects as necessary

Your Background & Skills:

• Previous customer support or client relations experience
• Able to work effectively in a team environment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Comfortable multi-tasking
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both in writing and over the phone
• Adept at working in a high-volume environment with tight deadlines
• Vaccinated against Covid-19*

Employment Dates: ASAP through September 2023 (willing to discuss your college or grad school schedule if you're currently a student)

Schedule & Hours: Monday to Friday; 9:30 am - 5:30 pm (with some flexibility and additional hours as necessary)

Where you’ll be: New York City-based. We offer a hybrid arrangement; most employees work 2 to 3 office days and 2 to 3 remote days

Compensation: $22 to $25/hour 

How to Apply: Complete our online application and upload a cover letter letting us know why you want to be a part of our team

Benefits & Perks of Working with InterExchange:

• 35-hour workweek
• Paid health time off (1 hour for every 30 hours worked)
• Accrued PTO (approximately 10 days in 2023)
• Flex-time options & a hybrid work model
• Medical and dental insurance available 1st of the month after 60 days
• Optional pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• Pre-tax transit benefits

*InterExchange Requires all employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19 unless an accommodation has been requested and granted.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job.

About InterExchange

InterExchange is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of our hiring and promotion process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process.

InterExchange Mission: The mission of InterExchange is to promote cultural awareness, knowledge, and global competence among people from around the world through international exchange programs, offering work and training opportunities in the United States and abroad.

Opportunities for All: InterExchange is fully committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. We consider diversity as central to our mission as an organization, and we strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, bilingual and bicultural individuals, veterans, people who have experienced poverty, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Representation: We are committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Leadership Team, and Board are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious reference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen our programs while reinforcing our commitment to fairness and increasing representation in the field of cultural exchange. InterExchange is committed to building a truly diverse and inclusive organization with a focus on valuing, serving, and understanding our participants, hosts and International Cooperators, while challenging the InterExchange Community to think inclusively for the betterment of our programs. We strive to maintain a workplace that is vibrant, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative. We are committed to fostering the thoughtful exchange of ideas and to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. We are excited to welcome new team members who actively embrace our mission and core values.

Mutual Understanding & Respect: InterExchange actively promotes an environment of respectful communication and collaborations both internally and externally. We are committed to creating a respectful work environment where acceptance, teamwork and productivity are essential.

Organization Profile: InterExchange is a private, nonprofit organization with over 50 years of experience in international cultural exchange. We are dedicated to promoting international understanding through development and implementation of affordable intercultural and life experiential work/training opportunities. By participating in our programs both in the U.S. and abroad, tens of thousands of young people and their hosts have gained insight into other cultures. InterExchange is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor several J-1 Visa exchange programs including Au Pair USA, Work & Travel USA, Camp USA and Career Training USA. Program participants are placed in the U.S. and abroad by InterExchange in collaboration with international cooperating agencies and government agencies. Additionally, we offer Work Abroad opportunities for Americans seeking similar experiences overseas.