International Arts & Artists Director, Cultural Exchanges & Visa Services Washington, DC · Full time Company website

Apply for Director, Cultural Exchanges & Visa Services

International Arts & Artists, an internationally-oriented, creative-industry non-profit in the Washington, DC region is looking for a Director to oversee its cultural exchange and J-1 visa programs.  The Director of this division will rebuild a small professional team responsible for managing and implementing the J-1 visa sponsorship service/Exchange Visitor Program, public and privately funded exchange programs, international donor trips, CODELS, professional residencies, and related initiatives. The Director is responsible for ensuring all aspects of the Exchange Visitor Program are compliant with US Department of State and other governing body regulations, policies and best practices. The Director maintains a high level of visibility with collaborators, exchange visitors and host organizations, and ensures that the division offers exceptional service and achieves its annual operating income goals.  

Duties and responsibilities

• Program Development: Identify and pursue new program opportunities; build strong relationships with potential partners, host organizations, and potential clients; and drive revenue growth through program expansion.
• Leadership and Team Management: Rebuild and lead a small professional team to effectively manage exchange programs and J-1 visa processing.
• Program Management: Oversee the implementation of the J-1 visa sponsorship service/Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring compliance with US Department of State and other governing body regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Exchange Programs: Manage public and privately funded exchange programs, international donor trips, CODELS, professional residencies, and related initiatives.
• Compliance: Ensure all aspects of the Exchange Visitor Program are compliant with relevant regulations and policies. Lead reporting to the Department of State, including an Annual Report, redesignation requests, a bi-annual Management Review/compliance audit.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain a high level of visibility with collaborators, exchange visitors, and host organizations.
• Service Excellence: Ensure the division offers exceptional implementation service and achieves its annual operating income goals.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance the effectiveness and reach of IA&A’s exchange programs.
• Budget Management: Oversee the division's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and engage in fundraising activities to support exchange programs.
• Partnership Development: Establish and maintain partnerships with international organizations, educational institutions, industry associations, and other stakeholders to expand program offerings.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of exchange programs.
• Crisis Management: Develop and implement crisis management plans to address any issues that may arise during the exchange programs.
• Training and Development: Provide training and professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Marketing and Outreach: Develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies to promote exchange programs and attract participants.
• Bidding and Management: Lead efforts in bidding for and managing US Government (USG) and foreign government exchange programs.
• Industry Relationships: Develop and manage relationships with industry associations that are beneficial to the program.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing international exchange programs and/or visa sponsorship services.
• Comprehensive understanding, knowledge and experience managing government-sponsored designations to ensure compliance with regulations. Experience as an RO/ARO of a BridgeUSA / Exchange Visitor Program with extensive SEVIS knowledge is an asset.
• Subject matter expert in J-1 visa federal regulations, specifically in the Intern, Trainee, Research Scholar and Short Term Scholar categories
• Proven direct experience in sales and growth in exchange programs and visa sponsorship services.
• Experience in direct exchange program implementation for private and public sector clients.
• Experience with digital marketing and social media targeting for sales and contract generation.
• Experience with both USG/DoS bidding and implementation preferred.
• Previous supervisory and management experience.

Compensation

The starting salary for this position is $75-85,000 per year depending upon experience. IA&A also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical/dental/vision), retirement plan (403b), paid time off (vacation/sick/holiday), cultural memberships (museums/theaters), and transit benefits.  

Working conditions

International Arts and Artists is located in the historic DuPont Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC. This is a hybrid position. The incumbent is expected to work in the Washington, DC headquarters on a regular basis, with an in-office presence at least 2-3 days a week. Occasional travel and evening/weekend obligations will be expected.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

International Arts & Artists is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, national origin or any other protected status. IA&A is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.