International Progams Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: 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. Provides direct supervision to the International Programs Coordinator and ensures departmental responsibilities are completed effectively

Working closely with Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, operations teams, and outside partners, this role develops program plans, supervises staff, manages budgets, tracks results, and improves processes to support the international staffing needs.

OUR MISSION AND CULTURE: 
We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires, and staff leads with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests, and staff. The work each staff member does matter. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: 
The YMCA of the Rockies supports organizational environmental sustainability goals through regular and effective collaboration and communication with sustainability leadership. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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
• Maintain a valid U.S. driver's license with an acceptable driving record that meets YMCA of the Rockies requirements.
• Regularly travels between YMCA of the Rockies locations
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3-5 years of experience in Human Resources, international recruitment, Exchange Visitor Programs, international programs, or a related field if preferred.
• 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. 
• Ability to manage several tasks and deadlines while paying close attention to details. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport and travel domestically and internationally as required. 
• Must be fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in all functions.
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies' mission, policies, and programs.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.
• Attend required abuse of risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism is required. 
• Support organizational environmental sustainability goals through regular and effective collaboration and communication with sustainability leadership.  
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check and motor vehicle standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

•    Ability to manage multiple priorities, seasonal deadlines, participant needs, and compliance requirements simultaneously. 
•    Ability to work independently, collaborate across departments, and adapt to frequent changes in program needs, schedules, and participant support situations. 
•    Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer or phone. 
•    Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and accurate documentation. 
•    Ability to provide occasional evening, weekend, or on-call support for urgent participant arrival or compliance-related needs. 

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities,
or qualifications associated with the job.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
YMCA of the Rockies is a Praesidium-accredited organization. The YMCA of the Rockies hiring process reflects the values and goals of Praesidium and other accredited organizations. For more information regarding Praesidium accreditation, please visit https://www.praesidiuminc.com/. 

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Generous PTO/Vacation
• Participation in YMCA Retirement Fund (an additional 12% contribution by YMCA after 2 years employment)
• Employer owned rental housing may be available nearby - Contact Human Resources for more information
• YMCA of the Rockies membership
• Discounted childcare, summer day camp, and summer overnight camp
• Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges for friends & family
• Ski passes to nearby resorts
• Free or discounted gear rentals for outdoor adventures
• View all YMCA of the Rockies employee perks by visiting here