Seasonal Program Manager

AFS-USA is part of a worldwide network of AFS partner organizations that work together to advance global education and foster meaningful connections across cultures. As the network’s largest partner, AFS-USA works to increase the global competency of U.S. citizens by providing a variety of international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities. We are proud of our Staff from our national office in New York City as well as home offices across the county, who collaborate with our more than 2,000 AFS-USA Volunteers to deliver high quality programs and global education resources. These include immersion-based study abroad experiences in over 40 countries worldwide; opportunities to host foreign AFS exchange students; and global learning workshops and curricula for educators, schools and businesses.

OVERVIEW:

The AFS Global STEM Changemaker Academies program in Houston, Texas is sponsored by bp and brings diverse young people between the ages of 15 to 17.5 from around the world to the University of Houston campus. For nearly 4 weeks, participants will engage in STEM thematic study, sustainability-focused activities, and intercultural learning. Participants for the 2024 Houston Academy are expected from Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom for a total group size of approximately 30 students.

The Program Manager (PM) lives in the dorm and interacts with the participants from June 29 to July 28, 2024. Due to its live-in nature, the PM position requires a willingness to be called into service at any time (24/7) to meet staff and participants’ needs. The PM will undergo on-site training before the students arrive on July 2. In addition to participating in communications from AFS-USA and/or the Academy Director, the PM is also expected to come prepared for the program by thoroughly reviewing a Staff Handbook prior to training.

EXPECTATIONS:

The Program Manager (PM) is expected to:

• Demonstrate leadership for the Program’s Participants and your fellow Program Counselors, in support of the on-site Director.
• Serve as a role model and abide by all University of Houston and AFS program policies, including COVID-19 protocols. 
• Adopt the goals of maintaining a safe, secure, and comfortable living/learning environment for all participants and staff. 

As a role model and a program facilitator, the PM is further fulfilling the mission for education and service. Under no circumstances is the PM to bring alcohol on the campus or into the dorm. PMs are not permitted to smoke during the program period (no vapes, electronic cigarettes, pens, etc.).  The PM schedule rotates hours, responsibilities, and is a busy, high-energy position that is highly rewarding.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Manager (PM) represents AFS during the program, and is responsible for:

• Participant Support Management – when necessary, the PM will work closely with the On-Site Director to address and document participant behavior that requires support and guidance. 
• All participant support challenges will be jointly managed with the On-Site Director and AFS-USA Support Department. 
• Participant Medical Issues/Concerns – the PM will assist the On-Site Director, if needed, with doctor’s visits and documentation of student illness with the AFS Medical plan.
• Providing expertise based on previous years’ program experience with intercultural adjustment & reflections.
• Checking in with Program Counselors regarding the overnight safety of participants.
• Leading staff on afternoon and evening enrichment activities.
• Recommending ideas for supporting participant adjustment and improvement when needed.
• Facilitating intercultural conflict resolution, and providing opportunities for students to reflect, share and build friendships.
• Completing the University of Houston’s Child Protection Training Course

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• AFS, Resident Assistant (RA), or Camp Counselor  experience and training preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills – with ability to relate well to both youth and to other staff.
• Ability to lead group activities, as well as organize and manage groups of 15+ high school students.
• Open-minded and non-judgmental about different cultures; experience dealing with intercultural adjustment.
• Able to maintain high energy, to be creative and have the capacity to promote ideas for activities.
• Team player – willing to be a part of the staff team; flexible to the needs of the program and the students.
• Experience with teens (e.g., camp counselor, teaching, coaching, volunteer work, etc.)
• First Aid and/or CPR certification preferred, but not required.
• All staff must be at least 18 years of age

WORK CONDITIONS:

The PM’s Room and Board is provided by the program. When scheduled for off-campus excursions, the PMs admission and transportation fees will also be covered by the program.

TRANSPORTATION:

In the event that the PM operates a motor vehicle supplied by the program, the PM must (1) be at least 21 years of age and (2) hold a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. If any of those requirements are not applicable, the PM will not be asked nor allowed to operate a motor vehicle. In the vehicle, the PM will:

• Ensure proper use of all safety equipment and seat belts. 
• Drive in a safe manner, with no distractions. 
• No use of cell phones for texting, internet, or anything other than emergency usage while driving.

COMPENSATION:

The Program Manager (PM) receives a pay of $16.00/hour and will work at least 35 hours each week (overtime while on-site is expected). PM will receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 each week at a rate of time-and-a-half the $16.00/hour pay. AFS-USA will provide domestic air transportation to and from the program site. All these elements add to the total compensation package.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

AFS-USA is committed to maintaining a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity.  We welcome employees from all backgrounds to ensure that we have the best, most creative and diverse talent on our team.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

AFS-USA is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. AFS-USA prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including behavior which targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics, such as but not limited to: race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship status, caregiver status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, status as a certified medical marijuana patient or any other legally protected classification.