Program Manager for BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for Teachers

Teachers Council, Inc. is a small, private, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the pursuit of educational leadership and cultural exchange. Our Core Values are: Integrity, Diplomacy, Accountability, Kindness. We are a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 sponsor of the BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program for international J-1 Teachers. We assist our participants with confirming K-12 teaching assignments in the U.S., attending embassy interviews abroad to obtain the J-1 visa, and then support and monitor them throughout their entire time in the U.S. At the end of their J-1 program, all participants must return to their home country to share what they have learned and experienced in the U.S. The underlying goal of the BridgeUSA program is to connect global leaders and create lasting impact, while promoting diplomacy and understanding between the U.S. and the rest of the world. The work is challenging, but extremely rewarding, as we support students, schools, and districts throughout the U.S. and expose them to new cultures and perspectives.

The BridgeUSA Program for J-1 Teachers allows international educators to teach in the U.S. for up to five years on a J-1 visa, while experiencing American culture, learning about the American education system, and advancing their career with international work experience. In turn, J-1 Teachers are expected to share the culture of their home country with their students and local communities. Since obtaining our J-1 Teacher designation from the U.S. Department of State in 2017, we have continued to grow and expand and will be providing visa sponsorship services to our biggest program yet: over 650 active J-1 and J-2 participants during the 2025-26 academic school year!

The following is a description of our top responsibilities as a J-1 Program Sponsor:

• Qualify international leads for J-1 program eligibility and onboard new participants
• Review applications for J-1 sponsorship and collect required documentation
• Qualify and onboard new host schools to employ J-1 teachers
• Process digital documents and paperwork from host school
• Upload and organize files on Google Drive
• Confirm all aspects of U.S. employment
• Prequalify candidates for licensure according to state and school requirements
• Create visa paperwork, issue DS-2019 forms, and guide participants and their families in booking embassy appointments to apply for their J-1 visa abroad
• Troubleshoot embassy and international travel issues as needed
• Provide welcome orientation and resources to help participants prepare for life in the U.S.
• Assist participants in obtaining social security numbers and U.S. teaching certificates
• Oversee Accounts Receivable for participant accounts and collect annual program fees
• Enroll and manage health insurance for all J-1 and J-2 participants
• Troubleshoot and support J-1 teachers and host schools through any challenges
• Perform in-person site visits and attend industry conferences and events when possible
• Monitor the safety and well-being of all exchange visitors and create incident reports
• Attend virtual monthly meetings with other J-1 sponsors around the country
• Collect and process reports detailing cross-cultural activities from teachers on an annual basis
• Collect and process year-end reports and feedback from participants
• Update participant and program information on all databases
• Process program extensions for teachers in their 3rd year wishing to extend 2 more years
• Participate in management review/program audits as required by the U.S. Department of State
• Submit reports to and communicate with the U.S. Department of State on a regular basis
• Support social media platforms
• Readiness to step in and step up to support our J-1 Teacher Program and the overall mission of the J-1 Program as needed

We seek a motivated and enthusiastic employee, who is interested in working with international populations, to manage a caseload of J-1 teachers and work directly with these participants and their school officials across the country. Additionally, this position should be prepared to assist and support our entire J-1 team with administrative tasks and daily operations as needed. We wish for someone to join our team, learn the ins and outs of the J-1 program, and continue to advance and take on more responsibility year after year.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• High level of organization, focus, attention to detail, and customer service
• Confident, positive, solution focused attitude: are you up for a challenge or do you shy away from uncertainty?
• SPREADSHEETS!
• If spreadsheets give you anxiety, please don’t apply for this position
• If spreadsheets represent order and progress, this is the place for you!
• Ability to compile, sort, review, and understand data
• Email management: can you organize and prioritize a busy email inbox?
• Strong technology and computer skills: Google Drive: Gmail-Calendar-Sheets-Docs-Slides, Client Databases, Electronic Forms, Online Research
• Strategic thinker with ability to analyze and solve problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills:
• Will you pick up the phone and call a superintendent if there’s a problem at the school?
• Will you write an email to an embassy officer in a foreign country to ask about a denial?
• Ability to prioritize tasks daily, and remain calm in a fast-paced environment with deadlines
• Cultural sensitivity when communicating with clients from around the world
• Ability to work independently and within a team, and follow through with assignments
• Someone looking for a work-life balance where you give 100% at work, and then leave it there
• International travel, work experience, or experience working with international populations
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Business, Marketing, International Relations or similar
• Customer service or hospitality experience
• Project/program management, administrative, nonprofit, or office work experience
• Team player who is willing to take on additional responsibilities to keep our office operations running smoothly and provide the best possible service to all stakeholders

Teachers Council, Inc. has been serving international populations and U.S. institutions since 1999. We are situated in the picturesque town of Annapolis, Maryland, close to restaurants and shops and walking distance to the Annapolis Harbor. We provide a friendly and relaxed office environment and have also been known to throw office parties and plan team Happy Hours from time to time :)

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday, Flex Hours as approved by Manager

Location: On-site, 3 days in-office at 95 Cathedral Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

Work From Home Options: 2 days a week as approved by Manager

PTO: 20 Paid Vacation/Sick Days plus 12 Paid Holidays

Base Annual Salary: $56,000 plus benefits

Benefits: Health Insurance, HSA Contributions, Retirement Plan, Parking

English fluency.