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Careers
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF YOUTH PROGRAMS
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Status: Exempt, Full-Time Employee
Location: Hybrid work environment/Philadelphia, PA.
Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Director of Youth Programs sets the strategic direction, program structure, and performance framework for the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s youth programs. This role is responsible for building a consistent, scalable program model that strengthens educational quality, grow capacity, and supports long-term sustainability and impact.
The Senior Director of Youth Programs partners closely with senior leadership to translate the organization’s educational vision into standardized program frameworks, operating models, and clear priorities. The role is accountable for the financial performance and key program metrics of youth education programs, establishes standards for curriculum design, evaluation, and delivery, and ensures that systems and processes support consistent, high-quality implementation. This role may have one or more direct reports.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Program Frameworks – 60%
- Set the strategic vision and long-term direction for all youth programs in partnership with senior leadership
- Design and maintain universal program frameworks, logic models, curriculum standards, and learning models to guide all youth education programs
- Ensure programs are designed for scalability, consistency, and accessibility, with alignment across all youth programs while maintaining educational quality
- Translate organizational strategy into clear annual priorities and goals for youth programs
- Assess all youth programs and make strategic recommendations related to growth and refinement of programs
- Establish and implement standardized operating models and expectations across all youth programs
- Oversee program-level compliance with external and third-party policies, requirements, and protocols.
Budgets, Metrics & Performance Management – 20%
- Develop and oversee youth programs budgets and overall financial performance, including revenue and expenses
- Establish and monitor program goals and KPIs to measure impact, reach, and cost effectiveness
- Partner cross-functionally to align youth programs budget, grant opportunities, and fundraising priorities with organizational strategy
- Oversee financial and program performance data to inform decision-making and resource allocation
- Ensure consistent evaluation practices and data collection across education programs
- Oversee data integrity, analysis and program reporting for internal leadership, fundraising and board-facing materials
Systems, Resource Allocation & Oversight – 10%
- Design and enhance systems, processes, and tools that support efficient youth program planning, delivery, and evaluation
- Ensure clarity of roles, workflows, and decision-making authority across all youth programs
- Allocate resources across youth programs in alignment with strategic priorities
- Establish standards and expectations for facilitators and external partners supporting youth programs
- Maintain onsite presence for all youth programs to support quality assurance and strategic alignment
- Supervise and support collaborators including any direct reports, interns, volunteers and partners to ensure quality and alignment between strategy and execution of programming
Special projects as assigned – 10%
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
- 7–10+ years of experience in education, youth development, or program leadership roles
- Demonstrated experience leading strategy, program frameworks, or project management initiatives
- Familiarity with school curriculum standards (Pennsylvania standards preferred)
- Experience developing and managing budgets and performance metrics
- Experience with supervising and mentoring others
- Experience with program evaluation, data collection and analysis, and systems development
- Experience supporting fundraising, grants, or board reporting preferred
- PA Clearances are required
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong strategic and program design skills
- Ability to translate vision into clear frameworks and priorities
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret program and financial data
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive and board facing communication
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
- Proficiency with Salesforce, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other data/reporting tools
- Strong interest in world affairs and open to civil discourse on international issues from multiple perspectives
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $70,000 commensurate with experience.
- The World Affairs Council offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Health Insurance, dental and vision
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Generous paid time off
- Transit and commuter benefits
- High-flex hybrid work environment including a Center City office and remote work capabilities
- Supportive work and family benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Occasional fully paid domestic and international travel
- Participation in and access to world class speakers including authors, heads of state, elected officials, activists and leaders is a key opportunity for all staff.
- Engagement with international professional visitors.
- This position is classified as exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Accordingly, World Affairs will provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic / sexual violence victim status, pregnancy, veteran status, use of guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness, or physical handicap, and/or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all areas of employment, layoff, compensation, benefits, and all other conditions, terms, and privileges of employment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. World Affairs strives to employ and promote the best-qualified person for each job and, in doing so, will comply with all legal requirements.
ABOUT THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (World Affairs) is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect. World Affairs is the Philadelphia region’s largest and oldest international affairs nonprofit with 75 years of expertise in connecting Philadelphia to the world. World Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that curates speaker programs, professional development, youth education, and public diplomacy. World Affairs hosts global delegations and travels the world reaching more than 125 countries annually. Through authentic people-to-people diplomacy and exchange of ideas, World Affairs advances Philadelphia’s understanding of the world by creating the next generation of global citizens and furthering Philadelphia’s position as an international hub for business, education, culture, and sub-national diplomacy.
TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@wacphila.org. Please include the name of the position in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We are unable to accept phone inquiries related to employment opportunities.
PROGRAMS SPECIALIST
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Status: Exempt, Full-Time Employee
Location: Hybrid work environment/Philadelphia, PA.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $54,000
POSITION SUMMARY
The Programs Specialist executes on the development and implementation of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s public-facing programs, including speaker programs, public events, and professional education offerings. This role serves as the core operations and implementation lead for the professional education programs and public-facing program offerings. The role focuses on cross functional integration for public programs, ensuring high-quality program delivery, strong participant and membership experiences, and consistent operational follow-through.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Programs, the Programs Specialist is responsible for coordinating program content and learning materials, scheduling, logistics, vendor management, and data tracking for public-facing and professional education programs, ensuring smooth execution and high-quality participant experiences.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Operations, Scheduling, & Logistics – 40%
- Coordinate the scheduling, logistics, and operational execution of public programs, professional education programs, and sub-national diplomacy offerings
- Manage program calendars, run-of-show documents, timelines, and logistical checklists across multiple programs
- Coordinate venues, catering, audio-visual needs, and other vendors for in-person and virtual programs
- Lead on-site and virtual program execution, including registration check-in, speaker support, and day-of coordination
- Ensure programs are delivered smoothly, on time, and in alignment with established quality standards
Program Content and Data Management – 35%
- Coordinate session materials, facilitator resources, agendas, and participant communications for trainings and workshops
- Assist with preparation of program materials such as session outlines, slides, participant guides, and follow-up resources
- Support speaker and facilitator preparation by coordinating materials, schedules, and logistical needs
- Own the integrity of public program-related data within Salesforce, identifying trends in attendance and engagement to provide actionable insights
- Maintain program records, attendance data, and engagement metrics for reporting and evaluation
- Adhere to established data standards and processes to ensure consistency and reliability across programs
- Provides data management and reporting needs for internal tracking, public program fundraising, and leadership review
Administrative Program Support – 15%
- Provide general administrative and coordination support across all programs as priorities shift and needs evolve
- Support scheduling, documentation, communications, and follow-up related to program planning, execution, and evaluation
- Assist with cross-program coordination and shared services to improve efficiency and consistency across program teams
- Provide administrative support for special initiatives, pilots, and one-time projects for the Chief Programs Officer
- Adapt responsibilities over time to support emerging program needs and organizational growth
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in program coordination, event operations, training delivery, or related roles
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related experience preferred
- Experience supporting multiple programs or events simultaneously
- Experience working with databases or CRM systems (Salesforce strongly preferred)
- Experience coordinating vendors and external partner
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Teams
- Technical proficiency and familiarity with audio/visual equipment required
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong execution and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly when working with speakers, facilitators, partners, members, and participants
- Ability to operate effectively from an established strategy, program plan, and timeline
- Comfortable managing logistics, schedules, and operational problem-solving in fast-paced, public-facing environments
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) Google Workspace and Salesforce - Familiarity with digital communications tools such as Zoom, Teams, Canva, Constant Contact, and social media platforms a plus
- PA clearances required
- Strong interest in world affairs and open to civil discourse on international issues from multiple perspectives
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $54,000 commensurate with experience.
- The World Affairs Council offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Health Insurance, dental and vision
- 403b Retirement Plan
- Generous paid time off
- Transit and commuter benefits
- High-flex hybrid work environment including a Center City office and remote work capabilities
- Supportive work and family benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Occasional fully paid domestic and international travel
- Participation in and access to world class speakers including authors, heads of state, elected officials, activists and leaders is a key opportunity for all staff.
- Engagement with international professional visitors.
- This position is classified as exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Accordingly, World Affairs will provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic / sexual violence victim status, pregnancy, veteran status, use of guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness, or physical handicap, and/or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all areas of employment, layoff, compensation, benefits, and all other conditions, terms, and privileges of employment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. World Affairs strives to employ and promote the best-qualified person for each job and, in doing so, will comply with all legal requirements.
ABOUT THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (World Affairs) is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect. World Affairs is the Philadelphia region’s largest and oldest international affairs nonprofit with 75 years of expertise in connecting Philadelphia to the world. World Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that curates speaker programs, professional development, youth education, and public diplomacy. World Affairs hosts global delegations and travels the world reaching more than 125 countries annually. Through authentic people-to-people diplomacy and exchange of ideas, World Affairs advances Philadelphia’s understanding of the world by creating the next generation of global citizens and furthering Philadelphia’s position as an international hub for business, education, culture, and sub-national diplomacy.
TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@wacphila.org. Please include the name of the position in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We are unable to accept phone inquiries related to employment opportunities.
iNTERNSHIPS
GRAPHIC DESIGN & SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN
Hours: Part-time (8 – 10 hours during school year; 15 – 20 hours during summer). Hours are negotiable depending on individual circumstances.
Travel Stipend/Class Credit: This is an unpaid internship. As a small nonprofit, World Affairs is able to offer a $200 transportation stipend over the summer. Upon request, we can work with your college or university to facilitate academic credit.
Type/Location: Hybrid role with flexibility. Approximately one day in-person per week at our Center City office by Suburban Station with the rest of the week working remotely.
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks during Summer, Fall, or Spring semesters.
DESCRIPTION
About World Affairs Council of Philadelphia: As the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit, World Affairs opens doors between Philadelphia and the world. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, this is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.
About the Internship: Our Communications Team is seeking a Graphic Design & Social Media Intern who will report to and work closely with our Digital Content Manager. Periodically, the intern will work alongside the Director of Communications. Interns will gain first-hand experience working for a nonpartisan, international organization on a creative team. Creative opportunities for growth will be accessed and provided to candidates who demonstrate strong design and time management skills. Interns may have opportunities to attend communications and staff meetings, as well as speaker or organizational events, when made available.
Primary responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Designing promotional materials, including flyers, toolkits, and event collateral.
- Creating visually compelling graphics and/or infographics for social media campaigns.
- Helping to monitor social media engagement and providing insights for improvement.
- Maintaining consistency in messaging and visual branding across all channels by understanding and learning our brand identity guidelines.
- Collaborating with team members to help brainstorm and develop creative project ideas.
- Support archival efforts by curating and digitally archiving our best photographs and by creating mock-ups for a pictorial timeline depicting our 75-year legacy.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Successful applicants are creative thinkers who love the design process and who would like to explore working for a small, dynamic nonprofit that focuses on global affairs, cultural diplomacy, and opening doors between Philadelphia and the world. Ideal candidates are professional, proactive, and independent workers who are searching for a growth opportunity and who genuinely love to learn.
Additional qualifications include:
- Demonstrates high technical aptitude in design-based applications. Proficiency in Canva and/or Adobe Suite a plus. Candidate should have a self-starter mindset to learn Canva, if needed, as design projects will be created in that application.
- Excellent project management and time management skills.
- Detail-oriented, reliable, and professional. Strong interpersonal skills.
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- A high level of professional etiquette and respect for different cultures and customs.
- An interest in international relations and citizen diplomacy is a plus.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please email your resume, cover letter, and a digital portfolio of your best design work. If available, include any social media content/design work (optional). Email your portfolio as a PDF file or a link to careers@wacphila.org with the subject line “Graphic Design and Social Media Internship Application.” In your cover letter, please explain why you’re interested in the position, what you hope to gain out of the experience, and your preferred dates of availability.
Professional Exchanges Intern
Hours: Part-time (8 – 10 hours during school year; 15 – 20 hours during summer). Hours are negotiable depending on individual circumstances.
Stipend/Class Credit: We are willing to work with your educational institution to provide academic credit, if requested. $200 transportation stipend per semester.
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks during Summer, Fall, or Spring semesters.
Location: Hybrid
DESCRIPTION
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia implements short-term programs to build the capacity of current and emerging leaders in a specific subject area in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and other entities. The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program connecting current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields with their U.S. peers.
Professional Exchange interns work closely with their supervisor to support meetings and events across the Philadelphia region. Interns have a first-hand look at cross cultural dialogue in multiple sectors, meet current and emerging leaders from around the globe, and connect with key leaders in the Philadelphia region. Specific activities may include:
- Supporting itinerary development and logistical planning for guests from the US Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program.
- Conducting research to identify programming resources.
- Drafting program email correspondence as directed by supervisor.
- Preparing information to acquaint international guests with Philadelphia.
- Updating program databases and informational documents.
- Supporting preparations for networking receptions and additional special events.
- Escorting international delegations to meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Successful applicants are detail-oriented, reliable, and professional. Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in international relations are a plus. Students who can commit to 2 full semesters will be given special consideration.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, and strong research skills.
- Interest in serving as a citizen diplomat and cultural ambassador of the Philadelphia region.
- A high level of professional etiquette and respect for different cultures and customs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Basic knowledge of Salesforce and Canva is preferred
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please send your cover letter and resume to careers@wacphila.org with the subject line “Professional Exchanges Internship Application.” In your cover letter please include details on your interest in the position, what you hope to gain out of the experience, and the dates you are seeking to intern.
Fall 2025 Applicants: Please submit your application by July 11, 2025.
Youth Programming Intern
Hours: Part-time (minimum 15 – 20 hours per week)
Stipend/Class Credit: We are willing to work with your educational institution to provide academic credit, if requested. $200 transportation stipend per semester.
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks Summer, Fall, or Spring semesters
Location: In-person at our Center City office with hybrid/remote work on occasion
DESCRIPTION
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia serves nearly 3,000 students from across 100 middle and high schools with its Youth Programming. The Youth Programming intern will help to support the development and implementation of World Affairs middle and high school programs such as Model Senate, Global Economic Forum, Citizen Diplomat Academy, Global Scholars, Sister Cities High School Youth Exchanges, Summer Global Leadership Seminar, UN Summer Camp, Camp, Jr. Model United Nations, and the Global Smarts Mentoring Program. Specific internship responsibilities may include:
- Serving as a “Facilitator” for youth programs, guiding student discussion and debate
- Helping with program registration and check-in
- Distributing and collecting student and teacher program evaluations
- Utilizing our Salesforce customer relationship management tool for supporting data management
- Ushering and helping to answer questions
- Researching and compiling information for topics related to World Affairs’ simulation (role-playing) events and programs
- Helping to conceptualize programs and be willing to share creative ideas
- Designing program materials such as resource guides, worksheets, presentation templates, class activities, and fact sheets
- Working to create and/or organize spreadsheets with data related to youth programs
- Compiling and organizing program evaluation data for reporting purposes
- Taking notes at internal and external meetings, as needed
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Successful applicants are detail-oriented, reliable, and professional. Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in international relations are a plus. Students who can commit to 2 full semesters will be given special consideration.
- Commitment to World Affairs’ mission, which includes being non-partisan
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, and strong research skills; Proficiency in proper source citation required
- A strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Google Drive). Basic knowledge of Canva is preferred
- Ability to work on and complete multiple tasks
- Experience working with project deadlines
- Ability to work well in a high-paced, results oriented environment
- Ability to be an independent self-starter as well as the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Experience and passion working with middle and high school students preferred
- A high level of professional etiquette and ability to respect different backgrounds, cultures, and customs
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please send your cover letter and resume to careers@wacphila.org with the subject line “Youth Programming Internship – ‘[Preferred Semester & Year].’ In your cover letter, include details on your interest in the position, what you hope to gain from the internship experience, and the semester you seek to intern (include a start and end date). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with start dates typically occurring in September, January and May. Interviews are held in person.