The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs(ESIA) is one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs and one of the largest schools of international affairs in the United States. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., its mission is to educate the next generation of international leaders, conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues, and engage the policy community in the United States and around the world.
The Program Coordinator, Special Initiatives serves as a vital operational backbone for our degree programs.
Reporting to the Assistant Director for Academic Programs, you will work within a centralized team alongside fellow coordinators, managers, and directors. In this role, you will provide general administrative, logistical, and student-facing support for the following special initiatives: Humanitarian Action, Latin America and Caribbean Studies, and the Athena Initiatives. You will serve as a primary, professional point of contact for directors, current students, prospective applicants, alumni, and faculty.
This is a high-visibility entry point for an administrative professional looking to build a career in academic operations, event coordination, student services, or international education.
Core Responsibilities
- Event Planning & Coordination: Provide logistical support to plan, organize, and promote student-focused programming, meetings, guest lectures, and conferences.
- Digital Communications: Monitor and update program web pages, social media, and bulletin boards to ensure information is accurate. Assist with outreach efforts, including drafting newsletters and coordinating social media campaigns.
- Budgeting & Administration: Handle day-to-day operational support, including tracking expenditures, processing payments and reimbursements, and assisting with the preparation of program reports and assessments.
- Student Liaison & Advising Support: Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned academic programs. Counsel current, incoming, and prospective students on general certificate program requirements, and refer inquiries to specialized offices (such as Admissions, Academic Advising, Career Services, and Alumni Affairs) as needed.
- Faculty & Course Operations: Assist program directors and faculty with course planning, scheduling, and general academic support. Manage operational needs such as scheduling rooms, ordering equipment, and maintaining internal program records.
Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
This is a hybrid position with three days in-person in Washington, DC, and two days remote.