Job Title: Youth Exchange Specialist
Area: Programs for Youth Leaders & Alumni Relations
Reports to: Youth Exchange Supervisor
Classification: Exempt
Location: Evanston, IL
Organization OverviewRotary is a membership organization that unites people from all continents and cultures who take action to deliver real, long-term solutions to pressing issues facing our communities and the world. Each year, Rotary members expand their networks, build lasting relationships, and invest more than $300 million and 16 million volunteer hours to improve lives and create positive change in the world. In exchange for hard work and dedication in support of Rotary's clubs, members and other participants, and their humanitarian service projects, our employees receive competitive salaries, flexible schedules, comprehensive benefits, and job enrichment. To learn more, visit
Rotary's Commitment to Belonging At Rotary, we foster a welcoming environment where all employees are valued and empowered. We are dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities and supporting the growth and well-being of our team. Join us in building a world where everyone can unite, take action, and create lasting change.
General OverviewThe Youth Exchange Specialist will be responsible for supporting Rotary's global youth exchange program: a global exchange program for young leaders ages 15-19 to live, study, and experience cultural immersion abroad. The position is integral to supporting the operations, outcomes, and long-term impact of Rotary Youth Exchange. You will be a program subject matter expert, supporting regional program leaders with curating a positive, meaningful, successful experience for program participants. You will have proficiency in youth exchange administration to support volunteer program leaders, create learning resources, facilitate in-person and virtual networking opportunities, and help members establish and implement program and safety standards for students and volunteers in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. You will contribute to the general administration of the Youth Exchange program in conjunction with other department staff.
WorkstyleThis position is designated as
Fully Remote and is not expected to work from our World Headquarters (unless occasionally necessary for meetings/trainings, etc.). All employees classified as fully remote may work from any of the states where Rotary currently has employees, which includes: IL, CA, IN, OR, LA, NC, MN, WI, TN, TX, MI, GA, VA, MA, RI, AZ and WA (these are states where Rotary is currently registered as an employer).
You Will Have - Required: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), with international experience preferred.
- Minimum of three years' experience in youth programming, international education, international organizations, or student exchange programs.
- Multicultural experience required; proficiency in a second language strongly preferred.
- Experience in project management and communications.
- Previous work experience with an international non-government organization (NGO), non-profit organization (NPO), or membership association helpful.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
- Commitment to process improvement, entrepreneurial experimentation, and an innovative spirit to drive data-informed change.
You're Good At - Critical thinking: Reading, analyzing, and communicating policies and procedures to volunteers with varying leadership levels and expertise to support program goals and outcomes.
- Project management: Developing and evaluating projects, managing multiple priorities, and working autonomously under time constraints within project parameters.
- Communication: Engaging verbally, interpersonally, and in writing to effectively interact with colleagues, volunteers, and other external contacts.
- Innovation: Taking the lead and showing creativity in updating and streamlining business and volunteer processes.
- Accuracy: Showing meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Self-motivation: Taking direction and working independently.
- Organization: Maintaining focus on the big picture while keeping track of more minor details.
- Collaboration: Building positive relationships with others, working together to find solutions, and making decisions.
- Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service to internal/external contacts.
- Working in a volunteer-led organization.
- Adapting to a changing environment.
- Learning new software and technology, as needed.
You Will Be Responsible ForProgram Administration - Proficiency in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, including expertise in program policies and understanding volunteer program leaders' approaches to program implementation.
- Build relationships with volunteer program leaders to support them with program implementation, peer networking and learning opportunities, and identify trends, best practices, and address gaps in programmatic policies in collaboration with the program supervisor and manager.
Engagement & Communications - Understand and advise members and staff around the Rotary Youth Exchange polices and communicate updates and policy decisions.
- Develop and maintain learning resources for Rotary members and participants engaged in Rotary Youth Exchange worldwide through program guides and workbooks, online courses, and facilitator guides. You will track usage of and feedback about existing materials, be responsible for revising, eliminating, and/or creating learning resources.
- Design visually engaging communications, web content, and social media posts that align with RI's visual identity to promote and build awareness around best practices, learning resources and relevant program updates.
- Create and present webinars, presentations, and learning content on Rotary Youth Exchange for both volunteers and staff.
- Partner on implementing an overall alumni relations strategy for former Rotary Youth Exchange participants, promotion of alumni activities, and communications with Rotary members to establish ties with alumni.
- Assist with the development of surveys and analyze results to develop department reports as needed.
- Source best practice, lessons learned, and success stories to support program leaders and to collaborate with the Youth Exchange Engagement Specialist, communications leads, and other content creators on program cross-promotion.
Certification & Evaluation - Serve as the primary contact for the district certification program, providing customer service, guidance, and support to district Rotary Youth Exchange chairs, district governors, and other Rotary members involved in applying for and maintaining certification.
- Implement, maintain, and monitor certification applications for new participating districts to ensure compliance with program policies.
- Develop informational resources and correspond with Rotary members about Rotary's policies and procedures related to Youth Exchange certification and youth protection to maintain their certification status.
- Oversee the process for annual certification renewal for certified districts.
- Monitor policy compliance and ensure non-participation by non-certified districts.
- Analyze the district's procedures for governing the program when concerns arise to advise corrective actions via written reports according to Rotary policies.
- Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement for certification to improve volunteer experience, streamline administrative processes, and increase our ability to adapt to changing needs.
- Produce statistical reports on Youth Exchange certification status regularly and as needed.
- Assist the supervisor and manager to prepare Board items related to Rotary Youth Exchange.
Analysis & Strategy - Co-create a program support and implementation strategy for Rotary Youth Exchange in collaboration with the Supervisor and Manager and with input from key constituents.
- Gather feedback on the effectiveness and impact of young leader programs, communications, and learning materials.
- Incorporate feedback from research data to recommend strategies and improve learning resources, communication tactics, and programming.
- Identify innovative strategies based on market trends and best practices to develop learning content and deliver messages.
- Assist alumni relations strategy for youth program participants, promotion of alumni activities, and communications with our members to establish ties with lost alumni.
Youth Safeguarding - Be familiar with related Youth Protection sections of the Rotary Code of Polices and policy decisions.
- Coordinate youth safeguarding communications and guidelines for Rotary Youth Exchange in collaboration with the Youth Protection team.
- Provide feedback on trends (regional, topical, etc.) in safeguarding based on participant and volunteer interactions and work with the Youth Protection team to provide support and resources, as needed.
- Reviewing reports of sexual misconduct involving youth, when necessary, as part of Rotary's commitment to safeguarding youth.
Internal Collaborations - Partner with members of the Programs for Young Leaders and Service and Engagement teams on best practices for program administration and support.
- Work closely with International Offices, Global Communications, Communications, Public Relations, Learning & Development, Social Media, Club & District Support, Regional Leader Support, Media Relations, and other teams as needed.
Other duties as assigned - Represent Youth Exchange and RI at Rotary and other public events as assigned.
- Occasional international and domestic travel, including some weekends.
- Other duties may include, but are not limited to, providing high-touch customer service over the phone, via email, and in person as needed for all section programs and activities, and special projects.
Leadership Attributes - Communication: Write and speak clearly and compellingly.
- Strategy: Contribute to strategic discussions.
- Innovation: Think creatively and propose new ways to do things.
- Productivity: Strive to produce consistently excellent results.
- Adaptability: Actively learn and apply new approaches to work.
- Global Perspective: Exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Salary RangeWhy work for Rotary? - Generous medical, dental, and vision benefits package
- Progressive 401k matching contributions
- Above market and generous paid time off package
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- On-site cafeteria and coffee bar with special pricing for Rotary employees
- Flextime-several different work schedules to choose from
- Close to CTA, Metra, a variety of stores, and many food options