Program Coordinator, Special Initiatives

Posting Details

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/GED plus 3 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications:

To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring a blend of the following attributes, skills, and experiences:

• The ability to work as a member of a team and develop a strong working relationship with Academic Programs colleagues, Program Directors, and Elliott School administrative offices and staff.
• The ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
• Aptitude for clear written and verbal communication tailored to a variety of university audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and the flexibility to manage shifting priorities.
• A high level of proficiency with Microsoft 365 and other common tools.
• Experience working or living internationally or a demonstrated interest in International Affairs preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Hiring Range $21.80 - $28.32 GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. College/School/Department: Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) Family Academic Affairs Sub-Family Program Administration Stream Service and Support Level Level 3 Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Hours Per Week: 40 Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM. Schedule may vary based on special events or department needs. Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes Employee Onsite Status Hybrid Telework: Yes Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only? No Posting Number: S014385 Job Open Date: 08/06/2026 Job Close Date: If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until: Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire. EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you currently work at GW?

• yes

• no

• • For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder, employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)

• Yes, IEP complete

• No, still in IEP

• N/a - not a current GW employee

• • What is your expected salary range?

(Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents