Youth Leadership Academy Coordinator

Plan International USA invites applications for the Youth Leadership Academy Coordinator position.

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit dedicated to advancing child rights and gender equality. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in over 80 countries.

The 2026 YLA will bring together approximately 50 young people, aged 13‑18, from around the U.S. to train, support, and empower them to lead, advocate, and organize peers for community change. The program begins with a residential academy in Washington, D.C., in late July, followed by virtual coaching, mentoring, and workshops throughout the following academic year. Each YLA member will design and implement a community‑based Leadership Project with Plan’s support.

The Coordinator will serve in a temporary role from February through the end of July 2026, with flexibility for extension to August 2026. Working hours are up to 20 hrs per week in February and 40 hrs per week from May to July. The position can be performed virtually from U.S. locations, but in‑person attendance at the residential academy is mandatory. Preference is given to candidates based in the greater Washington, D.C. area;

travel and accommodation will be covered if the Coordinator is located elsewhere. Core responsibilities include recruiting participants, preparing virtual and in‑person workshop content, coordinating speakers and facilitators, administering logistics, and serving as a chaperone during the academy.

• Support the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) in marketing and recruitment through social media, email, and local outreach (e.g., internship fairs, high school visits).

• Ensure a safe environment by collaborating with the Senior Safeguarding Manager.
• Manage overall planning, ensuring deliverables are timely, budget‑compliant, and approved.
• Handle procurement and contracts for a venue at Washington, D.C.‑based universities.
• Serve as chaperone and Lead at the residential academy.
• Facilitate virtual calls and workshops for participants and partners.
• Coordinate monitoring and evaluation tools, such as pre‑ and post‑surveys.
• Assist YAB subcommittee groups to advance workshop design.

• Act as the focal point for all youth attendees before and during the YLA.
• Disseminate and collect participation agreements, travel logistics, and payment reminders.
• Coordinate accessibility and accommodations for participants.
• Provide logistical support for participants, guest speakers, and staff.
• Communicate with parents and facilitate informational webinars.
• Coordinate tech support for all virtual workshops.
• Serve as point person for staff and external facilitators during workshops and the academy.
• Create and manage logistics for staff chaperone assistance.
• Lead by example, fostering teamwork, positivity, and adherence to policies.

• Age 18 or older.
• Experience chaperoning youth and creating safe spaces.
• Independent, fast‑paced work capability.
• Leadership and facilitation experience with high‑school age youth.
• Background in leadership, advocacy, or service programs.
• Proficiency in digital tools (Slack, Zoom, Instagram, Microsoft Teams, etc.).
• Digital marketing and content creation skills.
• Clear presentation skills in small‑group settings.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Event planning and administrative experience.
• Experience with gender equality programming is a plus.
• Comfortable working remotely and communicating via Outlook, Zoom, Teams, and Slack.

• High school diploma or GED with 2–3 years of experience working with adolescent youth.
• Must be a U.S. resident.

Applicants may reside in the following states:
Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Strong preference will be given to candidates based in the Washington, D.C. area.

Plan International is an equal‑opportunity employer and follows all laws associated with the EEOC.