Program Manager for Global Initiatives

Join Our Team as a Program Manager for Global Initiatives at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

Closing Date:May 5 2026

ABOUT IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments support politicians to be responsive to citizens and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. Were looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

• Respect: We lead with trust empathy and dignity; empowering colleagues and partners.
• Teamwork: We collaborate acrossteams;solve problemstogether;are humble and ready to learn.
• Ownership: We take initiative; champion solutions; deliver results for IRIs mission.
• Excellence through Execution: We balance thoughtfulness with timeliness; learn from results; prioritize progress over perfection.
• Transparency: We share information openly; give direct feedback; build trust through honest communication.
• Freedom: Weare empowered to make decisions trynew approaches and adapt as needed.

ABOUT THE ROLE: PROGRAM MANAGER FOR GLOBAL INITIATIVES

The Program ManagerforGlobalInitiativesoversees the implementation of IRIs elections portfolio andsupports otherglobal initiativesas needed. The role isprincipallyresponsible for managing election-related grants and programs across their full lifecycle; providing analytical operational and technical support to elections programming; and coordinating closely with internal teams donors and external stakeholders to ensure high-qualitytimely and compliant delivery of elections-related workand otherglobal initiatives as assignedacross the Institute.

This position is located in Washington DC. The Program Manager for Global Initiatives is expected to work in-office at least three days per week. This position requires 30% or more travel depending on organizational needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant and Program Management

• Lead and contribute to the design of newelection-related programs and global initiatives.

• Oversee the full lifecycle management of an assigned grant portfolio ensuring achievement of substantive programobjectivesand compliance with financial contractual procurement and funder requirements.

• Monitor program budgets expenditures and financial controls in coordination with Project Delivery and Program Services teams.

• Lead program kick-off and close-out processes ensuringtimelycompletion of deliverables and required documentation.

• Anticipateimplementationrisks and proactively troubleshoot programmatic operational or compliance challenges.

• Maintainastrong working knowledge of IRI and donor policies relevant to grant management and compliance.

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Supervise staff assigned to the portfolio including participation in recruitment goal setting performance feedback and professional development.

• Serve as a primary point of coordination with regional teams operational units consultants and external partners involved in elections programming.

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and working groups supporting Institute-wide priorities.

Reporting and Proposal Development

• Draft technical sections annexes and supporting documentation forelection-related proposals in coordination with the Director Global Elections.

• Prepare donor reports briefing notes and internal updates ensuring accuracy clarity and adherence to funder requirements and timelines.

• Contribute elections-related analysis and programmatic input to business development efforts.

Analysis and Research

• Monitor and analyze electoral and political developments across assigned countries and regions.

• Conduct background research and thematic analysis on electoral systems election administration campaign finance and political contexts.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data and field findings into internal and external analytical products.

Election Observation and Assessment Support

• Support the planning preparation and implementation of international election observation missions and electoral assessments.

• Develop work plans briefing materials reference tools and observer guidance to support standardized election observation methodologies.

• Support real-time and post-election analysis reporting and follow-up processes.

• Coordinate engagement with election observation delegations serving as a professional point of contact before and during missions.

• Manage delegation communications schedules and information flow in politically sensitive environments.

• Participate in short-term or long-term election observation activities including international travel asappropriate.

Global Initiatives Support

• Supportadditionalglobal democracy and governance initiatives as needed including work related to the Womens Democracy Network (WDN) religious freedom fundamental liberties countering foreign authoritarian influence technology and democracy and other cross-cutting priorities.

Operational and Administrative Support

• Track program timelines deliverables budgets and documentation to support effective implementation and institutional memory.

• Maintain organized files trackers and reference materials related toelectionsprogramming and global initiatives.

• Coordinate internal workflows across the Institute related to discrete global initiatives.

Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

• Undergraduate degree in political science international relations public policy ora relatedfield; graduate coursework or degree preferred.

• Minimum five years of professional experience in democratic governance elections political analysis or international development programming.

• Demonstrated experience with electionsadvocacy electoral integrityissues or election observation.

• Strong research analytical and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and accurately.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced matrixed environment.

• Demonstrated management or supervisory experience including the ability to motivate and manage staff.

• Extensive experience managing U.S. governmentfunded projects and familiarity with relevant regulations and grant compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing program budgets.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English;proficiencyin Spanish French or Arabic preferred but notrequired.

• Ability to work professionally and diplomatically with senior leaders international stakeholders and delegation groups in politically sensitive contexts.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationallyincluding tochallenging or high-risk environments asrequired.

IRI TOTAL COMPENSATION

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $80000 to $90000 USD.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individuals professional experience qualifications education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

WE OFFER

An empathetic and dedicated work environment with generous benefits that demonstrates IRIs commitment to all dimensions of employee wellness including:

• Health and Wellness Support: Significant coverage of health dental and vision insurance costs. Meaningful assistance programs through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and Rula (access to mental health experts).
• Long-term Financial Health: Retirement plan with generous employer contribution (vested after 12 months).
• Hybrid and Flexible Work: Hybrid and telework options.
• Time Off: Company-paid holidays parental leave generous vacation sick and personal leave days.
• Family Support: Dependent Care FSA
• Learning and Development Opportunities: Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars along with access to world-class E-Learning via eCornell.
• Compensation Equity: Regular competitive review of internal and external equity to ensure fairness in pay for employees working in similar jobs requiring comparable knowledge skills and experience.

Benefits professional development and flexibility offerings may vary based on employment classification and location.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS RESUME COVER LETTER REFERENCES

In your application please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references. If you are selected for an interview we will contact your references before the final interview.

Required Experience:

Manager