Cultural Engagement Manager

At InterExchange, we are on a mission to nurture meaningful connections between people through experiential international exchange programs. Every day, our staff works to foster intercultural understanding and dialogue among participants, hosts, employers, and community partners across the United States and around the world.

We are currently seeking a Cultural Engagement Manager to elevate the cultural value, visibility, and impact of BridgeUSA programs for international exchange visitors sponsored by InterExchange. This role ensures participants have meaningful exposure to American society, culture, and institutions—while also creating opportunities for them to share their own language, traditions, and heritage with their host communities.

The Cultural Engagement Manager is both a strategist and a hands-on implementer. You will design and execute cornerstone cultural events, develop scalable digital resources, collaborate across departments and external stakeholders, and measure the impact of cultural programming. This role plays a critical part in fulfilling InterExchange’s commitment—and regulatory responsibility as designated by the U.S. Department of State—to enrich the cultural exchange experience for all participants.

This position reports to our Senior Vice President of Programs.

What You’ll Do

Cultural Programming & Events

• Design, plan, and execute three to four annual cornerstone cultural events (including in-person, virtual, and non-NYC-based events such as NYC Marathon participation, Exchange Day, NYC Experience Day, etc.).
• Encourage and support host employers in developing local cultural activities that highlight regional history, traditions, and community life.
• Partner with field staff to develop, promote, and implement cross-program local events nationwide.
• Collaborate with other BridgeUSA sponsors, community organizations, and stakeholder groups on joint cultural initiatives.
• Liaise with Congressional offices to ensure awareness of program participants, host employers, and cultural events within their districts.
• Develop and maintain nationwide digital cultural resource guides (Cultural Compass), assets, and event listings that promote high-quality, self-service cultural experiences celebrating American history, sports, customs, food, arts, and natural beauty.
• Work cross-functionally with Program and Marketing teams to promote events and highlight participant engagement.
• Develop an annual cultural programming calendar and manage the associated budget in collaboration with department leaders.
Create content and programming that fosters community-building among participants and strengthens connections with Americans in their local communities.

Communication, Tracking & Reporting

• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants and hosts to continuously improve programming.
• Partner with Marketing to create blog posts, social media content, and storytelling campaigns showcasing cultural engagement.
• Compile an annual cultural engagement impact report using program data, participation metrics, outreach efforts, and self-reported participant experiences.
• In collaboration with the Customer Experience Manager, conduct research and surveys (pre-, mid-, and post-program) to assess participant engagement, cultural growth, and shifts in perception.
• Track metrics that demonstrate compliance with U.S. Department of State cultural exchange requirements and highlight the value of InterExchange-sponsored cultural programming.

Schedule

Hybrid

• - 3 days per week in our downtown NYC office (Wednesdays and Thursdays are mandatory, and you can select the other day of the week to work in the office.)
• Domestic travel required for events and stakeholder engagement.

Skills and Qualifications You Bring

• 3–5 years of experience in hands-on event management, coordination, and facilitation (e.g., university programming, travel leadership, experiential education, or similar).
• Experience in international education, cultural exchange, or related fields; familiarity with J-1/BridgeUSA programs strongly preferred.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent project management and logistical coordination skills, with the ability to manage overlapping initiatives and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across geographically distributed teams and influence without direct authority.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly to emerging challenges.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Commitment to enhancing the cultural experience of exchange participants.
• Willingness to travel domestically.

Compensation

• $80,000-$85,000/annually

Benefits & Perks of Employment at InterExchange

• Generous paid time off and health time off package
• Flex-time options
• Affordable, quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Employer-sponsored life insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Optional pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• Optional supplemental insurance plans
• Tuition and professional development reimbursement

How To Apply

Complete our online application.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position.

InterExchange Mission

The mission of InterExchange is to promote cultural awareness, knowledge, and global competence among people from around the world through international exchange programs, offering work and training opportunities in the United States and abroad.

Opportunities for All

InterExchange is fully committed to providing opportunities for people across all dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, sensory, mental, or physical abilities, religious beliefs, marital status, veteran status, political beliefs, and more. We strive to maintain an environment for our staff, leadership, and board that is vibrant, welcoming, innovative, collaborative, and free of barriers and discriminatory practices—strengthening our programs while reinforcing our commitment to fairness and representation in the field of cultural exchange.

Mutual Understanding & Respect

InterExchange actively promotes an environment of respectful communication and collaboration both internally and externally. We encourage thoughtful exchange of ideas and create space for all voices to be heard and respected.

We are excited to welcome a new team member who actively embraces our mission and values.