Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances child’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in over 80 countries.
We won’t stop until we are all equal. Plan International USA is fully committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people from all forms of violence. The Youth Leadership Academy The 2026 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) will bring together approximately 50 young people, aged 13-18, from around the US to train and support them to lead, advocate and organize peers to create change in their communities. It begins with a residential Academy in Washington D.C. in late July - including training, dialogues, guest speakers, and field trips - followed by regular virtual coaching and mentoring meetings and workshops throughout the following academic year. Each YLA member will design and implement a Leadership Project in their community with Plan’s support. The YLA is a youth-led initiative that is planned and implemented by our Youth Advisory Board (YAB). Our YAB is involved in every step of the design and implementation of this program.Job Summary The Youth Leadership Academy Coordinator role is a temporary position from February through the end of July 2026. In the months of February, the Coordinator will work up to 20 hours per week and in May-July the Coordinator will work 40 hours per week. There is a possibility for extension of the role until August 2026 according to the needs of the program. The role can be conducted virtually from selected locations in the United States, but preference will be given to those already living in the greater Washington D.C area, as in-person attendance at the residential Academy is mandatory. If the YLA Coordinator is not based in the greater Washington D.C. area, Plan will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the residential Academy. The coordinator will provide administrative and logistical support before and during the YLA and primary responsibilities will include recruiting and liaising with program participants, preparing workshop content to be delivered virtually and in-person at the residential academy, coordinating speakers and workshop facilitators, conducting online working and meeting coordination, and serving as a facilitator and chaperone during the residential academy in Washington, D.C. As the YLA is designed by our Youth Advisory Board, the YLA Coordinator will work directly with them which requires working flexible hours including meetings during the weeknights and on the weekends.

Essential Functions:

Recruiting, Marketing, and OutreachSupport the YAB in marketing and recruitment for the YLA with Social media content, email marketing and where applicable local recruiting (for example, attending internship fairs or high school visits).Program Planning & ImplementationIn compliance with Plan’s safeguarding policy and standards, facilitate proper planning and implementation (in collaboration with Sr. Safeguarding Manager) to create a safe environment for the YLA.Manage the overall YLA planning and implementation, ensuring key deliverables are completed on time and on budget, and all deliverables receive necessary internal approvals, etc. Manage the procurement process for a venue from list of D.C.-based Universities and serve as point person for the contract. Serve as a chaperone and Plan lead at the residential academy in Washington, D.C. in late JulySupport the YAB in facilitating virtual calls and workshops leading up to the YLA and ensure the virtual aspects of the program are youth-friendly, exciting, participatory and relevant Support the YAB in coordinating monitoring and evaluation tools, like pre and post surveysSupport YAB subcommittee planning groups to help move workshop design forward *Note YAB meetings often are held in the evenings and weekends outside of normal school hours* Collaborate with internal Plan teams including Programs, Legal, Communications, Public Engagement & Advocacy, Creative and Digital Marketing to advance the vision of the YLAManage the process of onboarding guest speakers to attend the YLA Lead small group virtual and in-person sessions before and during the YLAAssist participants in the design of their leadership projectAdmin/LogisticsServe as the Plan focal point for all youth attendees before and during the YLADisseminate and collect all participation agreement forms, travel logistics, and payment reminders leading up to the Academy.In coordination with other Plan staff, ensure accessibility and accommodation needs of participants are prepared and implemented.Provide logistical support for participants, guest speakers, and staff before and during the YLACommunicate with participant’s parents in preparation for the Academy, including scheduling and facilitating 2 informational webinars for parents of accepted students.Coordinate tech support for all participants during virtual workshops and meetingsServe as a point person for Plan staff and external facilitators during virtual workshops and the in-person academyCreate and manage the logistics for staff chaperone assistance for the in-person AcademyServe as a proactive leader, role model, and a mentor to all participantsFoster team building and relationship building in a virtual and in-person settingMaintain high energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitudeAdhere to Plan’s policies involving confidentiality and youth safeguarding

Skills Required

Must be age 18 or olderExperience chaperoning youth, safeguarding and creating a safe space for young peopleMust be able to work independently, in a fast-paced environmentMust have experience leading and facilitating high school age youth in workshops and activities in a participatory mannerExperience designing or participating in leadership, advocacy and service programsMust be experienced with basic digital software, media, and platforms like Slack, Zoom, Instagram, Microsoft Teams, etc. Experience with digital marketing, developing shareables, and an eye for capturing content throughout the academy for future marketing.Ability to clearly present information in small group settingsStrong interpersonal communication and writing skillsExceptional problem-solving skills, creativity, ability to manage multiple tasks, tight deadlines, and prioritiesExperience with event planning and administrative dutiesExperience with gender equality programming a plusMust feel comfortable working from home in a remote setting and regularly communicating through outlook, Zoom, Teams and Slack. Education and ExperienceHigh school degree or GED with 2-3 years of experience working with adolescent youth Must live in the US.

We hire 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 is an equal opportunity employer and follows all laws associated with the EEOC.

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Youth Leadership Academy Coordinator