Community-Based Local Coordinator – Cultural Exchange (Contract, Commission-Based)
Independent Contractor Role for Community Builders: Empowering Cultural Connections and Transforming Lives
Job Description
Note: This position is a 1099 contract, stipend-based role, it is not salaried; the pay is based on task completion and is not paid hourly. Local Coordinators can receive financial compensation in the form of placement & supervision fees, bonuses, and travel incentives.
Join Academic Year in America (AYA)—a top U.S. cultural exchange program—as a Local Coordinator. This is a flexible 1099 independent contractor role perfect for outgoing, community-connected individuals who want to make a difference. Hosting a student for 4–6 weeks is strongly encouraged and deeply rewarding, but not required. You'll help place high school exchange students with volunteer families and mentor them throughout their year in the U.S.
What You’ll Do:
- (Optional, but strongly encouraged) Host an international student in your home short-term (4–6 weeks)
- Recruit and screen volunteer host families in your region
- Promote the AYA program through community events and local outreach
- Partner with local high schools to support student enrollment
- Check in monthly with students and families; provide support as needed
- Provide or secure emergency housing if necessary
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong local ties and communication skills
- Passion for youth, culture, and community impact
- Proactive, organized, and relationship-oriented
- Hosting ability is a plus and strongly encouraged, but not required
- Must be at least 25 years old, hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, and pass a criminal background check
What We Offer:
- Commission-based earnings with placement bonuses + incentives
- Domestic and international travel opportunities
- Annual conferences and trainings with other Coordinators
- Join a community of like-minded cultural leaders—many become lifelong friends
- Flexible schedule and remote work
- Be part of a respected, mission-driven national program
Apply Today. Share Your Home. Change a Life. Connect the World.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Referral program
- Travel opportunities
Supplemental pay types:
Work Location: Remote
Academic Year in America (AYA) is one of the most respected high school/homestay programs in the United States. Founded in 1981, AYA is well recognized by high schools across the U.S and endorsed by thousands of American host families. AYA is sponsored by the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967 with the assistance of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. The Foundation awards grants to high schools for projects that encourage intercultural awareness. It also provides scholarships that enable young Americans to study and travel abroad. AYA is a proud administrator of two U.S. State Department grants: the FLEX program, which welcomes students from Eurasia, the former Soviet Union states; and the YES program, which welcomes students to the U.S. from predominantly Muslim countries. For more information about who we are and what we do, please visit our website at www.academicyear.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Pay: $15,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Referral program
Work Location: Remote
