Compliance and Operations Assistant

American Institute For Foreign Study Foundation

Academic Year in America (AYA) Compliance and Operations Assistant

Academic Year in America (AYA), a division of AIFS Foundation, is one of the largest and most respected high school homestay programs in the U.S. The AYA program enables people across the U.S. to host high school students from around the globe for intercultural education in their communities.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a motivated Compliance and Operations Assistant to join our team. In this hybrid role, you will play a vital role in supporting our compliance and operations initiatives while assisting with various program-related tasks. Working closely with our placement and support teams, you will help ensure program compliance, process applications, and provide essential administrative support. This position offers outstanding opportunities for career growth within AYA and often serves as a steppingstone for advancement.

Essential Functions

Compliance & Operations Support:

• Manage and process Pending Paperwork (PPP) for full-year, rematch, and semester students.
• Generate reports and gather consents for various high school paperwork items.
• Review and process student applications, including managing reviews and correspondence with Overseas Partners, and creating graphics in Canva.
• Assist with preparations for the Biannual Management Review.
• Support Local Coordinator compliance paperwork, screening, and training to ensure adherence to program regulations.
• Provide administrative support to the Regional Director team, including school calls, documentation for enrollment, immunization requests, and routine customer service calls.
• Monitor temporary placements and assist with rematch placements.
• Manage the AYA Compliance Inbox to respond to inquiries or delegate to appropriate staff.

Program Support:

• Collaborate with Regional Directors on Local Coordinator (LC) recognition initiatives.
• Process and review student supervision and second visit reports; coordinate communication with LCs to ensure timely completion.
• Assist in identifying and recruiting new LCs and second visitors through recruitment platforms and networking.
• Support LC hiring efforts, including conducting interviews, screening paperwork, and training.
• Participate in seasonal placement efforts by recruiting host families and matching them with students.
• Assist with follow-ups with schools, host families, and students, including surveys and well-checks.
• Liaise with the insurance department regarding outstanding student claims.
• Participate in emergency duty on a rotating basis.
• Be available for peak-season support, including evening hours and occasional weekends.
• Travel to AYAs annual international conference and occasional conferences, orientations, and field visits.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities with a capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to work additional hours during peak seasons.
• Capability to manage goals and meet deadlines.
• Experience with CRM systems and program databases is a plus.
• Proficiency in Canva or similar design tools is advantageous.
• Bachelors degree or relevant experience preferred.

Additional Information:

• This is a hybrid position, requiring in-office work in Stamford, CT 2-3 days per week, subject to change.
• Flexibility for evening and late-night hours during peak seasons may be necessary.
• Occasional travel to conferences and field visits may be required.

Salary: $50,000 annually

AIFS offers a very competitive benefits package to include health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disabilities, 401k, profit sharing and Group Life Insurance. We also have many great internal benefits including tuition reimbursement, program discounts, and fitness reimbursement.

EEO Statement

AIFS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

#AIFSCareers