Program Manager

The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is a premier global STEM competition that tests science research ability for students aged 13–18. Students from more than 89 countries have taken part, making IRO the largest global community of young students interested in research.

Unlike traditional science olympiads that focus on specific subjects, IRO builds skills useful in any research discipline. Participants deepen their understanding of the scientific process and develop creativity, critical thinking and analysis skills, forming a foundation for later success. IRO is supported by a Board of Advisors and a growing network of partner organizations, including Indigo Research, Punjab Group and Google for Nonprofits, and runs student programs such as IRO Clubs and the IRO Ambassador program.

The IRO Program Manager will be the dedicated full-time owner of IRO’s growth and day-to-day running. You will be accountable for growing registrations and paid participation, building the partnerships, clubs and community that bring students in, and running the competition smoothly as it scales.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role. IRO already has a large global audience and an engaged student community; your job is to turn them, together with school and organizational partnerships, into a repeatable growth engine. You will work closely with IRO’s leadership, Board of Advisors, partner organizations, ambassadors and schools, and you are accountable not simply for running the competition, but for growing it.

Growth & Partnerships

• Identify current and future mentor shortages in specific disciplines.

• Lead end-to-end recruitment efforts, including drafting job descriptions, posting roles, proactive sourcing, conducting interviews and sending offers and contracts.

• Provide training and onboarding for mentors to ensure a seamless transition into the program.

• Organize regular quality review meetings with mentors to discuss performance, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement.

Competition Operations & In-Person Finals

• Coordinate the full competition cycle, including registration, online rounds, the in-person Finals, results, awards and certificates

• Keep practice exams, curriculum resources and rules up to date for students and teachers

• Provide clear, timely support to students, parents, teachers and partners throughout the cycle

• Own end-to-end logistics for the in-person IRO Finals, from venue selection and contracting through to event day

• Manage the Finals budget, vendors, catering, AV, signage, printed materials and awards

• Coordinate finalist communications, including invitations, registration, travel and accommodation guidance, visa letters and on-site schedules

• Plan the Finals program, including the exam, presentations, judging, ceremonies and networking, with advisors, judges, partners and volunteers

• Ensure student safety and wellbeing on site, including chaperone requirements, consent forms and emergency procedures

• Build processes and run post-event reviews so IRO and its Finals run smoothly at much higher volume without compromising quality

Board of Advisors & Reporting

• Serve as the main point of contact for IRO’s Board of Advisors, managing communication, onboarding and day-to-day relationships

• Plan and run Board meetings, including scheduling, agendas, briefing materials, minutes and follow-up on action items

• Coordinate Board involvement in the competition, including exam and question review, judging, awards and the Finals

• Recruit and onboard new advisors as IRO grows, keeping Board profiles and public listings up to date

• Keep the Board informed with regular updates on registrations, results, partnerships and key decisions

• Create dashboards and regular reporting on registrations, revenue and partner performance for IRO leadership and the Board

• Track participant data accurately so outcomes, alumni and partner impact can be measured over time

Required Skills:

• 1–3 years of experience in partnerships, program operations, events or growth

• Experience doing outreach to schools, educators or organizations and following through to signed partnerships

• Experience planning and running in-person events, ideally for students or international attendees

• Experience supporting a board, advisory group or senior stakeholders, including meetings and communications

• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects with fixed deadlines

• Background in education, research, STEM, competitions or youth programming is a plus

• Experience in research competitions or olympiads, as a participant or organizer, is a plus