Introduction to Rustic Pathways
Rustic Pathways is a renowned student travel organization that offers unparalleled experiential education, community service, foreign language, and adventure programs across the globe. With destinations spanning from the pristine beaches of Fiji to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, and from the majestic Atlas mountains to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, we provide exceptional quality travel and service in some of the world's most welcoming countries for students. At Rustic Pathways, we prioritize professionalism, integrity, and quality in all aspects of our operations, with a strong emphasis on the protection, safety, and well-being of our students and staff. Our mission is to empower students through innovative and responsible travel experiences, fostering positive impacts on lives and communities worldwide.
About the Program Leader Position
As a Program Leader at Rustic Pathways, you will be an integral part of our team, responsible for the care and well-being of our students during their travel experiences. You will serve as a primary responder in all escalated situations, incidents, and emergencies, working closely with your co-leader to create a safe and successful program experience for all students. You will collaborate with local leaders, community partners, activity operators, and Rustic Pathways managers, acting as a liaison between the program experience and all stakeholders, providing trip updates, and managing communication with parents and the global Rustic Pathways team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Embody Rustic Pathways' mission, vision, and values, serving as a role model and mentor to students
- Protect the safety of students and children by adhering to our zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior
- Monitor and manage student well-being, addressing any health issues and communicating action plans with parents
- Communicate daily updates and photos to our team, providing real-time information regarding student health and behavioral issues
- Respond calmly to issues as they arise, prioritizing customer service and safety
- Demonstrate responsible leadership and judgment, including cultural sensitivity, and create positive and inclusive group dynamics
- Partner with local Program Leaders to ensure students understand the history, culture, and context of the places visited
- Model responsible travel by adhering to Rustic Pathways' sustainability protocols and facilitate discussions drawing from your own personal experience and Rustic Pathways' discussion guides
Essential Qualifications:
To be considered for the Program Leader position, you must have:
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in service-learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, customer service, or experiential education
- At least 2 years of experience working with young adults and/or adolescents
- At least 6 months of experience living and/or working in an international, multicultural, or cross-cultural environment
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience
- Must be legally eligible to be employed in the United States and be 22 years of age or older before your start date
- Demonstrated maturity and leadership skills, with professional working proficiency in English
- Basic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed provider (note: certifications must be obtained through classroom or blended online + classroom training, and online-only certifications are not acceptable)
Preferred Qualifications:
While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:
- Fluency in Spanish for programs in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Peru
- Professional working proficiency in Arabic, Burmese, Fijian, French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Karen, Khmer, Lao, Mandarin Chinese, Mongolian, Nepali, Quechua, Shan, Swahili, Thai, or Vietnamese
- A valid driver's license and a clean driving record for programs in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand
- Working knowledge in areas such as Adventure Guiding, Outdoor Education, or Wilderness Therapy, Teaching and/or instruction, Leadership Instruction, Customer Service, or Volunteering with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and/or national service
- Preferred certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness EMT, Ocean Lifeguard, Teaching Certifications (e.g., TEFL/TESL), and others
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
To succeed as a Program Leader, you should possess:
- An appreciation for diversity in cultures and experiences
- Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Patient, enthusiastic, analytical, flexible, and solution-oriented approach
- A passion for discussion-based learning and helping students make meaning of their experiences
- Understanding of the value of experiential education and travel for high school students
- Ability to maintain excellence under pressure and ever-changing conditions
Location and Compensation:
As a Program Leader, you will have the opportunity to work in one of our country destinations for at least 1-10 consecutive weeks at a time. The weekly rate for this position is between $400 to $1200 per week, determined by the number of years of Rustic Pathways program leader experience and by country operation.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Rustic Pathways is an Equal Opportunity employer, committed to increasing diversity in our staff and recognizing the benefit of having a diverse, inclusive work environment. We actively encourage those from equity-seeking groups to apply and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Conclusion:
If you are a motivated and experienced individual with a passion for experiential education, student travel, and community service, we encourage you to apply for the Program Leader position at Rustic Pathways. As a Program Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and communities worldwide, while developing your skills and experience in a dynamic and supportive environment. Don't miss this chance to join our team and embark on an unforgettable journey. Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career with Rustic Pathways!
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