Seasonal Program Manager

Position description

Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) is seeking two proactive, high-energy Seasonal Program Managers to join our International Programs Team.

This is a dynamic, multi-faceted operational role for individuals who thrive on wearing multiple hats, solving complex challenges, and taking initiative to deliver exceptional results. We are looking for driven, resourceful individuals who bring the experience, skills, and motivation to be an integral part of our team, take ownership of end-to-end program design and execution, provide outstanding support to field staff, partners, and families, and contribute to building and delivering world-class student travel experiences. Success in this role requires adaptability, grit, collaboration, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a passion for operational excellence. Above all, we seek team members who are excited to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission of inspiring the next generation of leaders through transformative experiences.

Positions begin in January 2027 and run through August 31, 2027

Note: These contract options feature the potential for extension or renewal based on enrollment performance, organizational goals, and individual performance.

WORKING HOURS & SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS

This role offers remote flexibility paired with seasonal shifts in schedule:

Core Hours

Must overlap with Pacific Time business hours. For those specifically based in Africa, Asia, or Europe, your working schedule must align from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on most working days for meeting alignment with your team.

Work Pace

While non-peak months are steady and structured, peak seasonal months (June–August) require high energy, fluid schedules, 24/7 on-call rotations, and dynamic problem-solving. If you are looking for a predictable, static 9-to-5 year-round routine, this role may not be the right fit. If you want a fast-paced environment where you will grow exponentially, this is for you.

CORE NON-NEGOTIABLES (WHAT YOU BRING)

• Program Operations & Logistics: Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex program logistics, including accommodations, transportation, activities, local partnerships, and vendor relationships. Experience managing multiple programs or projects simultaneously is preferred.
• Problem-Solving & Risk Management: Strong judgment and resourcefulness, with the ability to anticipate challenges, navigate ambiguity, resolve conflicts constructively, and remain calm and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Resourcefulness & POV: You are solution-oriented and do not need hand-holding. When faced with an obstacle, you research answers, bring a clear Point of View (POV), and present actionable solutions.
• Cross-Cultural Competence: Demonstrated cultural awareness, adaptability, and the ability to build positive working relationships with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Remote Accountability: Demonstrated self-discipline and organized to stay on top of team communications, project deliverables and ability to manage dynamic workloads independently from anywhere in the world.
• Growth Mindset over Perfection: A desire and ability to stretch across operations, sales, admissions alignment, risk management, and staff leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring Seasonal Staff, Onboarding, and Training

• Support seasonal field staff recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and flight booking oversight.
• Build field teams with balanced skill sets and certification requirements (WFR, WAFA, Lifeguard).
• Help design and deliver content for program staff training both at in-person Director Training (May 2027) and any subsequent virtual training required.

Ongoing In-Country Partner, Vendor, and Program Management

• Support building and managing the budget and Operating Agreement associated with your portfolio or programs.
• Familiarize yourself with the existing itinerary and work deeply to understand all facets of the program, while communicating any changes to your direct supervisor and the entire organization through our established communication channels (document updates, marketing updates, etc.)
  • Make suggestions for itinerary changes and program improvements where appropriate.
• Provide enrollment updates and weekly communication with partners and vendors of programs in your portfolio.
• Manage pre-program checklist to ensure programs are ready for staff and students to arrive.
• For U.S. outdoor adventure programs, vet, book and confirm all program logistics: accommodations and campsites, transportation, meals and food preparation, and all activities.

Admissions Alignment & Parent Support

• Become the expert for the destinations in your portfolio: understanding entry and exit requirements, visa needs, and other travel-related requirements.
• Update the Admissions team with intricate details of your programs and the experience so they can translate that to prospective families in the enrollment process, including what types of students we can / cannot enroll.
• Deliver high-quality pre-program webinars to enrolled students and their families.
• Deliver superb customer service to prospective families upon request of the Admissions team, such as Zoom calls or webinars with families.

Risk Management

• Thoroughly assess all risks as they relate to your programs and implement solutions to minimize risks where possible.
• Complete Vendor Vetting Forms as directed with a proactive eye and attention to detail for risk.

On-Call Program Management

• Manage 24/7 Staff Hotline for 12- to 24- hour shifts as assigned (peak season is late May to late August, but there are also sporadic Custom Groups throughout the year.)
  • Pick up all incoming calls and support as needed, offering support to anyone who calls, even if they are not in your portfolio of programs.
  • Shifts will vary by week; expect 2-3 on-call shifts every week of peak season.
  • We aim to provide 2 days off each week, but during particularly busy summer program times can guarantee at least 1 day off a week. Pending schedule rotation among the team, days off may be mid-week.
• While not on-call but working, you will manage your field teams on an as-needed and ongoing basis:
  • Engage in weekly check-ins with the teams in the field.
  • Coordinate student, staff, and Director evaluations for your portfolio of programs.
  • Propose programmatic and curricular changes based on student and staff evaluations.
  • Ensure seasonal staff follow policies and procedures.
  • Offer ongoing feedback and support both internally to the organization and externally to the people you are managing in the field.
  • Check-in calls and troubleshooting with Program Directors.
  • Execute the termination and disciplinary actions under the guidance of your supervisors.
  • Handle incoming on-call related issues as they arise (during working hours).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of direct experience managing international travel, U.S. outdoor adventure programs or camps, service-learning, or experiential youth programs.
• Based in or possessing extensive professional experience and established local networks in Europe or the Americas. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of the region's cultures, communities, travel logistics, and operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (additional language skills like Spanish and French are strongly preferred)
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, and CRM software (Salesforce preferred).
• Reliable personal tech set-up (laptop with functional video, smartphone, stable high-speed internet).

Application instructions

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