Program Staff Seasonal Jobs

We are Global Leadership Adventures (GLA), a well-established organization committed to delivering life-changing journeys for high school and middle school students. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their role in it. We proudly operate our global travel service-learning programs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the United States. We also offer transformational virtual programs that help guide teens looking to discover their passions through global engagement and forge an academic, social or career path that reflects their personal and professional goals.

GLA has welcomed and trained hundreds of staff from all over the world to lead superior-quality trips. For more than a decade, program leaders (Directors & Mentors) have been carefully selected from a pool of highly-qualified, well-traveled, passionate educators seeking a fulfilling summer experience abroad — now we are also excited to welcome staff who are interested in leading meaningful programs in the U.S. or virtually.

GLA is committed to increasing diversity in our staff and recognizes the benefit of having a diverse, inclusive work environment. We actively encourage those from equity-seeking groups to apply. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences represented in our leaders.

Our international teams are hired to work in collaboration with our local counterparts, either on the ground or remotely. All field positions are based in the program location and require a minimum commitment to the program dates. Staff are hired to work multiple, consecutive program sessions throughout the summer. All virtual positions are based remotely and require a secure internet connection and commitment to the program dates.

Summer Staff Application and Job Description Directory:

Open Staff Positions
Required Qualifications
Required Certifications
Preferred Extras
Position Responsibilities
Important Notes
Compensation and Benefits
How to Apply
→ Application Process
→ Step 1: Online Application
→ Step 2: Interview Process
→ Step 3: References and Background Check

Open Staff Positions

  • Field Staff (Directors, Mentors)
  • Virtual Staff (Supervisors, Facilitators, Mentors)

*See below for position details.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or several years of experience working within the experiential education field (Field Staff only – Virtual Facilitator role requires a university degree)
  • A minimum of two years of experience working with teens; either teaching in a classroom or in an alternative education or childcare setting
  • Two years of experience working with middle school students for our middle school program
  • Mastery relating with teenagers
  • Extensive international travel experience or cross-cultural experience for our non-U.S. programs
  • Extensive regional or thematic experience for our U.S.-based programs
  • For virtual programs: experience facilitating online youth programs utilizing the Zoom video conferencing platform; experience working with online learning management systems
  • Flexibility – our staff have the ability to find comfort in the discomfort, no matter their location
  • Exceedingly personable and positive demeanor
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and cross-cultural awareness
  • Collaborative in nature; skilled in problem solving
  • Staff must possess the ability to actively participate in all elements of the program’s experience – the position requires a lot of physical and emotional stamina, with a focus on safety and risk management
  • Ability to talk things out and a willingness to express your professional opinions while considering your personal feelings and the feelings of your colleagues
  • Natural aptitude to motivate and energize students in a variety of settings and situations
  • Ability to confidently lead an ice-breaker activity
  • COVID-19 Vaccination
    • *As part of our COVID Risk Management protocols, all field staff must agree to obtain the full COVID vaccination prior to the start of the program. 

Required Certifications

  • Directors: CPR and First Aid Certification; Epinephrine Administration Training
  • Mentors: CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Proof of medical insurance for U.S.-based programs

*Note: GLA does not accept online CPR/First Aid certifications. Certifications must be attained prior to staff’s contract start date and will be at the expense of the candidate.

  • Some programs require a wilderness certification (Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder); some programs require a Lifeguard certification.

Preferred Extras

  • Fluency in Spanish for programs in Spanish-speaking countries
  • Fluency in French for our French language program
  • Advanced language skills in a language of the country where you are interested in working
  • Wilderness certifications as mentioned above for programs in remote locations; an additional stipend is offered for staff certified as a WFR or WAFA
  • Lifeguard certification as mentioned above for water-based programs; an additional stipend is offered for staff certified as lifeguards
  • Extensive experience in the country or region where you are interested in working
  • Knowledge of or experience with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda for virtual programs
  • Experience working with animals and familiarity with veterinary care for our animal and wildlife programs
  • Strong biology or environmental background – for biologically and ecologically diverse programs like the Galapagos
  • Strong background in STEM, history or political studies for relevant Europe Discovery programs
  • Master’s degree in a field related to the program theme
  • Strong athletic background for our sports-based programs
  • Ability to swim, hike, surf and keep up with teens

Position Responsibilities

FIELD STAFF

Directors collaborate with the Local Program Director (from the host country or region) to facilitate a positive summer experience for Mentors and participants. Program Directors work to maintain the safety and health of each student, ensure program logistics are properly coordinated and implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum. Communication, teamwork and flexibility are critical throughout this process. Local Directors are responsible for managing, supporting, and guiding local team members in their roles.

Director responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

All Directors must attend in-person Director Training from June 1-5, 2022

  • Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
  • Lead one awesome team building activity or workshop

Plan for and prepare for the program:

  • Participate in introductory and planning calls with your Local Program Director
  • Complete all mandatory online training modules prior to the summer
  • Participate and/or lead introductory and planning calls with Mentors
  • Co-lead In-Country Training with Local Program Director 5-7 days prior to your program start date

Work to establish positive team dynamic with Local Program Director, Mentors, and all support staff:

  • Support Mentors in their own professional development by conducting goal-setting sessions, check-ins and providing feedback both throughout the summer and at the end by completing a Staff Performance Evaluation
  • Live alongside students; you are responsible for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in session
  • Protect the health and safety of students at all times
  • Facilitate the implementation of GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
  • Guide students through personal growth experiences
  • Resolve student discipline issues
  • Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development

Communicate with GLA headquarters and parents/guardians:

  • Manage parent/guardian communication, as well as communication with GLA HQ
  • Contact parents/guardians as needed when issues arise on program regarding their student
  • Utilize the appropriate summer communication protocol for providing updates

Mentors participate in all aspects of programming alongside students, including community service and excursions. Mentors facilitate activities implementing GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum, as well as discussion and reflection sessions to help students process their experiences. Mentors will facilitate discussions directly with a small group of students regularly and occasionally lead activities with larger groups of students.

Mentor responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Participate fully in GLA Mentor Training:

  • Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
  • Participate in introductory and planning calls with your team
  • Complete all mandatory online training modules prior to the summer
  • Attend In-Country Training 3-5 days before the start of your program

Work to uphold a positive group dynamic:

  • Live alongside students; you are responsible for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in session
  • Protect the health and safety of students at all times
  • Work as part of a team to implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
  • Mentor and counsel students through personal growth experiences
  • Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development
VIRTUAL STAFF

Virtual Facilitators facilitate the virtual experience for students enrolled in our Global Impact Virtual Internship (GIVI).

Global Impact Virtual Internship Supervisors facilitate and teach the GLA Global Impact Core Curriculum to a specific online cohort of interns throughout a 6-week internship, in addition to managing the online modules available to interns on GLA’s exclusive learning platform. Supervisors will communicate directly with the Internship Director to ensure all administration is up to date. Internship Supervisors — in addition to teaching time — will need to meet with students individually and as a group during virtual “office hours”. It is expected that Internship Supervisors will offer support, guidance, and curated reflection and assessment on the required projects. Good time management, self-motivation, teamwork and flexibility are critical throughout this process. [Estimated time commitment: 20 hours per week, for six weeks.]

Global Summer Symposium Facilitators facilitate and mentor students through a two-week Symposium focused on a specific theme. GSS Facilitators will act as a field staff would on the ground — they will collaborate with the program partner to facilitate the virtual program experience, manage the course logistics (including managing the Zoom account and coordinating with guest speakers), and meet with students in small groups to facilitate discussion and reflection. [Estimated time commitment: 20 hours per week, for two weeks.]

Online Leadership Academy Mentors guide students through a week-long Online Leadership Academy program. OLA Mentors will facilitate activities implementing GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum, as well as discussion and reflection sessions to help students debrief their learning. OLA Mentors will attend the daily keynote addresses and cultural activities to better understand the academy content and facilitate reflection with students. [Estimated time commitment: 20 hours per week, for one week.]

Important Notes

You must be available for the full range of dates to apply for a position within a program. Please review our website for program dates.

International Directors must be available 7 days prior to the program start date. Mentors must be available 5 days prior. Both are required to stay two days after the program end date.

Compensation and Benefits

FIELD STAFF
  • Competitive stipend with a base rate of $525/week for Directors and $375/week for Mentors
  • Living expenses (food and lodging), including days in between program sessions
  • Roundtrip airfare or ground transportation to your program site
  • Additional stipends for safety certifications: WFR ($200), WAFA ($150), Lifeguard ($150)
  • Flexibility to extend travel plans before or after contract dates
  • Medical and evacuation insurance for the duration of your contract (non-U.S. programs only)
  • Experiential education work experience alongside like-minded individuals
  • Professional development and networking opportunities
  • Five-day professional training with fellow staff members (Directors only)
  • The ability to make an impact on students and local communities
VIRTUAL STAFF
  • Competitive stipend of $300/week for virtual facilitators
  • Flexibility to work remotely from wherever you have a strong internet connection
  • Flexible administrative hours, outside of fixed live session schedule
  • Professional development and networking opportunities
  • Two-day professional training (remote) with fellow staff members
  • The ability to make an impact on students and local communities

How to Apply

APPLICATION PROCESS

We will begin interviewing for positions in February 2021. The hiring process has multiple steps, including two to three interviews and careful placement – this can take 3-4 weeks, depending on our capacity. Communication will mainly be done via email; please remember to check your spam folder for a response from us regarding the status of your application. To apply now, follow this link: http://www.tfaforms.com/309213.

Global Leadership Adventures is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex — including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local law.

Step 1: Online Application

Fill out and submit an online application (http://www.tfaforms.com/309213). You will be asked to upload a cover letter, resume and two references, as well as to respond to scenario questions. Applicants who do not complete the entire application process will not be considered. If you experience any issues or do not receive a confirmation email from GLA, please email staffsupport@experiencegla.com.

Note: Your cover letter should highlight your experience in facilitating experiential education programs (in-person or virtual), youth development and leadership, and any experience you have living/traveling the country or region where you are interested in working.

Step 2: Interview Process

We will review your application, cover letter and resume. If your application is selected, we will invite you to a first-round interview via Zoom, a video conferencing platform. After the first interview, candidates who are selected to move forward in the interview process will have to complete one to two more interviews, depending on placement, before they are offered a contract.

Step 3: References and Background Check

We will contact your references. Assuming all goes well, you will be offered a position and then we will run a background check on you. Once the check comes back clear, you’ll begin the onboarding process!