[Hiring] Seasonal Program Manager @Global Leadership Adventures

Role 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.

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.
• 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).

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex program logistics, including accommodations, transportation, activities, local partnerships, and vendor relationships.
• Strong judgment and resourcefulness, with the ability to anticipate challenges, navigate ambiguity, resolve conflicts constructively, and remain calm and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness, adaptability, and the ability to build positive working relationships with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• 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.
• A desire and ability to stretch across operations, sales, admissions alignment, risk management, and staff leadership.

Benefits

• Hands-on operations experience across marketing, vendor management, budget tracking, crisis response, and remote team leadership.
• International team members receive coverage via international health plans (starting the 1st of 15th of the month after date of hire); eligible U.S.-based team members qualify for health insurance plans (starting the first of the month after date of hire).
• All expenses paid during required program travel.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location. Monthly contract rate starting at $3,000 USD a month. Healthcare benefits and performance-based bonus opportunities tied to individual contributions and organizational success.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Thoroughly assess all risks as they relate to your programs and implement solutions to minimize risks where possible.
• Manage 24/7 Staff Hotline for 12- to 24- hour shifts as assigned.
• 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.
• Execute the termination and disciplinary actions under the guidance of your supervisors.