GLA Program Manager - Seasonal

This full-time, seasonal, mid-level position will be part of the International Programs team for Global Leadership Adventures located in San Diego, California. GLA is a high school study-abroad program of Terra Education. This person will work as part of the International Programs Team, and will report to the Regional Director of International Programs. 

Seasonal Program Manager will be given a portfolio or programs to manage directly. Within their portfolio, they will manage all operations for their programs. They will also provide support as directed to the Programming Department for department wide training and projects, and support summer field staff and programming during the months of June – August. 

They will work closely with the Regional Director of International Programs for the region to which they are assigned, as they seek to provide the most cost-effective, efficient, high quality programming possible. They will work remotely, therefore the ability to communicate and articulate in both written and spoken English across a multitude of virtual platforms, forums and teleconferencing media is essential.  

Status: full-time, seasonal

Travel: 10%-20%; travel to San Diego in the Spring for In-person training, possible travel in summer pending need

Location: Remote

Contract duration: December 5, 2022 - August 31, 2023 (may be a possibility to extend or renew contract) ; Note: we are closed Dec 23-25 and Dec 30-Jan 1

Application Closing Date: October 20, 2022

GENERAL SCOPE

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If you like to wear various hats, this is a great opportunity for you! This position is a multi-faceted, dynamic role within a long-standing international travel and service-learning organization. Some days will be very mellow, not necessitating a full day’s work, while other days will require sustained focused energy for 10 or more hours at a time, sometimes working late nights or early mornings to sync with global time zones as needed. If you are looking for a predictable 8 - 5 work environment, this is not the right fit. This person will be a full-time, seasonal team member within the GLA Programming Department. Each Program Manager will be given a portfolio of programs to directly manage from start to finish. The number of actual programs per Program Manager will vary, pending variables such as student capacity, staff team size and partnership dynamics; however, the total number of programs will likely range from 5 - 7 programs; as well as include general on-call shifts which allow 24/7 direct access to a programming support person for our field staff.

Who are we?

We are an organization that is nimble and passionate about our work. We are collaborative and do not believe in perfection, but rather a daily commitment to give our all while always striving to do better. We are people who work well under pressure, are committed to our own personal growth and learning, and believe deeply in our mission.

Who are you?

You have both passion and direct experience managing international travel and service-learning programs in the field and are ready to take your impact to the next level, managing teams of staff and partners around the world. You can talk to any parent with ease and address concerns, have tough conversations with people you are managing, and hold self- awareness around your boundaries with the ability to ask for help when needed. You are comfortable with holding a schedule that is fluid during June 12 - August 11, knowing that some days will require a lot of you and others nothing at all. You search for holes in any situation and aim to fill them. You are collaborative in nature and a quick problem solver.

Responsibilities Include

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Hiring Seasonal Staff, Onboarding, and Training

• Support the seasonal staff hiring process; run first, second or third interviews as directed by the GLA Program Hiring Manager.
• Onboarding seasonal staff on your programs; ensuring flights are purchased, online learning modules are taken, and miscellaneous questions are answered.
• Assist in crafting the perfect field teams; ensure your teams hold the proper certifications in alignment with established guidelines.
• Establish a working management relationship with your team members prior to the start of the summer.
• Support planning and running of in-person and virtual International Director training
• In person Dates: TBD
• Virtual Dates: TBD
• Requires travel to San Diego, weekend work and long hours during training days
• Build content for modules as assigned (1-3 modules) 
• Deliver modules at training as assigned (1-3 modules)

Ongoing In-Country Partner and Program Management

• Work to establish a relationship with partners of programs you are managing. These partners have been with GLA for several years. 
• Support building and managing the budget and Operating Agreement
• Familiarize yourself with the existing itinerary and work deeply to understand all facets of the program, while communicating any changes to your direct report 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 of programs in your portfolio
• Manage pre-program checklist to ensure programs are ready for staff and students to arrive

On-Call Program Management

• Manage 24/7 Staff Hotline for 24-72 hour shifts as assigned
• 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 an on-call shift every week. 
• We aim to provide 2 days off each week, but during particularly busy 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, expect a normal workday. During these days you will manage your 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 their 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 guidance of Regional Director

Desired Qualifications

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• Fully vaccinated and up-to-date on boosters for Covid-19
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree
• International experience (study/volunteer/work)
• Understanding of service learning and / or international development
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Passionate about global citizenship, experiential learning, leadership development and international travel
• Ability to tolerate ambiguity, adapt to changing circumstances, and work abnormal hours
• Positive attitude, flexibility and tolerance for uncertainty are a must!
• Innate sense of customer service and have the work experience to prove it 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in English
• Effective in personal time management
• Experience in conflict resolution and restorative justice techniques
• Abilities to manage teams remotely, and work remotely yourself
• Experience working and managing groups of teens directly (ideally in abroad settings)
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Having your own technology is required: laptop with working video, cell phone, and consistent internet access.
• Technical abilities within the Google Suite (google docs, spreadsheets) and zoom platform
• Working knowledge of Salesforce (preferred) 
• Experience working GLA programs (preferred)
• Language abilities (Spanish or other) (preferred)
• Additional certifications - WFR, WAFA, Lifeguard, etc (preferred)

Compensation 

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Compensation for your work is commensurate with experience. In addition to a fun work environment with a rapidly growing company you can believe in, we offer the following benefits: 

• US-based employees eligible for employer health insurance plan (to start March 1st with 15% employee contribution) Non-US or Costa Rica based employees can receive support / stipend to assist with paying for health insurance
• All expenses paid while traveling 
• Flexible schedule
• A positive social and professional work community
• Opportunity to grow professionally within a quickly growing organization
• Opportunity to work with individuals committed to making a positive change in the work

To Apply: Submit Online Application including your Cover Letter and Resume. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience as well as personnel and program management background.