GLA Program Manager - Seasonal

Global Leadership Adventures

8d • Remote

About The Position

Global Leadership Adventures is hiring two proactive, high-energy Seasonal Program Managers for its International Programs Team. This dynamic operational role involves end-to-end program design and execution, supporting field staff, partners, and families, and contributing to student travel experiences. The role calls for adaptability, collaboration, initiative, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

The positions begin in January 2027 and run through August 31, 2027. Contract options may be extended or renewed based on enrollment performance, organizational goals, and individual performance. The role offers remote flexibility but requires overlap with Pacific Time business hours. Team members specifically based in Africa, Asia, or Europe must generally work from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time for meeting alignment. Peak season, particularly June through August, involves fluid schedules and 24/7 on-call rotations. On-call shifts are 12 to 24 hours, with an expected two to three shifts per week during peak season. The team aims to provide two days off weekly, although it can guarantee at least one day off during particularly busy summer periods.

The Program Manager supports seasonal staff recruitment, onboarding, training, program budgets and operating agreements, partner and vendor relationships, itinerary updates, and program logistics. The role also aligns with Admissions, supports students and families before travel, assesses and mitigates program risks, and manages field teams through check-ins, evaluations, feedback, troubleshooting, and policy enforcement. For U.S. outdoor adventure programs, the manager vets and coordinates accommodations, campsites, transportation, meals, and activities.

Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location. The monthly contract rate starts at $3,000 USD. Healthcare benefits and performance-based bonus opportunities are offered. Required program travel expenses are covered.

Requirements

• At least 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, with strong knowledge of regional cultures, communities, travel logistics, and operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, and CRM software.
• Reliable personal technology setup, including a laptop with functional video, a smartphone, and stable high-speed internet.
• Ability to overlap with Pacific Time business hours; candidates based in Africa, Asia, or Europe must generally align their schedule with 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Availability for fluid schedules and 24/7 on-call rotations during peak seasonal months, including two to three on-call shifts per week during peak season.

Nice To Haves

• Additional language skills, such as Spanish or French.
• Experience managing multiple programs or projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and flight-booking oversight for seasonal field staff.
• Build field teams with balanced skill sets and required certifications, including WFR, WAFA, and Lifeguard certifications.
• Help design and deliver program staff training at in-person Director Training in May 2027 and any subsequent virtual training.
• Support development and management of budgets and Operating Agreements for assigned programs or portfolio.
• Learn existing itineraries in depth and communicate changes to the direct supervisor and organization through established channels, including document and marketing updates.
• Suggest itinerary changes and program improvements where appropriate.
• Provide enrollment updates and weekly communications to program partners and vendors.
• Manage pre-program checklists to ensure programs are ready for staff and students.
• For U.S. outdoor adventure programs, vet, book, and confirm accommodations and campsites, transportation, meals and food preparation, and activities.
• Become knowledgeable about destination entry and exit requirements, visas, and other travel requirements.
• Provide the Admissions team with program details and guidance about which students can or cannot be enrolled.
• Deliver pre-program webinars to enrolled students and families.
• Provide customer service to prospective families, including Zoom calls or webinars when requested by Admissions.
• Assess risks associated with assigned programs and implement risk-reduction solutions where possible.
• Complete Vendor Vetting Forms with attention to risk and detail.
• Manage the 24/7 Staff Hotline for assigned 12- to 24-hour shifts, answering incoming calls and supporting callers, including those outside the assigned portfolio.
• Conduct weekly check-ins with field teams and coordinate student, staff, and Director evaluations for assigned programs.
• Propose programmatic and curricular changes based on student and staff evaluations.
• Ensure seasonal staff follow policies and procedures.
• Provide ongoing feedback and support to the organization and field personnel.
• Conduct check-in calls and troubleshoot with Program Directors.
• Execute termination and disciplinary actions under supervisor guidance.
• Handle on-call-related issues that arise during working hours.

Benefits

• International team members receive coverage through international health plans; eligible U.S.-based team members qualify for health insurance plans.
• All expenses paid during required program travel.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to individual contributions and organizational success.
• Rapid professional growth through hands-on operations experience across marketing, vendor management, budget tracking, crisis response, and remote team leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed