Group Leader - Choose Your Own Pace: Hiking the Adirondacks in North River, NY

Road Scholar•Town of Johnsburg, NY

5d•$15 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Road Scholar is seeking Tour Directors to serve as Group Leaders for their 'Choose Your Own Pace: Hiking the Adirondacks' program in North River, NY. This role involves leading and managing all aspects of the program to ensure participants have a fluid, meaningful, and enjoyable experience. The Group Leader is responsible for supporting educational delivery, managing logistics, and resolving any issues that may arise during the program. This is a part-time/seasonal opportunity, 6 days and 5 nights, located at Garnet Hill Lodge. The program involves hiking, and for some levels, kayaking. The Group Leader is the most consequential element of any Road Scholar program, driving the quality of the experience.

Requirements

Ability to walk at least 10 miles on varied terrain with moderate climbs and descents.
Ability to climb at least 2,000 ft. up and descend 2,000 ft. down steeper terrain on hikes of at least 6 miles (daily hiking of up to 10 miles and at an elevation of at least 4,000 ft.).
Ability to scramble up and down rocky terrain.
Group leadership experience in an educational and/or travel program environment.
Experience working with individuals 55+ and handling different levels of physical ability preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience strongly preferred.
Preferably lives in the program destination/region or has an intimate knowledge of the destination.
Strong leadership skills to build group cohesion.
Sets clear expectations to participants.
Empowered to enhance impact of educational experiences.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills and excellent command of English.
Ability to work with a team and collaborate and share best practices.
Capable of operating basic AV functions (setting up laptop/projector for lectures).
Access to reliable cell phone, capable of texting and/or emails.
Hiking experience and ability to hike with participants in all three groups.

Nice To Haves

Prior Elderhostel/Road Scholar experience preferred.
Kayaking experience for program 23151 is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Pre-program briefing with Road Scholar.
Review Participant Information Forms (PIFs) and relevant Program Information.
Send Pre Program Email to participants (optional).
Lead and manage all logistics and support educational delivery and quality.
Airport meet & greet (when transfer is included); facilitate hotel check-in and registration.
Reconfirm vendors & included activities (instructors, local guides, coach, restaurants, etc.).
Conduct Orientation and Farewell Briefings and Daily Wrap-up Briefings.
Listening Device Management.
Accompany participants to all scheduled program activities and be available 24-7.
Enhance “free time” opportunities through providing suggestions and organize group dining opportunities.
Liaise with local guides and instructors to ensure content is presented in a clear and relevant manner and to drive Q&A and educational impact with participants.
Disbursement of payment to vendors (including tips) and manage program budget.
Anticipate and resolve program issues on site (participant attitude, mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, vendor cancellations, missed activities, weather events) in liaison with Road Scholar.
Follow established emergency procedures and elevate issues to Road Scholar as necessary.
Adhere to Road Scholar branding guidelines regarding use of Road Scholar apparel & signage.