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

Road Scholar•North River, 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 is a part-time/seasonal role focused on leading educational travel adventures. The Group Leader is the primary point of contact and ensures participants have a fluid, meaningful, and enjoyable experience, overseeing all academic and non-academic features. This 6-day, 5-night program involves active outdoor activities, including hiking on varied terrain and potentially kayaking. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with a focus on supporting educational delivery and managing program logistics.

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.
Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience strongly preferred.
Intimate knowledge of the destination (North River, NY/Adirondacks).
Strong leadership skills to build group cohesion.
Ability to set clear expectations for participants.
Ability to enhance the impact of educational experiences.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills and excellent command of English.
Ability to work with a team and collaborate.
Capability of operating basic AV functions (setting up laptop/projector for lectures).
Access to a reliable cell phone capable of texting and/or emails.
Hiking experience and ability to hike with participants in all three groups.
Valid driver’s license.
CTP Certificate for Group Leaders required or extensive professional tourism experience.

Nice To Haves

Local to the program location (North River, NY).
Prior Elderhostel/Road Scholar experience preferred.
Kayaking experience for program 23151 is preferred but not required.
May need to drive a van for some of the activities on the program.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all logistics for the program.
Support educational delivery and quality.
Conduct airport meet & greets and facilitate hotel check-in/registration.
Reconfirm vendors and included activities.
Conduct Orientation, Farewell, and Daily Wrap-up Briefings.
Manage listening devices.
Accompany participants to all scheduled program activities and be available 24/7.
Enhance 'free time' opportunities by providing suggestions and organizing group dining.
Liaise with local guides and instructors to ensure clear and relevant content delivery.
Disburse payments to vendors (including tips) and manage the program budget.
Anticipate and resolve on-site program issues, including participant attitude, mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, vendor cancellations, missed activities, and 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.
Deliver educational talks and experiences, tying together the overall program theme.