BECOME A PROGRAM LEADER

What is a PL?

LEADERS FOR GLOBAL PROGRAMS

In our mission to inspire creative projects and engagements, some of our core engagement is via educational travel programs, often run in partnership with schools and universities. Typically these programs involve leading a group of high school, middle school, or university level students through a project and thematic exploration while travelling. PLs often work directly with School Leads (teacher or faculty leaders), exploring near or far from home, for a duration of about 1-2 weeks.

Our PLs (short for Program or Project Lead) are central to the success of our programs. The PL is the group’s primary facilitator and point of contact on the ground in the country/region they are visiting, and in charge of managing daily logistics, facilitating program curriculum and student safety, keeping the group energized and healthy, problem solving new situations, and working closely with other leaders as well as local staff and partners. Please read the more detailed list of responsibilities and qualifications below. If you are ready to apply, skip to the application at the bottom.

WHAT DOES A PL DO?

  • Inspires curiosity and creativity connected to issues and projects around the world

  • Provides 24/7 support to student groups on short-term travel programs 

  • Facilitates project-based and experiential programming based on the Atlas Workshops model

  • Fosters positive and constructive group dynamics for and with students; stays aware of, and manages, social needs appropriately

  • Manages daily logistics of group travel, including transportation, meals, meetings with local partners, and other scheduled activities

  • Addresses students’ health and safety needs, including risk management and expectations, health and dietary issues, emergency response, and general energy and wellness of the group

  • Strengthens relationships with school partners as well as local in-country partners through strong communication and collaborative leadership

WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN A PL?

  • Curious and open mindset - always asking questions, especially if you already know a lot about a place or topic (there’s always more to investigate); always exploring new (and old) personal interests; thinking outside the box

  • Energetic and passionate people - excited to meet new people and encourage creative conversations and thinking

  • Flexible people who can adapt to changes on the go and handle a curveball here and there

  • Problem solvers who are excited to address issues for their group while teaching others to become problem solvers themselves 

  • Familiarity with and enthusiasm for nontraditional education models (experiential education, place-based learning, outdoor education, or similar approaches or methodologies)

  • Strong, proactive, and open communication - with coworkers, external partners and colleagues, and students

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE SHOULD PLS HAVE?

  • Experience working on any type of project - art, research, social impact, startup, journalism, design, technology or beyond

  • Educational facilitation or leadership experience - especially working with teens or young adults

  • Travel experience - internationally or otherwise, preferably some of which included working with or leading groups

  • Risk management experience - familiarity with health, safety, and RM procedures and duty of care related to minors; sound judgement in safety-related situations and emergency scenarios

ANY OTHER QUALIFICATIONS?

  • Multilingual/language skills are helpful but not required based on the program location

  • Minimum of 21 years old, 25 years+ preferred

  • Ability to dedicate 2-3 weeks to traveling and 24/7 student care on program (travel expenses and stipend provided, see below)

  • PLs in the 2021-22 season must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, or commit to obtaining and maintaining full vaccination status before travel commences.

  • PLs must also have or obtain valid first aid/CPR certification before programs begin, and all PLs must complete a background check. WFA certification may also be requested for specific programs.

PROGRAM COMMITMENTS

  • We are seeking PLs who can lead one or more programs per year, with most programs running between January and June, for an average of 10 days per program.

  • PLs are typically contracted on a per-program basis. Most PLs have flexible or seasonal schedules and are able to take time away from other commitments for 2+ weeks in the year. 

  • Highly qualified candidates seeking seasonal employment (one month or longer) should also let us know!

  • PLs are paid a stipend per program based on the program duration. All travel, food, and accommodation expenses are covered in addition to the stipend. 

  • PLs will also be required to complete a variety of trainings, either online or in person based on the final cohort of trainees.

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A GOOD FIT?

We are always accepting applications, and are especially looking for people who want to lead programs in the US and Europe. Applicants should complete the application form and if you seem like the right person for the programs coming up soon, we will be in touch to schedule a video interview! If you have questions before you apply, you can reach out to our team!