Local Program Leader; Summer

Overview

Local Spain Program Leader (Summer 2026) — Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways is a student travel organization that offers experiential education, community service, foreign language, and adventure programs worldwide. We emphasize professionalism, integrity, safety, and well-being of students and staff, and empower students through responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities.

As a Local Program Leader, you live in Spain. Your primary responsibility is the care and well-being of our students while they travel. You are a primary responder in all escalated situations, incidents, and emergencies. In partnership with your co-leaders, you’ll collaborate to create a safe and successful program experience for all Rustic Pathways students. You’ll work directly with international leaders, community partners, activity operators, and Rustic Pathways managers.

You are a liaison between the program experience and all stakeholders, providing trip updates and managing communication with parents and the global Rustic Pathways team.

Expect to spend long days in welcoming communities. Rustic Pathways seeks community service professionals, customer service experts, globally conscious travelers, logistics enthusiasts, and youth development facilitators. We are committed to increasing diversity in our staff and encourage those from equity-seeking groups to apply. We value diverse perspectives and experiences among our leaders.

Must be safety-oriented, with a passion for experiential education. The position requires significant physical and emotional stamina. This is a seasonal position.

• Embody Rustic Pathways’ mission, vision, and values
• Act as a role model and mentor to students
• Protect student safety by abiding by our zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior
• Monitor and manage student well-being
• Follow Rustic Pathways’ protocols on the program
• Address student health issues and communicate action plans with parents
• Respond calmly to issues with a focus on customer service and safety
• Demonstrate responsible leadership and cultural sensitivity
• Create positive and inclusive group dynamics
• Ensure students understand the history, culture, and context of visited places
• Model responsible travel by adhering to sustainability protocols
• Facilitate discussions using personal experience and Rustic Pathways guides
• Serve as primary communicator with local vendors, using the local language as needed
• Coordinate daily logistics with drivers, guides, and service providers
• Support translation and cultural mediation to enhance cross-cultural understanding

• Experience: At least 2 years in service-learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, customer service, or experiential education
• At least 2 years of experience working with young adults/adolescents
• At least 6 months of experience living or working in an international, multicultural environment

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

• Requirements: Must be 22 years or older before start date; demonstrated maturity and leadership; fluency in English and Spanish; basic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed provider. Certifications must be classroom or blended online+classroom (online-only not acceptable). Certificates must be submitted at least three weeks prior to start of Program Leader training

• Working knowledge in Adventure Guiding/Outdoor Education/Wilderness Therapy
• Teaching or instruction in a multicultural environment; teaching non-native English speakers
• Leadership instruction; customer service; volunteer experience with Ameri Corps/Peace Corps or equivalent
• Knowledge areas:
  Sociology/Anthropology, Social Justice/Immigration/Migration, Environmental/Marine topics, Public Health/Global Health, Mountaineering, Community Service Coordination, Surf/Soccer coaching, Camp Counseling
• Preferred certifications:
  Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness EMT, Ocean Lifeguard, Teaching Certifications (e.g., TEFL/TESL)

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Appreciation for diversity; excellent communication; patient, enthusiastic, analytical, flexible, and solution-oriented; passion for…