Program Leader, Costa Rica Dominican

Overview

Program Leader, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic (2026) – Dominican Republic and/or Costa Rica for at least 4-10 consecutive weeks at a time (start date determined by mandatory in-person training dates, which varies by country operation).

As a Program Leader, you are the local ambassador of the country of operation. Your primary responsibility is the care and well-being of our participants while they travel. You are a primary responder in all escalated situations, incidents and emergencies. In partnership with your co-leader, you’ll collaborate to create a safe and successful program experience for all Offbeat Travel participants. You’ll work directly with local leaders, community partners, activity operators and Offbeat Travel managers.

You are a liaison between the program experience and all stakeholders, providing trip updates and managing communication with parents, the global Offbeat Travel team and their partners. Offbeat Travel is committed to increasing diversity in our staff and recognizes the benefit of having a diverse, inclusive work environment. We actively encourage those from equity-seeking groups to apply.

Must be safety oriented, with a passion for travel. The position requires a lot of physical and emotional stamina. This is a seasonal position.

• Represent the host country in a positive and professional manner. Serving as an ambassador for the local culture, history and its people.
• Embody Offbeat Travel’s integrity and values.
• Act as a role model and mentor to participants.
• Protect the safety of participants and children by abiding by our policy for inappropriate behavior.
• Monitor and manage student well-being.
• Follow Offbeat Travel’s protocols while on program, including safety and hygiene protocols.
• Address any student health issues and communicate action plans with parents and management.
• Respond calmly to issues as they arise with a focus on customer service and safety.
• Demonstrate responsible leadership and judgment, including cultural sensitivity.
• Create positive and inclusive group dynamics.
• Partner with International Program Leaders to ensure participants understand the history, culture, and context of the places you visit.
• Model responsible travel by adhering to Offbeat Travel's sustainability protocols.
• Facilitate discussions drawing from your own personal experience and Offbeat Travel's discussion guides.

Experience:

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

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent work experience.

Requirements:

• Must be 22 years of age or older by date of application.
• Demonstrated maturity and leadership skills.
• Professional working proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Basic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed provider. Certifications must ONLY be obtained through classroom or a blended online + classroom training. Online-only certifications are not acceptable. Certificates must be submitted to Offbeat Travel at least three weeks prior to the start of Program Leader training.
• Fluency in Spanish required for Costa Rica and Dominican Republic.
• Professional working proficiency in Haitian Creole is a plus for the Dominican Republic.
• Professional working experience and/or passion for conservation, environmental science and these topics.
• Surf instructors with a desire to positively impact our participants and leadership skills.

Working knowledge:

• Adventure Guiding, Outdoor Education or Wilderness Therapy.
• Teaching and/or instruction, specifically middle school or high school, in a multicultural environment.
• Teaching (any subject) to non-native English speakers.
• Leadership Instruction.
• Volunteering with Ameri Corps, Peace Corps and/or national service or comparable positions.
• Sociology or Anthropology.
• Social Justice, Immigration or Migration.
• Marine Biology, Environmental Studies, Conservation or Wildlife…