Local italy program leader (summer 2026)

Overview Local Italy Program Leader (Summer 2026) – Rustic Pathways is a student travel organization offering experiential education, community service, foreign language, and adventure programs. Our destinations include Fiji, Costa Rica, the Atlas Mountains, the Great Barrier Reef, and more. We emphasize professionalism, safety, and well-being of students and staff, and empower students through responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities.The Position As a Local Program Leader, you live in Italy. 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. We encourage applications from community service professionals, customer service experts, globally conscious travelers, logistics enthusiasts, and youth development facilitators. Rustic Pathways is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups. We value diverse perspectives and experiences among our leaders.Must be safety-oriented, with a passion for experiential education. The position is seasonal.ResponsibilitiesEmbody Rustic Pathways’ mission, vision, and valuesAct as a role model and mentor to studentsProtect the safety of students by abiding by zero-tolerance policies for inappropriate behaviorMonitor and manage student well-beingFollow Rustic Pathways’ protocols while on the programAddress student health issues and communicate action plans with parentsRespond calmly to issues with a focus on customer service and safetyDemonstrate responsible leadership and judgment, including cultural sensitivityCreate positive and inclusive group dynamicsEnsure students understand the history, culture, and context of places visitedModel responsible travel by adhering to sustainability protocolsFacilitate discussions using personal experience and Rustic Pathways guidesServe as primary communicator with local vendors, using the local language as neededCoordinate daily logistics with drivers, guides, and other service providersSupport translation and cultural mediation to enhance cross-cultural understandingJob QualificationsExperienceAt least 2 years in service-learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, customer service, or experiential educationAt least 2 years working with young adults and/or adolescentsAt least 6 months living and/or working in an international, multicultural, or cross-cultural environmentEducationBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent work experienceRequirementsMust be 22 years of age or older before start dateDemonstrated maturity and leadership skillsFluency in English and ItalianBasic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed providerCertifications note: classroom or blended online + classroom training only (online-only certifications not acceptable). Certificates must be submitted to Rustic Pathways at least three weeks before Program Leader training.Working knowledgeAdventure Guiding, Outdoor Education, or Wilderness TherapyTeaching and/or instruction in a multicultural environmentTeaching to non-native English speakersLeadership InstructionCustomer ServiceVolunteer experience (Ameri Corps, Peace Corps, or comparable)Sociology or AnthropologySocial Justice, Immigration, or MigrationEnvironmental or Health-related fields relevant to program contentCommunity Service Coordinator, Surf Instructor, Soccer Coach, Camp CounselorPreferred CertificationsWilderness First ResponderWilderness EMTOcean LifeguardTeaching Certifications (e.g., TEFL/TESL)Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAppreciation for cultural diversityExcellent verbal and non-verbal communicationPatient, enthusiastic, analytical, flexible, and solution-orientedPassion for discussion-based learning and helping students reflect on experiencesUnderstanding of experiential education and travel value for high school studentsValuing parental communication for high school travelEager to learn from colleagues and collaborateMaintain excellence under pressure and changing conditionsLocation Ability to work in Italy for at least 1–8 consecutive weeks at a time. Start date determined by mandatory in-person training dates, which pensation The weekly rate for this position is between $400 to $500 per week (rate determined by years of Rustic Pathways program leader experience).Equal Employment Opportunity Rustic Pathways is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or other characteristics protected by law.At-Will Notice Each employee is employed “at will,” meaning either the Company or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without advanced notice. No one can modify this at-will relationship except by a written contract signed by the CEO or designee.