Local Italy Program Leader

Overview<br>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.<br>The Position<br>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.<br>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.<br>Must be safety-oriented, with a passion for experiential education. The position is seasonal.<br>Responsibilities<br>Embody Rustic Pathways’ mission, vision, and values<br>Act as a role model and mentor to students<br>Protect the safety of students by abiding by zero-tolerance policies for inappropriate behavior<br>Monitor and manage student well-being<br>Follow Rustic Pathways’ protocols while on the program<br>Address student health issues and communicate action plans with parents<br>Respond calmly to issues with a focus on customer service and safety<br>Demonstrate responsible leadership and judgment, including cultural sensitivity<br>Create positive and inclusive group dynamics<br>Ensure students understand the history, culture, and context of places visited<br>Model responsible travel by adhering to sustainability protocols<br>Facilitate discussions using personal experience and Rustic Pathways guides<br>Serve as primary communicator with local vendors, using the local language as needed<br>Coordinate daily logistics with drivers, guides, and other service providers<br>Support translation and cultural mediation to enhance cross-cultural understanding<br>Job Qualifications<br>Experience<br>At least 2 years in service-learning, tourism, outdoor leadership, youth mentorship, customer service, or experiential education<br>At least 2 years working with young adults and/or adolescents<br>At least 6 months living and/or working in an international, multicultural, or cross-cultural environment<br>Education<br>Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR equivalent work experience<br>Requirements<br>Must be 22 years of age or older before start date<br>Demonstrated maturity and leadership skills<br>Fluency in English and Italian<br>Basic CPR and First Aid certification from a licensed provider<br>Certifications 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.<br>Working knowledge<br>Adventure Guiding, Outdoor Education, or Wilderness Therapy<br>Teaching and/or instruction in a multicultural environment<br>Teaching to non-native English speakers<br>Leadership Instruction<br>Customer Service<br>Volunteer experience (AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or comparable)<br>Sociology or Anthropology<br>Social Justice, Immigration, or Migration<br>Environmental or Health-related fields relevant to program content<br>Community Service Coordinator, Surf Instructor, Soccer Coach, Camp Counselor<br>Preferred Certifications<br>Wilderness First Responder<br>Wilderness EMT<br>Ocean Lifeguard<br>Teaching Certifications (e.g., TEFL/TESL)<br>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities<br>Appreciation for cultural diversity<br>Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication<br>Patient, enthusiastic, analytical, flexible, and solution-oriented<br>Passion for discussion-based learning and helping students reflect on experiences<br>Understanding of experiential education and travel value for high school students<br>Valuing parental communication for high school travel<br>Eager to learn from colleagues and collaborate<br>Maintain excellence under pressure and changing conditions<br>Location<br>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 vary.<br>Compensation<br>The weekly rate for this position is between $400 to $500 per week (rate determined by years of Rustic Pathways program leader experience).<br>Equal Employment Opportunity<br>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.<br>At-Will Notice<br>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.<br>#J-18808-Ljbffr