Regional Field Lead, Central & South America

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We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!

Our people make all the difference in our success. 

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

• REPORTS TO: Bradyn Wolf, Regional Director
• LOCATION: Berkeley, CA or Costa Rica (with appropriate work authorization)
• LENGTH OF SEASON: Full-time, year-round
• REGIONS COVERED: Costa Rica, Peru, Belize/Guatemala, Colombia plus additional new trip development support outside these regions. Regions listed are subject to change from season to season based on growth and demand. 

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Regional Field Lead (or RL, previously known as the Regional Coordinator) is a Trip Development (TD) role responsible for meeting critical company deliverables as they relate to TD, including but not limited to coordination and mentorship of TE’s, overseeing trip logistics, maintaining vendor relations, sub-contractor relationships, ensuring Softrip/Ascent updates are timely and accurate, and reviewing associated trip materials. RL’s primary focus is trip quality and operational oversight of their regions, supporting Regional Directors (RD, previously known as Regional Managers) on trip quality and accuracy, hotel service agreements, crisis management, scheduling, custom/private trips and new trip development. RLs work closely with Regional Directors and Trip Experts to successfully manage trip and regional logistics for a designated segment of trips. RLs are a vital link between the office and field and across departments, working within Trip Development and partnering closely with the Leader Development and Operations teams. A high degree of organization, attention to detail, self-motivation, creativity, coordination and leadership is required to carry out the responsibilities of this position along with a focus on timely execution of defined processes.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise Trip Experts in critical quality decisions, timely execution of Softrip updates, and delivery of all TD guest and leader facing materials. 
• Mentor Trip Experts including providing feedback, mentoring performance, completing Mid-Season Check Ins and End of Season Reviews.
• Host village meetings to help connect leaders to company, provide informational tips, and foster good morale.
• Serve as vital communication link between field and office. Keep up with company and departmental communication – transmit/translate/reiterate for Field Staff as needed.
• Recruit, review applications, and make hiring recommendations for Field Experts, with a focus on TE applicants
• Onboard and train new TEs in region
• Provide real time crisis management for on-trip issues including supporting the weekend on-call team
• Provide high-level support for Field Staff in the region, with LD Managers and LDLs.
• Proactively look for ways to improve trip quality. Review and respond to guest, leader and staff feedback.  Provide feedback and ideas to RD(s). Plan, create and update all aspects of trip quality and design, including research and presearch, for designated trips by mentoring and working closely with Trip Experts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure smooth operations. Foster positive community relations including in National Parks where applicable.
• Help provide hotel and activity solutions for desired trip capacity, working closely with RD and hotels team.
• Respond in a timely manner to private trip requests if needed. Work closely with Private Trips Team, researchers, and all partners to insure the best possible experience for guests.
• Provide guidance to the Scheduling Team on Field Expert Schedules

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  

• Experience in Trip Development or prior Trip Expert or Regional Expert experience required.
• Extensive Trip Leading experience in the area preferred and understanding of Backroads’ service ethic.
• Strong understanding of TE Program
• Experience in Leadership Development as a mentor is strongly preferred
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including proven feedback skills via FTR feedback on trips and with co-leaders
• Analytical skills preferred but not required
• Ability to multi-task and handle a multitude of details associated with trip planning; meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong relationship coordination and problem-solving skills
• Cost management abilities
• Systems and database skills 
• Understanding the connection from office to trip to leader to guest, and ensuring quality at every step is paramount
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, & Word
• Excellent verbal communication skills including training and speaking in front of groups
• Spanish language proficiency required

ELIGIBILITY, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Compensation to be determined based on experience and qualifications
• Regions listed are subject to change from season to season based on growth and demand.
• Eligible to lead 1-3 trips annually, as agreed upon by your RD(s)
• Eligible to join our group medical, dental, and vision plans
• Backroads will cover vehicle, accommodation and some food costs for business purposes when conducting field visits or traveling for work. You are responsible for providing your own housing, vehicle, & food when working from your base.
• US or Costa Rica Work authorization required.

 APPLICATION DETAILS:

• Please apply via Workday, including a cover letter explaining why you are interested and your qualifications as well as your resume
• Reach out to Daysha Lichty - Senior Manager, Field Expert Program, or Bradyn Wolf - Regional Director of Central & South America, with questions
• Application deadline is March 6, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.