Group Leader

About the role...

The most consequential element of any Road Scholar program is the Group Leader. As the foundation and often only consistent variable of the program experience, the Group Leader performance drives the quality of the program. Ultimately, the primary role of a Road Scholar Group leader is to ensure the group experiences all program elements in a fluid, meaningful, and enjoyable way. From beginning to end, the Group Leader oversees all essential academic and non-academic features. The Group Leader is expected to support with delivering educational talks and experiences and tying together the overall theme of the program. Following are the main responsibilities (additional duties may be assigned by Road Scholar):

You will...

Pre-Program Responsibilities:

• Prior to the program start date, the Group Leader and Road Scholar will hold a pre-program briefing

• Review PIFs (Participant Information Forms) and relevant Program Information
• Send Pre Program Email to participants (optional)

On-Site Program Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all logistics and responsible for supporting educational delivery and quality including but not limited to:
• Airport meet & greet (when transfer is included); facilitate hotel check-in and registration.
• Reconfirm vendors & included activities (instructors, local guides, coach, restaurants, etc.).
• Conduct Orientation and Farewell Briefings and Daily Wrap-up Briefings
• Listening Device Management.
• Accompany participants to all scheduled program activities and be available 24-7.
• Enhance “free time” opportunities through providing suggestions and organize group dining opportunities.
• Liaise with local guides and instructors to ensure content is presented in a clear and relevant manner and to drive Q&A and educational impact with participants.
• Disbursement of payment to vendors (including tips) and manage program budget.
• Anticipate and resolve program issues on site. Issues to include participant attitude, mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, vendor cancellations, missed activities, weather events. This should be done in close liaison with Road Scholar.
• Follow established emergency procedures and elevate issues to Road Scholar as necessary.
• Adhere to Road Scholar branding guidelines regarding use of Road Scholar apparel & signage.

You need...

• Group leadership experience in an educational and/or travel program environment; prior Elderhostel/Road Scholar experience preferred as well as experience working with individuals 55 and handling different levels of physical ability preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience strongly preferred.
• Preferably lives in the program destination/region or has an intimate knowledge of the destination.
• Strong leadership skills to build group cohesion.
• Sets clear expectations to participants.
• Empowered to enhance impact of educational experiences.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and excellent command of English.
• Ability to work with a team and collaborate and share best practices.
• Should be capable of operating basic AV functions (setting up laptop/projector for lectures).
• Have access to reliable cell phone, capable of texting and/or emails. Road Scholar cannot require Group Leaders to have a Smart Phone, or similar, but it is our expectation that your cell phone has these capabilities.

Road Scholar offers a remote-first work environment with the option to work at one of the local campuses as needed. Road Scholar currently has a mandate in place with regards to working on site, attending events and/or programs. Employees are required to show proof vaccination status, including the 2 COVID-19 vaccinations and the booster.

Road Scholar supports diversity in our staff, participants and programs.