Become a Youth Program Leader

These highly demanding positions require a significant amount of stamina, positivity, teamwork, flexibility, diplomacy, initiative, as well as experience working with high school students. The successful candidates will have at least the following qualifications:

• Proven commitment to young people
  Candidates must enjoy interacting with teenagers: being with them 24/7; building positive and empowering relationships that bridge the ‘adult’-‘teenager’ divide; and supporting adolescent dynamics including relationships, health needs and other developmental concerns.
  
  
• Education experience, preferably with high school age students
  Teaching, training, or facilitation background in formal K-12 public, private, or in alternative educational environments, such as summer programs/camps, study abroad trip leading, mentoring, outdoor/experiential education or expeditions, arts programs, etc.
  
  
• Commitment to conflict transformation, inter-group dialogue and leadership education
  Demonstrated by related work in the field, relevant study at undergraduate or graduate level, or prior peace education work.
  
  
• Strong awareness of and interest in U.S. politics, civics, social issues, and global issues
  Community engagement or some form of prior activism work is highly preferred.
  
  
• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills
  Ability and willingness to deliver and at times create workshops and engage in lively discussions with teenagers and adult mentors.
  
  
• Cross-cultural experience
  Traveled outside of their home country, and/or have spent time immersed in a different cultural context, preferably one that required language study and skills.
  
  
• Humility and a willingness to learn
  Perceptive and intuitive self-awareness is crucial. Must be willing to learn new skills and ask for help when needed.
  
  
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.
  Unfortunately, given the condensed timeline of our hiring process and the fact that the leader positions are short-term assignments, we are unable to sponsor work authorization for potential candidates.  All candidates who are not currently authorized to work in the U.S. must obtain and provide proof of work authorization valid through October 2022 before we can consider your application for employment.
  
  
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
  Must be obtained by June 1, 2023 and valid through September 1, 2023. Wilderness First Aid, WRF, WEMT, Water Safety, and Life-guard certifications are highly valued. Youth Program leaders must obtain certification at their own expense.
  
  
• At least 21 years of age
  Applicants must be 21 or older by June 1, 2023.
  
  
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
  Many staff, but not all, will be required to drive with participants in 12-passenger vans and/or rental cars or SUVs as part of the role, and as such must have a valid US driver’s license.
  
  
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
  
  
• Physical ability to participate fully in the planned activities of your assigned program
  All programs include physical activities which require leaders’ full participation to ensure participant safety and experience. On program, leaders may be expected to help carry/transport suitcases and bags, participate in activities like a ropes course or zip lining, walk for long stretches of time each day, and lift/carry program materials and large containers of water for participants.  Many of our programs also include outdoor physical activities such as hiking and swimming.
  
  
• Complete availability for the duration of your assigned program and Staff Training in Brattleboro, Vermont
  
  
• Willingness and ability to complete post-program evaluations and reports
  
  
• Candidates must have skills, interest, and preferably past teaching experience in at least two of the following four areas:
  
  
  • GLOBAL and CURRENT ISSUES
    Proven interest, direct lived experience, and preferably prior teaching experience with global issues.
    
    
  • LEADERSHIP SKILLS
    Including public speaking, listening, project design, group facilitation, activism, mediation, fundraising and public relations, logistics planning, strategic questioning.
    
    
  • ARTS
    Drama, crafts, poetry, music, visual arts, murals, dance, storytelling, etc.
    
    
  • OUTDOOR SKILLS
    Including teambuilding activities, sports instruction (volleyball, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee etc.), canoeing and kayaking, hiking, low and high ropes courses, camping, orienteering etc. Comfort with spending time and working outdoors is strongly recommended but not required.

Candidates with an exceedingly high degree of motivation to work with youth and their adult mentors are encouraged to apply. These highly competitive and demanding positions require a significant amount of stamina, positivity, teamwork, flexibility, diplomacy, initiative, as well as extensive cross-cultural experience. Responsibilities of these multifaceted positions include teaching and facilitation, as well a great deal of behind-the-scenes support work. Responsibilities and tasks include the following:

Education and Facilitation

• Teach workshops on a wide range of topics including arts and leadership;
• Facilitate small-group discussions and dialogue groups;
• Co-lead teambuilding activities;
• Co-facilitate and participate in large-group simulations and role-plays;
• Speak with confidence and clarity in front of groups of 75 or more on a daily basis;
• Prepare workshops, simulations, and discussions in short amounts of time;
• Design new program components on the fly to accommodate participant interests;
• Facilitate “Leaders of the Day” groups.

Participant Life

• Pay close attention to participant needs, group dynamics, issues and problems;
• Monitor participant health needs, and facilitate medical attention if required;
• Nurture and foster the development of positive, supportive relationships among the participants;
• Live on campus, in the same dorms as participants during programming. Key U.S. site locations include Vermont and Washington, DC, among others;
• Maintain positive, harmonious, and healthy living conditions;
• Gather participants into their own dorms 15 minutes before room check;
• Conduct room checks each evening;
• Ensure that all dorm and program rules are respected by all participants;
• Mediate and diffuse roommate and other participant disputes and tensions;
• Facilitate participants’ timely arrival at activities;
• Travel on planes and buses with participants

Outdoor and Physical

• Spend significant time outside – in sun, rain, mud, storms, buggy areas, woods, rivers, etc;
• Instruct and supervise sports electives;
• Accompany participants on all off-campus activities and community field trips;
• Leaders may be asked to swim in rivers, paddle a canoe, and kayak on flat water.

Administrative

• Attend all program components as described in weekly staff schedules;
• Attend regular staff meetings;
• Do supply runs to the store at all hours of the day and night;
• Maintain timely and accurate petty cash accounting;
• Drive 8 or 12 passenger vans and pick-up trucks, and do airport runs;
• Take pictures with digital cameras, help manage photo storage, slideshows, etc.;
• Complete and submit a travel expense report;
• Complete and submit a program evaluation;
• Provide voice, text and photo updates to program team while traveling in host community;
• Other duties, as assigned.

• New leaders receive $110 per program day, plus full room and board. Return leaders receive $115 per program day, plus full room and board. Note: Leaders are on World Learning payroll, and income is taxable; no staff can be independent contractors.
  
  
• World Learning covers leaders’ program-related travel expenses including: up to one round-trip domestic travel reservation from your nearest major airport, train station, or bus station, depending on your location, to Staff Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and back to your nearest major airport, train station, or bus station after the program. World Learning does not cover the cost of leaders’ transportation to/from their nearest major airport, train, or bus station for travel to/from their domestic flight/train/bus trip. (*Only applicable for leaders within the contiguous U.S. World Learning will reimburse leaders based outside of the contiguous U.S. up to $200 each way for their international travel costs—flight, train, hotel, etc.—to help offset their travel expenses, for a total of up to $400.)
  
  
• Leaders receive immersive Staff Training in late June. Room and board during this intensive professional development training is provided, but it is not paid time.
  
  
• Program itineraries are planned in advance, allowing leaders to focus their energy and skills on fostering participant growth, leading workshops, managing group dynamics, and facilitating experiential learning and reflection.
  
  
• Workers compensation is provided; there is no medical insurance available with these positions.
  
  
• Leaders gain new colleagues and friends as they become part of World Learning’s network of educators, development professionals, and alumni that spans 85+ years and 60+ countries.
  
  
• After leaders have worked one program summer, they are eligible to be hired for the youth programs which occur during the rest of the year.

• Personal Information
• Background
• Education
• Short Essay Questions
• Biography
• References
• Resume

In addition to fulfilling responsibilities required of all leaders, the Senior Program Leader position takes on increased responsibility and administrative support in collaboration with the Program Officer before and during the in-person exchange. The Senior Program Leader will be based in Brattleboro, Vermont, or Washington, DC, during the host community segment (location will be assigned depending on the program).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience leading a World Learning Youth Program
• Strong administrative skills
• High attention to detail
• Prior experience managing and training staff members
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Flexible and adaptable to change
• Passion for youth programming
• Understanding of experiential education pedagogy
• Familiarity with SIT Campus in Brattleboro, VT
• Familiarity with Washington, DC
• Availability to complete pre-program responsibilities (in person in Brattleboro, VT, or Washington, DC) for three days prior to Staff Training or assigned program start date

Responsibilities:

Complete administrative tasks during pre-program portion of employment:

• Liaise with Program Officer to learn ins-and-outs of assigned program, including curriculum
• Prepare program information to share with leaders and support Program Officer with pre-program staff team preparations and communication
• Design and prepare for Program Team Meetings during Staff Training/program prep days
• Develop plan for tasks during program prep days
• Supporting preparation of orientation segment logistics
• Other duties, as assigned

Provide logistical and management support during the orientation segment of the program:

• Field questions from staff members related to World Learning Youth Programs policies, travel logistics, leader responsibilities, and finance reconciliation
• Support Program Officer in facilitation of daily Staff Meetings
• Observe workshops facilitated by leaders and take notes to share with Program Officer for leader
• Work with Program Officer to finalize synthesis segment schedule and begin to coordinate logistics, as necessary
• Provide logistical support (such as ground transportation logistics, classroom coordination, schedule management, etc.), as necessary
• Coordinate expense tracking and leader per diem
• Other duties, as assigned

Provide on-call and logistical support for leaders during the host community/institution segment of the program:

• Checking in with leaders and collecting reports on Host Community/institution programming, participant dynamics any other emergency updates for providing reports to Program Officer for funder updates
• Supporting any emerging incidents as directed by the Program Officer
  • Updating the Incident Reporting Tool (IRT) with reported incidents from leaders
  • Providing coaching for leaders on their role in host community/institution and guiding them through situations as they arise
• Preparing for synthesis segment, including coordinating logistics such as
  • classroom preparation
  • ground transportation,
  • meal reservations, and
  • staff schedules
• Other duties, as assigned

Provide logistical and management support during the synthesis segment of the program:

• Support Program Officer in facilitation of daily Staff Meetings
• Help prepare leaders for completing their post-program responsibilities, including travel expense reports and evaluations
• Coordinate day-to-day logistics with team
  • Staff scheduling, including both duties and time off schedules
  • Facilitate and manage daily staff meetings
  • Review daily schedule and priorities, including, but not limited to – communications needs, photography, activity coverage, logistics updates
  • Keep track of time off schedules and meals provided to staff for the expense reconciliation per diem worksheet
  • Coordinate meetings between leaders and Operations Coordinator for finance reconciliation
• Coordinate and prepare staff, participants, and materials for workshops, field trips, and evening activities
  • Check in with activity point people – make sure they are clear and prepared
  • Support streamlining communication – updating Program Officer when needed
  • Liaise with Program Officer and/or lodging venue on meeting room needs, beyond what is already scheduled
  • Confirm site visit/meeting timing with local resources
  • Coordinate group transportation needs in Washington, DC
  • Assist with communication of announcements between Program Officer and staff team (streamlining comm)
• Manage all dietary needs/issues of participants (including coordination with cafeteria)
• Other duties, as assigned

Compensation: $125 per day

How to Apply: Submit a youth program leader application and indicate interest in being considered for the senior leader position. Applicants will learn more about the position and next steps throughout the hiring process.

October  – Application Available Online
The application for program leaders will be available online in late October.

October to January – Accepting Applications
World Learning Youth Exchange accepts program leader applications on a rolling basis between November and January. The people operations team will begin reviewing applications during this time period.

December – Early Bird Application Deadline
Program leader applicants are invited to submit their applications by the December 11, 2022 (11:59pm EST) early bird deadline. Both return and first-time program leader applicants are eligible to submit early bird applications; however, the people operations team will only review return leader applications at that time. Applicants who have not led a program with us in the past can expect for their application to be reviewed after the general application deadline.

January – Application Deadline
Program leader applications will be accepted through January 31, 2023 (11:59pm EST).

February to April – Application Review and Interview Period
During this time, the people operations team will review leader applications and will begin contacting qualified applicants to schedule interviews. The interview process may include two separate interviews: a preliminary self-recorded “one-way” interview and a live second-round interview with a member of the people operations team. Candidates being considered for the senior program leader position can expect a third interview, and a language check may be included for the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program: Arabic.

April to May – Hiring and Leader Onboarding
Selected applicants will receive offer letters for program leader positions. While potential program placements will be discussed with applicants during the interview process, exact program placements are typically included with the leader’s offer letters. Leaders will complete the required hiring paperwork, be introduced to their teammates, and engage in several pre-training responsibilities, all of which can be completed remotely.

Mid to Late June – Staff Training
All leaders are required to attend the entirety of Staff Training in mid to late June 2023, which takes place on the World Learning campus in Brattleboro, Vermont. We will share more information about Staff Training dates during the application process. Leaders will travel to Vermont on the first day of Staff Training and when Staff Training concludes most leaders will travel directly from Vermont to travel to their group’s US departure airport. Some leaders may have several days’ or weeks’ break between the end of training and the start of their assigned program and will either stay on the World Learning campus or travel home.

Staff Training provides leaders with a professional development opportunity in intercultural training which will prepare them to implement successful programs using World Learning’s experiential learning pedagogy. Leaders will be trained on effective leadership practices, how to monitor participants’ safety and welfare, and how to administer the program logistics and budget. Leaders will benefit from the insight of past and present leaders as well as World Learning’s professional network.

July–August – World Learning Youth Programs
World Learning Youth Programs are from two to four weeks in length, with some beginning immediately after Staff Training and others beginning later in the summer. More information about program dates will be provided throughout the application process.

August to September – Post Program Responsibilities
Leaders work with the Youth Exchange Operations team to provide feedback and evaluations on their program, including submission of finances and written reports due within two weeks of their program’s conclusion. All post-program responsibilities can be completed remotely.

How much do I design the exchange structure and curriculum?
The programs are actually year-long and the exchange design has been in the works for months prior to the student’s arrival. The design is based on previous years’ experience and World Learning pedagogy. Many workshops have curriculum already developed. Leaders will be given curriculum and asked to update it to the students’ context and their particular skills. The full-time program team will review the different pieces and is responsible for overall curriculum flow. The leaders will be teaching constantly on the program, in between and during workshops. They are closest to the students and their experience and will be able to advocate for and shape any changes in approach throughout the week collaboratively with the team.

What does time off look like? How much will I work in a day?
During the orientation and synthesis segments, leaders have between two and three chunks of time off per segment that are coordinated with the rest of team. The team is responsible for the students 24/7 and will trade off evening bed checks and morning wake-ups. You will be working long days. During those working hours your responsibility level will vary depending on how many workshops you are leading and how the team chooses to split tasks, including following up with individual participants.

During the host community segment, traveling leaders are expected to accompany the group’s program activities scheduled and coordinated by the host community partner, typically between around 8:30am and 5:30pm, oftentimes arriving early and staying late to accompany participants. During time not scheduled by the program (most evenings and most weekend days), participants will be with host families, and traveling leaders have personal time (individual lodging is provided by World Learning). While this segment of the program can be slower-paced and more restful for leaders, traveling leaders are always on-call during the host community segment, and should be prepared at all times to meet up with participants if necessary.

We understand that leaders have multi-faceted lives that sometimes require personal tasks outside of program responsibilities. However, past leaders have reported that they found it challenging to balance extensive outside responsibilities, such as applying for jobs or working on a master’s or PhD program.

Where do leaders stay during Staff Training and program?
During Staff Training, leaders stay in the shared dormitories on the World Learning campus, and should expect to share a room with at least one other leader. During the orientation segment of the program, leaders should expect to have their own dorm room, but will be staying in a building with participants (this may differ slightly for orientation segments that take place in location other than Brattleboro, Vermont). During the host community segment of the program, leaders should expect to have private lodging provided for them (typically in an AirBnB). On programs where there are two traveling leaders, they can expect to share that lodging. On some occasions, leaders may stay with friends or family in their assigned host city. During the synthesis segment of the program, leaders should expect to share a room with other leaders, and will stay in the same location as the participants.

How long has the program been in process before the temporary leaders join? What happens after?
At least 5 months of preparation have occurred before the exchange. After the exchange the students will be implementing community projects with the support of their adult mentors with a deadline of 6 months to 1 year after the exchange.

Do I have to speak the language of the students?
No, our programs are conducted in English and students are encouraged to speak it as much as possible to get the added benefit of language immersion. *IYLEP Arabic requires applicants to have Arabic language skills. Interpretation and translation skills are highly preferred.

Who are the participants?
Youth Programs participants are active in their communities and interested in increasing understanding across cultures. Many are from underserved populations that could not afford an international experience without a similar program. Programs may have Adult Mentor participants as well. These adults come from various walks of life, but have experience working with youth (in the classroom, community groups, etc.) and are interested in gaining deeper understanding in how to mentor and support young people in their own communities. Youth participants are between 15 and 18 years old; and Adult Mentors tend to be 25 years old or older. *IYLEP Undergraduate participants are between 21 and 24 years old.

Do I have to be a certain age to qualify for this job?
All hired leaders must be 21 years old by June 1, 2022. There is no age limit and we encourage everyone to apply.

Do I have to have outdoor technical skills?
No, while we spend time outside and are active, there is no technical skill required for this exchange for outdoor sports or adventuring.

I have x religion/allergy/disability, can I apply?
Yes. We know that this job requires stamina during long, energy-driven days, but it is also highly collaborative and planned to each staff’s needs and skills. We are more than happy to work with you to make sure your needs are met during the program. This may include specific time off, meals created separately, or a shift in how a task can be accomplished. It is the goal of World Learning and its partners to ensure the full and equal participation of everybody regardless of gender, race, sexual preference, disability or otherwise. It is our policy to make necessary, reasonable accommodations to ensure that our programs are accessible by both students and staff.

Do you have a question not answered on this webpage?
Contact [email protected].
Please note: We request that applicants contact us via email and not phone; due to our small staff and the large volume of applications we receive, we cannot field inquiry calls.