Jobs at visions
Applications Are Open for Summer 2027 Program Leader Positions
Overview
VISIONS leaders are the heart of our service programs, which have been changing lives for nearly four decades.
We hire exceptional people who want to make a positive difference in the world through hard work and by being strong role models. Our leaders naturally put the needs of students, teammates, and the community first, and they find real fulfillment in serving others and doing excellent work.
Leader teams often include outdoor educators, teachers, grad students, returned Peace Corps Volunteers, adventurers, and others who know that the most immersive work is often the most rewarding. We value life skills and practical skills alike, from logistics and meal planning to construction and communication.
“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
JOB DESCRIPTION
VISIONS leaders guide groups of diverse teenagers, far from home, through a summer of service, cultural immersion, and adventure. It’s one of the hardest jobs you’ll ever love: long days, communal living, and round-the-clock responsibility from the day you arrive until the day you leave. If that sounds like a challenge you’re excited to take on, read on.
What Leaders Do
Leaders create a safe, fun, and meaningful experience for participants, and help them reflect on and grow from it, guided by VISIONS core values. You’ll spend your days alongside teens at project sites, cultural activities, and outings, both participating in and supervising every part of the program.
Leaders also carry forward relationships VISIONS has built in our host communities over many years. That means representing us well with local partners and showing genuine respect for local cultural norms.
At homebase, leaders live with the group and keep everything running smoothly, including meals, cleaning, shopping, and more.
This Is Not a 9-to-5
Workdays start before breakfast and end after the teens go to bed. Leaders live and sleep onsite full-time, and this pace continues from the first day of training through the last day of wrap-up. It’s a full commitment for the entire employment period.
logistics
Team Structure: Each team includes one director and several leaders, typically 4–6 staff in total. The director manages the big picture, including scheduling and group meetings. Programs have 15–25 participants, with an average ratio of one leader for every 4–5 teens.
Honcho Roles: Leaders take on roles such as med, food, or project honcho, assigned during training. Regardless of their honcho roles, every leader is also involved in the multi-faceted dimensions of each day and responsible for the supervision and wellbeing of all participants.
Living Situation: Leaders live with participants at homebase, and rotating bunk duties may apply depending on housing. Our homebases are no-frills communal spaces integrated into the host community. They have bathrooms, showers, electricity, and running water, though resources can be intermittent and daily showers aren’t guaranteed.
Driving (Montana): Leaders are the group’s primary drivers. Because driving is a major safety responsibility, we check all driving records.
From start to finish
Pre-Summer: A Zoom session covers the basics and introduces you to your team.
Training and Setup (5–7 days onsite): Before participants arrive, you’ll learn the VISIONS program blueprint and core values, how to create a safe and supportive experience, how to handle a range of scenarios, and how to work as an effective team. You’ll also prepare the program: cleaning and setting up homebase, finalizing activities, meeting local partners, and reviewing participant information. Training days run from morning through evening—full days.
Program: You’ll be fully engaged every day with participants, fellow leaders, and community members. Read more about daily life on a VISIONS program.
Wrap-Up: After participants depart, the team cleans, packs, completes evaluations and paperwork, and closes out the program.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum age 21
- Spanish proficiency (Peru and D.R. programs)
- First Aid and CPR certification (can be completed after hiring)
- Clean driving record (for driving on Montana programs)
Special Qualifications (not required)
- Advanced medical certification (WFR, WFA, EMT, etc.) or lifeguard certification
- Carpentry skills
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
The leaders who thrive at VISIONS are hardworking, high-energy, and genuinely stoked on community living. They put their egos aside, pitch in on whatever needs doing, and put the group’s needs ahead of their own. If you need a lot of personal downtime, this job probably isn’t the right fit.
For the right person, it’s worth every early morning. Leaders consistently tell us it’s the most rewarding job they’ve ever had, and many return summer after summer.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Leaders receive a stipend that increases slightly with each previous VISIONS summer, plus a travel stipend, all-inclusive room, board, and activities, and pro-deal access to outdoor brands. You’ll also build skills that serve you for years in any career: leadership, communication, resilience, work ethic, and relationship building. Most importantly, you’ll mentor young people who are eager to make a meaningful difference in the world.
OUR VALUES, FROM DEI TO THE PLANET
Before applying, please learn more about our mission and values. Any organization that works with people will be a bit messy: we all have flaws, egos, and moments of disconnection from each other and the natural world. We work actively to build bridges and understanding, keep learning, welcome everyone who is on board for a VISIONS experience, and live in greater harmony with the planet.
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?
If you’re ready to give your all, grow your skills, and spend a summer you’ll never forget, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or contact us with questions.
I worked as both a leader and a Program Director for VISIONS, and it changed my life. VISIONS is not like other summer programs – it is evident that the home office has a lot of compassion in establishing connections with community members. Some partners have had a relationship with VISIONS for over 30 years. The projects are crafted in coordination with the communities, and the students want to make a difference. It is fulfilling to mentor them. If you are looking for a job where you can open your eyes to how other parts of the world live, while becoming a better leader and human being, I would highly recommend VISIONS. I felt like a part of the family.
Georgia Calimeres (3 consecutive summers)
LEADERS PAST AND PRESENT
VISIONS Service Adventures has been fortunate to have an exceptional roster of leaders, each contributing uniquely to our mission. Many have returned for multiple seasons and have become part of the heart of our programs. Stacy Bodow, with her sensitive spirit and keen organizational skills, played a pivotal role in enhancing program efficiency and has helped train program directors and leaders for many years. Marvin Mastin, known for his inspiring leadership, empowered teams to make a lasting impact through example and so much heart. Wes Hedden, with his strategic vision, significantly expanded our outreach, and brought his dreams to life in SE Asia. Dov Stucker, a passionate advocate for community engagement, fostered meaningful connections and used his skills to engage his own community at home. Nick Nelson, a dynamic and innovative leader, introduced creative solutions to challenges, and also volunteered his time and carpentry skills in Poland. Stacey Neve, dedicated to fostering inclusivity, ensured diverse perspectives in our initiatives, and shared her passions for meaningful service and cultural immersion. Georgia Calimeres, with her commitment to sustainability, spearheaded environmentally conscious projects.Together, these leaders and others have left an indelible mark on VISIONS, embodying the spirit of service and collaboration.
