Human Connections: Interim Director -- Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico

[Sarah Cohn]

Human Connections is hiring an Interim Director to lead our organization in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico (near Puerto Vallarta). This is a contract-to-hire position that is full time (40 hours/week) and primarily on-site.

Contract Dates:  January - July 2022 with the possibility of extension 

About Human Connections:

Human Connections (HC) is a social enterprise that connects visitors with local people through responsible travel experiences. Based on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, we curate ethical travel programs for international student groups and travelers in the area. These educational experiences foster profound cross-cultural exchange and increased economic opportunities for our local partners. Learn more at humanconnections.org.

 

About the Interim Director Position: 

Human Connections has undergone structural changes as a result of the pandemic’s impact on the travel industry. As we pivot to strengthen, deepen, and expand our Global Engagement Trip (GET) program, it is paramount that we ensure excellence in our itineraries and maintain strong relationships with our existing institutional partners. After two years of putting our in-person programs on hold, Human Connections will be hosting several student groups in Spring 2022. We are seeking an Interim Director to oversee these GETs and, more generally, assume leadership and administration responsibilities for our organization. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience within the international education or travel sector. 

What makes HC unique is our partnership model and the way in which we work with local families. A key part of this role is to develop genuine, personal relationships with our network of local partners, to become familiarized with our community, and to ensure our organizational values are appropriately reflected in our programming. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, define long-term goals to fulfill our mission;

• Ensure efficient and ethical use of the organization's resources and cost-effective operations, overseeing a budget with primarily earned income; 

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including community leaders, academic institutions, and donors;

• Foster a culture of passion and excitement about the vision of the organization.

Programs 

• Manage communications with our existing university partners to support them with currently planned Student Programs;

• Hire local staff, as needed, to execute programs in Mexico for tasks including:  translation, logistics, coordinating with local partners, risk management, etc;

• Oversee outreach and marketing to promote all programs and convert leads; 

• Develop itineraries and budgets for new accounts, potentially developing GETs for non-academic audiences, such as corporate retreats, yoga and wellness retreats, etc.

• Build relationships with new community partners who can work with our GET groups.

Administration  

• In collaboration with our bookkeepers, accountants, and Board of Directors, ensure the good standing of our legal entities;

• Maintain attractive, engaging social media platforms and website content;

• Monitor and report on our social impact;

• Recruit and manage staff as needed to meet our program objectives;

• Maintain efficient operational procedures and HR policies.

SELECTION CRITERIA 

• Leadership experience in either education abroad or the nonprofit sector;

• Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish;

• Entrepreneurial mindset; 

• Experience facilitating educational programs and/or leading trips with young adults;

• Excellent written and oral communication;

• Great organizer with the ability to work independently and juggle multiple projects to meet tight deadlines;

• Demonstrated success with progressive management responsibilities;

• Strong computer skills, particularly with Google products;

• Experience living and working in Mexico;

• Advanced degree in education, international development, nonprofit management, travel, or related field

Compensation: The Interim Director will earn a director-level Mexican salary between $40,000-$50,000 MXN/month ($2,000-$2,500 USD/month equivalent). We also offer other benefits, including a generous vacation policy, a vehicle to use locally, the ability to frequently work remotely, travel benefits, and a flexible schedule. 

To Apply: Please email Jeannie (student...@humanconnections.org) with your resume and cover letter (in English). We will contact qualified candidates to set up an in-person or virtual interview.

Human Connections provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability.