Job Description: Group Leader for Field Studies

Employment

General Information about Duke TIP Field Studies

Duke TIP Domestic Field Studies are open to students in grades 9-12 and International Field Studies are open to students in grades 10-12. These two-week courses meet seven days a week for field work or classroom-style instruction. Class size varies from 18-32 students, supervised by a staff of Instructor and a minimum of two Teaching Assistants (TA)/Residential Counselors (RC). Some Field Studies may also have a Group Leader. Due to the intensive nature of the Field Studies, the Instructor/TA teams are also responsible for residential aspects of the programs and Residential Counselors participate in class room activities.

The Group Leader Position

The Group Leader for a Duke TIP Field Study is the chief administrator and is responsible for smooth and efficient program operations. The Group Leader reports to, and works with, the Assistant Director of Field Studies in the main Duke TIP office before, during, and after the program on components such as housing, dining, student activities, staff training, disciplinary matters, program finances, and logistical coordination with host institutions/sites. The Group Leader maintains high visibility within the program, attending all events/activities/field trips, observing classes, leading staff meetings, and serving as the main student supervisor during all non-class times. In addition, the Group Leader must be available 24 hours each day, 7 days a week to respond to crisis situations. The Group Leader will work with the Instructor(s) to plan daily activities, and will be responsible for coordinating, arranging logistics for, and leading all activities and field trips (as necessary). Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, items listed under Specific Duties.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Experience with high school students in teaching or residential life supervision capacity is strongly preferred, as is experience with programs and/or curricula for academically gifted students and familiarity with the site to which they will be travelling. Strong leadership abilities, supervisory experience, and willingness to accept responsibility as a leader and supervisor of staff are required. Applicants must possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, fiscal management experience, and the ability to work independently. Genuine interest in the academic, social, and emotional growth of adolescents, a positive attitude, and the willingness to serve as a role model for students and staff are necessary components to the role of the Group Leader. Commitment to working as a team player is a must. There is a driving requirement for certain positions at Duke TIP. Eligible drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years old, have an approved driving record on file, and be willing to drive Duke TIP vehicles.

Specific Duties

Before the Program

Read and review training materials sent by Duke TIP before the program begins.
Travel to Duke University for the weekend orientation meeting in April (travel and accommodations are paid).
Contact the Instructor(s) and Teaching Assistant(s)/Residential Counselor(s) to discuss plans for the program.
Assist in the development of the Student Welcome Letter
Write the Student Welcome Letter
Follow up on any missing forms such as waivers or student travel arrangements

During the Program

With the Instructor(s), supervise TAs/RCs, related to their role in instructional and residential supervision of students.
Perform all duties necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the course and the program.
Provide training for all staff members at the beginning of the program and lead meetings with all staff during the program.
Prepare for student arrival to and departure from the program.
Please note: For International Field Studies, staff members are required to meet students in the U.S. departure airport and accompany students to and from the international site.
Be a visible and accessible presence at the site. This includes eating all meals with the students and staff, visiting/observing classes, leading all evening and weekend activities, etc.
Maintain good communication and relations with the primary on-site contact (e.g., hotel or site manager).
Serve as lead disciplinarian on-site, conferring with Coordinator of Educational Programs as needed.
Assume responsibility and maintain a detailed log for petty cash and the disbursements of funds for instructional and recreational activities.
Oversee residential matters for the duration of the program, including transportation, student housing, dining, and recreation.
Organize and oversee the details of program opening and closing, including supervision of pre- and post-term residence hall inspections (if applicable), damage assessments, keys, roommate assignments, etc.
Enforce all program rules and ensure safety of students and staff; report all violations systematically according to procedures. Immediately inform the Assistant Director of Field Studies of important disciplinary, personal, or medical matters relating to students. At that time it will be decided if the GL or the Assistant Director will contact the parent.
Notify parents as soon and as often as possible when rule violations, medical problems, or academic problems appear, and keep a log of all such communications.
Handle any medical problem immediately.
Act as primary contact with parents when deemed appropriate by the Assistant Director of Field Studies.
Work with staff to develop a variety of student activities that are distinctive to and reflective of the Duke TIP experience.
Schedule, organize, and lead all activities and excursions. This may include purchasing tickets for events, arranging transportation, and reserving meeting spaces.
Know the location of the closest medical facility to the site.
Lead evacuation drill at every location.
Some Instructors will be asked to assume responsibilities of GL position (such as petty cash) in programs that do not have a GL.

After Students Depart

The following materials must be returned to the Coordinator of Educational Programs within two weeks of your return from the site:

Detailed written evaluations of the program and staff
The evaluations that students completed before leaving the program
Extra textbooks and Duke TIP-purchased course supplies
Petty cash materials, including the ledger, receipts, and a check for the balance amount (cash will NOT be accepted)
Miscellaneous items such as program cell phones, first aid kits, etc.

General Expectations

Arrive on your contracted start date at the specified time and location.
Perform all contractual duties at the assigned times.
Support the Duke TIP Mission and all administrative decisions.
Abide by all Duke TIP policies and procedures.
Attend all designated orientation sessions and all scheduled meetings during the term.
Field Study staff members are required to live in program-sponsored housing.
Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and seatbelt regulations, when transporting students or driving Duke TIP vehicles for other business purposes. Duke TIP vehicles may not be used for personal errands.
Refrain from the following strictly prohibited activities:

Consuming alcoholic beverages at any time during the program.
Possessing, selling, distributing, or using illegal drugs.
Inviting guests to visit the residence hall (or hotel) or to stay overnight in residence hall rooms/hotels.
Using tobacco products in the residence hall/hotels or in the presence of students.
Using inappropriate language, including profanity, discriminatory statements, and sexual innuendoes.

Maintain professional relationships with all staff members. Relationships and/or conflicts among staff members should never interfere with the proper performance of duties.
Maintain professional relationships with students at all times.
Enforce all student rules fairly and consistently according to the policies outlined in training.
Abide by all policies set forth by the host institution/country.
This position requires a full time commitment. Holding other jobs or taking classes during the contracted time period is prohibited.