What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Expert Program Lead position at Backroads?
Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our success. About The Role The Field Expert (FE) Program Lead drives the strategy, development, and execution of the Trip Expert (TE) program at Backroads. This role is responsible for training design and delivery, communications strategy, performance management, and systems oversight to ensure that TEs deliver consistent high-quality outcomes. The Lead also oversees accountability, escalations, and continuous program improvement, serving as the primary liaison between the field and office teams. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone with previous Trip Expert experience who has strong leadership, communication, and facilitation skills. The Lead plays a key role in shaping program strategy, improving cross-departmental alignment, and enhancing the overall TE experience—well-suited for someone ready to lead at a program level. What You’ll Be Doing Hiring & Onboarding Create and refine onboarding and training materials that accelerate TE development and align with program standards, and partner closely with the Sr. Manager of Trip Development Programs on content Training Strategy & Delivery Design, facilitate, and continually enhance TE training programs (New TE Training, Returning TE Training, Advanced Skills, Spotlight Series, BLUE, and Quality Summit). Evaluate training effectiveness, incorporate feedback, and adapt content to evolving program needs. Communications & Messaging Own TE-facing communication across Teams, SharePoint, newsletters, and email, ensuring clarity, consistency, and engagement. Develop a regular communication cadence to keep TEs informed, supported, and aligned with program priorities. Systems & Resources Maintain and improve TE tools, resources, and deliverable-tracking systems to ensure accessibility and efficiency. Partner with Data Quality and Product teams to identify and implement system enhancements that streamline workflows. Performance & Feedback Monitor TE deliverables, conduct accountability conversations, and provide coaching to maintain quality and compliance. Collaborate with leadership to identify trends, address performance challenges, and celebrate successes. Program Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration Lead initiatives that enhance program quality, scalability, and staff experience through process and training innovations. Partner cross-functionally with Scheduling, Operations, Data Quality, and Supplier Operations to align TE deliverables with broader business needs. What You’ll Need To Be Successful 3 year TE experience Trip Development or Field Expert Program work experience Experience as an LD mentor Strong organizational and time management skills Strong communication abilities – emphasis on attention to detail in formatting and tone Strong facilitation skills Strong leadership, organization, work ethic, time management skills, and ability to prioritize between competing tasks and deadlines. Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines Ability to work autonomously and to collaborate with a team Collaborative, dependable, and solution-oriented - emphasis in cross-functional settings Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) Proficient in Ascent Application Details Reach out to Daysha Lichty with questions I can't imagine a better way to travel the world than under your own power and in the company of like-minded adventurers. Sure, Backroads provides superb accommodations and meals, amazing Trip Leaders and unforgettable local encounters. But whether you’re sticking with the group or breaking off on your own, all of our planning and support are ultimately aimed at one simple thing: giving you the flexibility you need to discover the world on your own terms. Tom Hale, Founder & President