Skip to main content
VOLUNTEER ABROAD OVER 25

Venturer Manager

Be a Venturer Manager on a Raleigh Expedition, supporting young people and local communities on sustainable development projects.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE NEXT INFO EVENT

Sign up
to an online
info event

What is a Venturer Manager?

Our Venturer Managers (VMs) are the driving force behind the Expedition. Experience the satisfaction of seeing the tangible impact of your efforts as projects come to fruition, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change in communities and empowering young adults to become agents of change in their own lives and beyond.

  • Help young Venturers from across the globe to develop their skills and confidence.
  • Gain new experiences and work on impactful hands-on projects.
  • Ensure the programmes run smoothly and effectively.
  • Work alongside permanent country staff and help keep the young volunteers safe whilst on Expedition. 

You’ll need to be 25 or over to apply.

“My experience with Raleigh really change the direction of my life for the better and gave me the confidence to run my own business.”

Tony | Venturer Manager

“It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience.”

Kathy | Venturer Manager

What you need to be a Venturer Manager?

Our Venturer Manager roles are for people over 25s looking to develop their leadership skills and inspire our young people. Expedition will be mentally and physically challenging. You’ll be doing manual labour on our project sites and challenging yourself on the Adventure Trek.

These are the things we’re looking for:

  • You’ll be passionate about creating a lasting impact on the local community and on the Venturers.
  • Being enthusiastic about travel is an added bonus! 
  • The ability to work with a wide range of people, as you’ll be managing international Venturers and local communities.
  • Solution-focused leadership is required when faced with challenges.
  • An engaging style to ensure Venturer participation. 
  • Flexible and adaptable to meet the demands of a fast-paced Expedition environment – on project sites or at Fieldbase.
  • Ready to get stuck in and put the needs of the Expedition first.

The rewards you’ll gain are far greater than the challenges and will positively impact every aspect of your life!

Apply

Available Venturer Manager Roles

If you are age 25-75, we welcome you to apply to join Raleigh Expedition as part of the Venturer Manager Team in one of five roles.

Project Coordinator

Your role will be to facilitate a group of young people aged 17-24 out on the project sites. You will be supporting the team to deliver Raleigh International’s project aims as well as monitoring and coaching the young people to help with their personal development.

Content Creator

Behind every project, every volunteer and every community member Raleigh supports, there is a story to be told. As the Content Creator, you will find these stories and work side-by-side with young people to generate exciting, engaging and high-quality content for Raleigh’s communications channels.

Photographer

Your primary role will be to identify and document powerful stories through photography and film. You will work alongside the volunteer content creator officer to gather visual content for our communications channels.

Project Coordinator - Wellbeing lead

You will support young people with their mental health and wellbeing throughout their Expedition ensuring they feel safe and secure in an environment outside of their comfort zone as a Project Coordinator – Wellbeing lead.

Logistics Coordinator

As the Logistics Officer, you will be essential to the smooth running of the programme. Your role is to ensure all food, equipment and materials are coordinated and supplied for volunteer teams at their project sites.

Expedition Medic

Use your skills as a doctor, nurse or paramedic while supporting young people on life-changing Expeditions. Develop your medical and leaderships skills whilst working in remote locations, supporting young people’s development and creating change where it is needed most.

*Costa Rica only

Deputy Operations Manager

Lead a team of Venturer Managers to support young people on an Expedition of a lifetime, while supporting the operational running of the Raleigh programme

Why choose Raleigh International?

Being a Venturer Manager on Raleigh Expedition is a unique opportunity to work alongside and support young people and partner with local communities to create lasting change.

Raleigh Expedition is your chance to practically build your skills that could boost your career and life whilst working on meaningful projects in a unique environment.

Our projects are developed in partnership with communities and local organisations to ensure we are creating change that lasts. And by making young people the focus, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and experience to achieve this in the long term.

With over 40 years of experience running expeditions, you will be part of a global community of over 55,000 alumni.

“One of the best aspects has been watching young people develop.”

Greg | Venturer Manager

Projects in Costa Rica

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Trek.

Community Phase

 

Improve access to education in indigenous communities

Raleigh Costa Rica partners with indigenous communities so Venturers can help work on projects to improve the facilities including primary and secondary schools.

For example: The Alto and Bajo Chirripó Indigenous Territory is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. There are low levels of school attendance, high levels of illiteracy, and high levels of poverty. One of the key barriers to culturally appropriate development is a lack of education due to poor facilities and difficult access. Venturers work on building school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics like waste management and climate action.

Environmental phase

 

Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity and has committed to sustainable biodiversity management.

Protected areas preserving ecosystems are the foundation of its conservation efforts. Raleigh Venturers support The National System of Conservation Areas mission to protect Costa Rican biodiversity by:

Supporting park rangers and aiding in infrastructure maintenance and wildlife research within national parks and private reserves.

Collaborating with local communities to expand environmental knowledge and hold workshops on topics like waste management and reforestation.

Adventure Challenge

 

Led by specialist Raleigh staff and Venturer Managers, you’ll trek approximately 260 km through varying landscapes – rainforest, mountainous and rural community areas. 

Trek takes you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!

Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

Example itinerary for Costa Rica

Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to Costa Rica. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.

Download a guide

Arrive at San José airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (4-7 days)

Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (18-19 days)

Venturers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. Your accommodation will mostly likely be a school or community building and use the facilities attached to it (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Adventure Trek (18 – 19 days)

On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping in mountainous areas and sleeping under the stars to bunking in a community centre.

Environmental Phase (18 – 19 days)

Venturers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Projects in South Africa

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Trek.

Community Phase

This community-led project is focused around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment. 

You will work on these solutions from the ground up, partnered with the community and a local NGO, Nourish Eco Village. Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens, playgrounds and essential infrastructure.

You will get the chance to interact with local community members and children, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 12 official languages of South Africa).

Environmental Phase

This phase will significantly contribute to the restoration of a thriving habitat within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve. 

You will be involved in invasive plant removal, combating soil erosion and bush encroachment, conducting snare sweeps, litter picks and road clearing. All of this will help accelerate the restoration of the wilderness.

The work will be physical, dirty, and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Adventure Challenge

Supported by our local experienced trek facilitators and Raleigh leaders, your trek will take you through incredible landscapes and biomes, with stunning routes across the mountains that tourists don’t get access to.

You could be trekking up to 200 km through the Northern Mpumalanga Drakensburg of South Africa that will take you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!

Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

Example itinerary for South Africa

Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to South Africa. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.

Download a guide

Arrive at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (3-4 days)

Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (19- 21 days)

Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens and playgrounds. 

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. This is when project groups will change between phases, if possible, as this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Adventure Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)

For this leg of your adventure, you will head to the Drakensberg mountains. Every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain, sleeping out under the stars to swimming in beautiful waterfalls.

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

Take part in physical conservation work in the reserve. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Departure from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

When first hearing about Raleigh, I felt aligned to the organisation’s values and also energised by the young people who are going out in the world to make change happen. They are determined to improve the world, whereas my generation can sometimes be a bit complacent.

JaniceRaleigh Venturer Manager

Completing the Raleigh Expedition has improved my confidence leading teams. The Expedition makes you realise your own physical and mental strength and is also a great opportunity to meet a range of different people from different backgrounds and cultures.

NicoleRaleigh Volunteer Manager

Being around young people who are interested and motivated in making change is infectious, it rubs off on you... My personal highlight has been watching a group of people from very different backgrounds come together.

GregRaleigh Volunteer Manager

Training and support

We have a dedicated team to support you with information and training before and during your Expedition.

ALL Venturer Managers regardless of their role will need a First Aid qualification. Health and Wellbeing Coordinators will need proven experience in using their First Aid certification, for example working with St. John’s Ambulance, as well as a certificate for their Mental Health First Aid Training (or proven experience). Read the full details on first aid requirements.

Whilst some specific experience is required for particular roles, you don’t need specialist skills or knowledge of our projects. We will give you thorough online training beforehand and during your induction when you arrive in your Expedition country.

We will also send you everything you need to know and prepare in advance and share how you can support the personal development of young people on of your Expedition.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience.”

Kathy | Venturer Manager

Venturer Manager Dates & Costs

We run three cycles every year during the following times.

2024 dates and costs

All our Venturer Manager roles require a £200 deposit. We suggest a fundraising contribution of £400-£600.

Find out more about our pricing update.

CYCLE 1

FEB - APR

12 Weeks

(Project Coordinators)
30th January – 20th April 2024
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200ZAR

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinators roles) 

25th January – 20th April 2024
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300ZAR

CYCLE 2

JUN - AUG

9 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
10th June – 9th August 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

11 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
10th June – 24th August 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

12 Weeks

(Project Coordinators)

10th June – 31st August 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinator roles)
5th June – 31st August 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

CYCLE 3

OCT - DEC

9 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
24th September – 23rd November 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

12 Weeks


(Project Coordinators)
24th September – 15th December 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinator roles)
18th September – 15th December 2024
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only.

Fully booked

2025 dates and costs

All our Venturer Manager roles require a £200 deposit. We suggest a fundraising contribution of £400-£600.

Find out more about our pricing update.

CYCLE 1

FEB - APR


26th January – 19th April 2025
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit and a £400-£600 fundraising contribution

Application deadline: 9th December 2024

Apply now
CYCLE 2

JUN - AUG


11th June – 3rd September 2025
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only and a £400-£600 fundraising contribution

Application deadline: 23rd April 2025

Apply now
CYCLE 3

OCT - DEC


26th September – 18th December 2025
£200$200$200$200ZAR deposit only and a £400-£600 fundraising contribution

Application deadline: 8th August 2025

Apply now

How to apply

We advise Venturer Managers to apply well in advance of Expedition to give you the best chance of getting your first choice of role and country.

Apply online

Complete the online form and upload a copy of your CV / résumé. Please tell us as much as you can about yourself, including relevant skills and experience. Don’t worry if you don’t know which role is right for you – just put ‘undecided’.

APPLY NOW

Assessment Event

If your application form is approved, you will be invited to attend an assessment event. This also gives you the opportunity to hear more about Raleigh Expedition. If successful, you will then be offered a place on one of our Expeditions.

Confirmation

To confirm your place on Expedition, we will ask you for a deposit of £200$200$$ZAR when you receive our offer letter. This will be deducted from your total.

Pre-departure

Prepare for your expedition! Our team will support you and send you everything you need for your Expedition. You will then be invited to your Venturer Manager Training event.

What’s included

  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • All food, transport and accommodation
on Expedition
  • 24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
  • Safety expertise
  • Extensive pre-departure information and support
  • Local orientation, project training & equipment
  • Raleigh t-shirt

Not included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal kit
  • Travel insurance
  • First aid training (Venturer Managers)

A full breakdown of what’s included and not will be provided on application.

Speak with an advisor

Venturer Manager FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Venturer Manager roles.

Do you offer training for Venturer Managers?

Yes, before departing on any of our Expeditions you will be invited to an online training event hosted by our Venturer Journey Team. Once you get into country, you’ll be given 2 weeks of training by our in-country staff team which includes general Venturer Manager training and role-specific training. If you are an Office VM, you will get an extra 5 days of training on top of the 2-week general training.

What flexibility do i have as an office VM?

You will be living and working at Fieldbase and although we try to keep hours between 9-5, there are days where this will vary.

An important part of your role includes project site visits, getting to know the Venturers and supporting with managing any incidents or requests, which may require more time.

On your days off, you have the opportunity to visit the local area or relax. Although we do recommend getting a taste of the local culture and asking staff for activity recommendations!

What are the general expectations of all our Venturer Managers regardless of their role?

During your Raleigh International Expedition, you will be responsible for facilitating and inspiring a diverse group of young Venturers.

You will run energisers and teambuilding activities, support the delivery of Raleigh environmental and community projects, and support Venturers in their personal development, including one-to-one sessions.

You will need to be able to delegate tasks, work alongside the local community and our partners, track the progress of our projects and manage the group environments.

Each Venturer Manager role comes with its own set of specific requirements, however, all of our Venturer Managers need to create a positive and motivating environment.

Latest Venturer Manager stories from our global community

vm blog cover AlumniRaleigh ExpeditionVenturer Manager StoriesMore Than a Gap Year: How Raleigh Expeditions Transform Lives at Any Age
August 14, 2024

More Than a Gap Year: How Raleigh Expeditions Transform Lives at Any Age

People often associate the concept of a ‘gap year’ with students who are finishing university, or perhaps about to start…
AlumniGlobalProject ImpactVenturer Manager StoriesJeremy Shares How Raleigh Can Transform Your Career Path
July 23, 2024

Jeremy Shares How Raleigh Can Transform Your Career Path

Jeremy first participated in an Expedition to Indonesia in 1987 and returned the following year as a Project Manager in…
AlumniProject ImpactVenturer Manager StoriesWhy Join Raleigh as a Venturer Manager
July 3, 2024

Why Join Raleigh as a Venturer Manager

Why Join Raleigh As a Venturer Manager Have you ever wanted to travel off the beaten path? Or do you…