Program Coordinator (Group Leader) - Austin

About the Role

As a Program Coordinator (Group Leader), you will be the primary liaison and guide for groups of MBA students and professors visiting Austin, Texas. This is a 100% in-person role, based in Austin, TX, and offered as a project-based / freelance opportunity (not a remote and not a permanent position).

This role involves much more than guiding. You will be responsible for making each group’s experience in Austin informative, seamless, and memorable. Working directly with our clients on site, you will lead participants to business meetings, guide them through cultural visits, and share your passion and local knowledge of Austin, offering unique insights into the city’s business environment and cultural landscape.

In addition, you will manage and coordinate final, on-the-ground logistics for each group’s activities. This includes communicating with bus drivers, reconfirming business meetings, managing dietary restrictions for group meals, and quickly resolving any unexpected issues that may arise. We are looking for Austin-based freelancers who are available to support programs on a project basis, whenever groups are in town.

This position requires flexibility, as programs typically last a full week and schedules often include evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for each group from arrival to departure in Austin.
• Guide and engage participants through business meetings, cultural tours, and local experiences.
• Coordinate in-person logistics such as transportation, meeting confirmations, and dining arrangements.
• Proactively address and resolve unexpected issues to ensure smooth operations and high client satisfaction.

Requirements:

• Must be based in Austin, TX and available to work in person during program dates.
• Certified Tour Guide License is a plus.
• Passion for Austin: Genuine enthusiasm for sharing the city’s history, culture, and local insights with international visitors.
• In-depth Local Knowledge: Strong understanding of Austin’s demographics, economy, business ecosystem, culture, and neighborhoods.
• Fluent English Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills to engage effectively with an international audience.
• Excellent Time Management: Reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented.
• Group Leadership Skills: Comfortable leading groups using both public and private transportation.
• Client-focused Approach: Strong commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences.
• Proactive and Independent: Able to take initiative, solve problems independently, and manage time effectively in a dynamic environment.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with international executive groups while showcasing your local expertise and love for Austin. As a project-based freelancer, you’ll enjoy flexibility while gaining hands-on experience in cross-cultural engagement, operations, and client relations within a global education and travel organization.

Austral Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone — regardless of race, color, sex, age, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, religious or political beliefs, disability, or gender identity — feels a sense of belonging. We believe diversity is key to innovation, and our global team reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.