Director, Operations

Kaleidoscope Adventures is a full-service student travel tour operator that specializes in music performance tours, educational travel, sports travel, senior class trips, festival trips, and cruises across more than 40 destinations in North America. The team focuses on meticulous trip planning and execution, managing every detail from accommodations and transportation to attraction tickets, meals, and special events. By partnering closely with educators and group leaders, Kaleidoscope Adventures provides immersive, first-hand experiences that enhance classroom learning and create memorable journeys. The company is committed to individualized attention and comprehensive support before, during, and after each trip, ensuring both successful outcomes and lasting memories. Company Description Kaleidoscope Adventures is a full-service student travel tour operator that specializes in music performance tours, educational travel, sports travel, senior class trips, festival trips, and cruises across more than 40 destinations in North America. The team focuses on meticulous trip planning and execution, managing every detail from accommodations and transportation to attraction tickets, meals, and special events. By partnering closely with educators and group leaders, Kaleidoscope Adventures provides immersive, first-hand experiences that enhance classroom learning and create memorable journeys. The company is committed to individualized attention and comprehensive support before, during, and after each trip, ensuring both successful outcomes and lasting memories. Role Description The Director of Operations is a full-time, on-site role based in Oakland, FL, responsible for overseeing day-to-day tour operations and ensuring the efficient delivery of high-quality student travel experiences. This role manages the operational workflows that bring each trip to life, including supplier bookings, itinerary finalization, logistics coordination, timing, and on-site readiness. The Director of Operations leads and develops the Tour Manager team, sets performance expectations, and ensures consistent execution across all destinations. Daily responsibilities include confirming supplier arrangements, reviewing and finalizing itineraries, resolving operational issues during active tours, monitoring trip quality, and maintaining strong relationships with hotels, attractions, restaurants, transportation providers, and other partners. This role also drives process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and service quality; analyzes operational performance data, supports risk management, and contributes to long-term operational strategy as the company continues to grow. Qualifications Strong operations management skills, including process optimization and coordination of complex, multi-step travel logistics. Advanced analytical abilities for interpreting operational data, tracking performance metrics, and informing decisions. Proven team leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and developing field-based staff. Budgeting and financial oversight skills, with the ability to manage supplier costs, forecast operational needs, and support profitability goals. Customer service expertise with a focus on responsive communication, problem solving, and relationship management with vendors and partners. Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, hospitality, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Experience in travel, hospitality, events, or tour operations is highly beneficial. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple itineraries and deadlines simultaneously. Proficiency with office productivity tools and operations or CRM systems. Ability to work on-site in Oakland, FL, with occasional travel as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr