Jessica Diaz
@jessicadiaz1
Operations and travel professional specializing in tour direction, logistics, and guest-focused program management.
What I'm looking for
Operations and hospitality professional with over 11 years of experience coordinating complex programs, travel logistics, and stakeholder relationships across multi-city travel and event environments. I specialize in building organized systems that support outreach, budgeting, compliance, vendor partnerships, and operational efficiency for educational and experiential programs.
As an Operations & Program Manager and Tour Director, I have overseen national program logistics, served as the primary operational resource for tour directors and field teams, and directed domestic and international travel groups. My work emphasizes safety, clear communication, scheduling precision, and consistently positive guest experiences.
I am particularly drawn to roles where I can combine logistics expertise, collaborative leadership, and creative problem-solving to support well-executed programs and memorable travel and educational experiences.
Key Strengths
Program & Operations Management – Coordinating complex itineraries, timelines, and program logistics across multiple locations
Logistics & Travel Coordination – Managing accommodations, transportation, and dining logistics for domestic and international groups
Vendor & Partner Negotiation – Building strong vendor relationships and managing service agreements and contracts
Budget & Reporting Oversight – Tracking expenses, supporting budgeting processes, and producing post-program evaluations
Guest & Client Experience – Ensuring programs run smoothly while delivering welcoming, organized experiences for participants
Operational Systems & Tools – Using technology to streamline communication, documentation, and team coordination
Tools & Platforms
Microsoft Office • Opera PMS • OpenTable • Canva • registration and travel coordination systems
Certifications
Licensed Tour Guide (Washington, D.C. & New York City)
Certified Tour Director – International Tour Management Institute (ITMI)
First Aid / CPR / AED Certified
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Operations & Program Manager
Explore Colleges
Jan 2024 - May 2025 (1 year 4 months)
Managed national operations as the sole in-office team member, creating systems for outreach, budgeting, compliance, and vendor management across U.S. universities and serving as primary contact for tour directors and emergency coordination.
Tour Operator
Cornell Tech University Bay Trek
Sep 2024 - Mar 2025 (6 months)
Planned and executed a multi-city university tour including itinerary design, vendor negotiations, accommodations and meals management, and post-event evaluation to improve future programming.
Tour Director
Explore Colleges
Jun 2018 - Dec 2024 (6 years 6 months)
Directed nationwide student travel groups for the GEAR-UP program, ensuring safety, schedule adherence, and compliance while coordinating meals, campus relations, and multi-state logistics.
Tour Director
The Coyote Trip
Feb 2022 - Oct 2022 (8 months)
Led 14-day tours across the western U.S. for international guests, managing transportation, lodging, schedules and real-time issue resolution while evaluating itineraries for operational efficiency.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
TripSchool
Destination Specialist, Destination Specialist — Washington D.C.
Completed Destination Specialist training for Washington, D.C., credential awarded February 2019.
International Tour Management Institute
Certified Tour Director, Tour Directing
Completed Certified Tour Director program, credential awarded March 2014.
Monterey Peninsula College
Associate of Arts, Social Science & Women’s Studies
Completed an Associate of Arts in Social Science and Women’s Studies, conferred June 2013.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Social media
Job categories
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