Director, Best Buddies Travel

Best Buddies International

. Lead the on-the-ground execution of the Best Buddies Travel Program .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeUnited StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in program delivery and participant services, with a focus on facilitating life skills and travel readiness training for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proven ability to build inclusive cohorts, manage participant needs, and implement safety procedures during travel programs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program DeliveryParticipant ServicesTravel Readiness TrainingFacilitation SkillsExperience With IDD

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Curriculum DevelopmentActivity PlanningBehavioral SupportParticipant Progress TrackingEmergency Response

Soft Skills

Coaching SkillsRelationship BuildingCommunication SkillsTeam Leadership

Industry Keywords

Intellectual DisabilitiesDevelopmental DisabilitiesYouth DevelopmentExperiential EducationIndependent Living

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the on-the-ground execution of the Best Buddies Travel Program
Prepare, support, and empower participants before, during, and after each trip
Deliver life skills, travel readiness training, and cohort-based support for participants with and without IDD
Recruit, screen, and onboard participants for domestic and international travel programs
Build inclusive participant cohorts with state offices, colleges, and community partners
Serve as the primary point of contact for participants and families
Develop and deliver curriculum covering travel skills, social skills, self-advocacy, independence, safety, and wellness
Facilitate virtual and in-person training sessions
Lead or co-lead program trips and support participant needs and group dynamics
Implement daily schedules, activity plans, and safety procedures
Respond to participant needs, behavioral concerns, and emergencies in coordination with the Senior Director, Travel
Facilitate post-trip reflection sessions and surveys
Support participants in applying learned skills to leadership, employment, or future travel
Track participant progress and outcomes
Ensure consistent, high-quality experiences across trips
Coordinate with state staff and volunteers
Maintain participant records, training attendance, and readiness documentation
Support accessibility and accommodation planning
Provide regular reports on participant engagement, readiness, and outcomes
Identify operational improvements and training enhancements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or at least 5+ years of experience in program delivery, participant services, education, youth development, or disability services
Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Strong facilitation, coaching, and relationship-building skills
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including overnight and international travel
Experience leading group travel, camps, or experiential education programs, or background in life skills, independent living, or workforce readiness training preferred
Prior supervisory or program management experience a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive and generous benefits program
Financial security benefits
Health and wellness benefits
Paid time off