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Freelance Director Travel Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Databricks

Director, Travel & Expense

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$209K - $288K/yr

We are seeking a strategic, operationally strong Director, Travel & Expense to lead and modernize ... Oversee global business travel operations across air, hotel, ground transportation, meetings, and ...

Engine

Director, Travel Supply Operations

Your Mission As Director, Travel Supply Operations, you will own the operations and systems that keep Engine's travel content healthy, connected, and scalable. Reporting to the EVP, Supply & Strategy ...

Engine

Director, Travel Supply Operations

Your Mission As Director, Travel Supply Operations, you will own the operations and systems that keep Engine's travel content healthy, connected, and scalable. Reporting to the EVP, Supply & Strategy ...

Nike Communications

Account Director - Travel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

More About the Role Join our Travel team as a New York-based Account Director! Dive into a dynamic ... Cultivates and maintains genuine relationships with top media outlets and key freelance writers ...

Parker

Corporate Travel Manager

Cleveland, OH · Remote

Travel Operations & Compliance * Serve as the primary liaison with the TMC for travel operations ... Plan, organize, and direct travel department activities, programs, and projects delivered through ...

Ross

Lead, Travel Operations

Dublin, CA · On-site

$70K - $101K/yr

The Travel Operations, Lead will manage the operational logistics of Ross' Travel, and Corporate ... Direct Bill travel accounts and Central Travel Card administration • Managing the monthly ...

Ross Stores

Lead, Travel Operations

Dublin, CA · On-site

$70K - $101K/yr

The Travel Operations, Lead will manage the operational logistics of Ross' Travel, and Corporate ... Direct Bill travel accounts and Central Travel Card administration • Managing the monthly ...

Ross Stores, Inc

Lead, Travel Operations

Dublin, CA · On-site

$70K - $101K/yr

The Travel Operations, Lead will manage the operational logistics of Ross' Travel, and Corporate ... Direct Bill travel accounts and Central Travel Card administration Managing the monthly ...

Upgrade

Director, Travel Agency Partnerships

OR · On-site +1

The Director of Travel Agency Partnerships is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving the ... This individual will shape the program's commercial direction, modernize operational models, and ...

Chadwell Supply

Corporate Travel Coordinator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

They are responsible for optimizing travel operations, making travel arrangements over the phone or ... Maintain positive relationships with vendors of direct travel, such as car rental agencies, hotels ...

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Freelance Director Travel Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do freelance director travel operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance director travel operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance director of travel operations do?

A Freelance Director of Travel Operations oversees and manages travel programs and logistics for clients or organizations on a contract basis. Their responsibilities typically include coordinating travel itineraries, negotiating with vendors, ensuring compliance with travel policies, and optimizing budgets. They may also handle crisis management during travel disruptions and implement strategies for efficient travel operations. Working as a freelancer, they offer flexibility and tailored services to meet specific client needs. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and negotiation skills, along with in-depth knowledge of the travel industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance director of travel operations?

To thrive as a Freelance Director of Travel Operations, you need expertise in travel management, logistics coordination, and a solid background in the travel industry, often supported by a bachelor's degree in hospitality or business. Familiarity with travel booking platforms, global distribution systems (GDS), and project management tools is typically required. Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills help you build client relationships and navigate complex travel arrangements. These competencies are vital for ensuring seamless, cost-effective travel experiences and driving client satisfaction in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a freelance director of travel operations, and how can they be managed?

As a Freelance Director of Travel Operations, common challenges include managing multiple client expectations, staying up-to-date with global travel regulations, and coordinating logistics across different time zones. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and leveraging travel management software can help address these issues. Building a reliable network of travel partners and staying flexible in your approach are also key to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Freelance Director Travel Operations vs Travel Operations Manager?

AspectFreelance Director Travel OperationsTravel Operations Manager
CredentialsRelevant industry experience, certifications optionalTypically requires relevant certifications or degrees
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteFull-time, employed by a company or agency
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance/consulting in travel industryTravel companies, agencies, or corporate travel departments
Search & Comparison IntentSeeking freelance or contract travel operations leadershipLooking for full-time travel operations management roles

The Freelance Director Travel Operations typically works independently on specific projects, offering expertise on a contractual basis, whereas the Travel Operations Manager is a full-time employee managing daily travel logistics within an organization. The former provides flexible, specialized services, while the latter oversees ongoing operations within a company.

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What states have the most Freelance Director Travel Operations jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Freelance Director Travel Operations jobs look for?

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Freelance Director Travel Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Director Travel Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Associate Director, Travel Operations

NCAA

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: The Associate Director, Travel Operations plays a critical role in enabling reliable, high-quality championship travel (air, ground & lodging) execution across NCAA programs. This position partners closely with travel vendors, internal stakeholders, and leadership to strengthen operational performance, service consistency, and risk mitigation across all championship travel activities.
The role focuses on improving end-to-end travel outcomes through strong vendor partnerships, disciplined operational practices, and the effective use of tools and information to support decision-making. By enhancing visibility, consistency, and accountability across travel operations, the Associate Director helps elevate the student-athlete experience while protecting operational continuity and financial stewardship.
Job Responsibilities
Championship Travel Operations & Performance
  • Support championship decision-making by tracking key issues, risks, and outcomes and ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
  • Monitor vendor performance against service expectations and recommend improvements to strengthen reliability, traveler experience, and value.

Operational Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain clear, practical documentation of championship travel processes and escalation paths to support consistent execution.
  • Identify opportunities to simplify workflows, clarify ownership, and reduce friction across stakeholders.
  • Coordinate intake and prioritization of operational enhancements to ensure efforts are aligned with championship needs and available capacity.
  • Support ongoing initiatives that enhance the student-athlete and championship experience through improved travel operations.

Technology & Tools Enablement
  • Partner with internal teams and travel vendors to optimize the use of existing travel systems and tools in support of efficient operations.
  • Evaluate potential enhancements to tools and processes that improve visibility, responsiveness, and traveler experience.
  • Support automation and system improvements that reduce manual effort and improve consistency across championship travel activities.
  • Maintain standardized templates and playbooks to support repeatable execution without adding unnecessary complexity.

Risk, Policy & Financial Awareness
  • Partner with travel leadership and FP&A to understand travel trends, cost drivers, and operational risk factors.
  • Track airline and vendor performance trends, including disruption drivers and service impacts.
  • Support budget forecasting and planning by identifying operational risks, policy considerations, and emerging travel dynamics.
  • Assist with audits and compliance reviews to ensure appropriate controls are maintained.
  • Contribute to risk mitigation strategies related to travel disruptions and championship logistics.

Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required. Preferred background in business operations, technology-enabled services, or complex program execution.
  • 3-5 years of experience within a fast-paced environment driven by process improvements, data and analytics required, 5+ years preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives, stakeholders, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Preferred experience working with travel management companies, airline carriers, or large event travel programs.
  • Strong operational judgment and ability to make timely decisions in high-pressure environments.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage complex situations with multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and task ownership.
  • Proficiency with travel systems, TMC platforms, and Microsoft Office tools; familiarity with travel data and reporting platforms preferred.
  • Ability to be on call during peak championship travel periods.
  • Estimated travel: up to 20%, with seasonality tied to championships.
  • This position will be based out of the national office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Current work environment is hybrid; 2 days in the office and 3 days are remote.

Key Competencies
  • Effective Communication | Can exchange ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is understood with clarity and purpose.
  • Accountability | Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
  • Resourcefulness | The ability to creatively cope with difficult situations, or unusual problems. It is about problem-solving and getting things done in the face of obstacles and constraints.
  • Drive for Results | Can be counted on to consistently accomplish work effectively and efficiently, is very bottom-line oriented, steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
  • Problem Solving | Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.

Core Values
  • LEADERSHIP | We actively listen and continually strive to provide vital solutions, counsel and advocacy for student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics.
  • INCLUSION | We seek and incorporate different perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and impact.
  • COMMUNICATION | We commit to an environment of openness to build trust and make timely decisions.
  • COLLABORATION | We work together, based on mutual respect, to lead and serve our stakeholders.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY | We take ownership for our actions and results to add value every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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About NCAA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

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