Program Manager Costa Rica (San José)

About the role

Expanish, a Spanish language school and study abroad provider, is looking for a Program Manager for its Costa Rica operations, based in San José. Working within the Operations team, you will plan, coordinate and oversee group programs end to end, from commercial proposal to post-program close-out, delivering a safe and high-quality experience for students, faculty and partners while keeping programs on budget. The position is part-time, includes occasional weekend on-site group accompaniment, is temporary and starts immediately.

Key responsibilities

• Design custom itineraries, field trips, academic components, business visits and cultural activities with faculty and local partners.
• Manage program budgets, negotiate with suppliers and handle contracts.
• Lead orientations, health and safety protocols, emergency response and insurance coordination.
• Act as main contact for partner universities, local suppliers and on-site teams.
• Before the program: prepare proposals, pricing and budgets; design final itineraries and book accommodation, transport, activities and guides; coordinate academics and pre-departure webinars; hire and brief program coordinators; support students with visas.
• During the program: accompany groups, run on-site orientations, handle emergencies and complaints, track the budget in real time and prepare reports.
• After the program: close finances with Accounting, run satisfaction surveys, evaluate suppliers, keep the group's master file up to date and contribute to quarterly OKRs.

Required profile

• Experience coordinating group programs in study abroad, international education, faculty-led programs or educational travel in Costa Rica.
• Good knowledge of Costa Rica's destinations, suppliers and logistics.
• Strong organization and project management skills, able to run several programs at once.
• Confident with budgets, pricing, cost control and supplier negotiations.
• Native-level Spanish and advanced English; work permit for Costa Rica.
• Available to accompany groups on-site, occasionally on weekends.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Google Suite
• Budgeting and negotiation