AMIGOS project staff are the young professionals who lead our programming in the countries where we operate. In 2025, we are operating open-enrollment projects in Panama, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic.
Project staff members are:
- Mentors, coaches, and supervisors for youth in our programs helping to shape the next generation of leaders across the Americas.
- People who believe in positive youth development, intercultural exchange, and fostering responsible global citizenship.
- The face of AMIGOS programming on the ground, interacting daily with our partner agencies and service providers.
- Believers in the AMIGOS mission of inspiring leaders through authentic service and immersion experiences.
- Committed to being and fostering the change they want to see in the world.
- Open-minded individuals interested in learning about and from new cultures and people.
- Dedicated to creating inclusive, non-judgmental, and accepting spaces, where young people can learn and grow.
- Flexible and adaptable to change.
- Patient and calm in the face of challenge and uncertainty.
- Passionate about social justice issues and the power of youth to drive social change.
This is more than a job; it is a leadership experience that tests you both personally and professionally. It will make you grow in ways you did not even think possible. AMIGOS project staff roles prepare you for a future in any career field, equipped with soft and hard skills.
We hope that you accept the challenge to step out of your comfort zone and join the AMIGOS family!
Differences Between Roles
All of the roles on our project staff teams are critical to the success of the projects. Each role serves a specific purpose. See the Job Descriptions for more information.
Project Staff Team (PST)
The Project Director, Associate Project Director, and Project Supervisors all form part of the project staff team. They work closely together to facilitate an enriching program for the volunteers. Project Supervisors are not part of the senior staff team. All PST members are part of the broader AMIGOS summer teams. While members are assigned to a certain project, they may be moved to a different project at any point during the cycle. We look at our team holistically and arrange the teams in a way that all teams are set up for success.
Senior Staff Team (SST)
The senior staff team is comprised of two roles: Project Director and Associate Project Director. These two team members work really closely together to lead the team of supervisors. See below for the differences in the roles.
Project Director (PD)
The PD leads the show. They work closely with their Direct Supervisor (DS) to implement and evaluate a meaningful project for our youth participants and local partners. The PD manages the team, mentors fellow staff members, and provides general oversight of the project. They ensure day-to-day tasks are complete and that students and staff are safe and healthy. They also manage the use of funds and ensure ethical spending. They form part of senior staff.
The PD and APD will arrive on site the same day, one week in advance of Project Supervisor arrival. Together they will spend some in person time with their Direct Supervisor (DS) doing in-person training and a handoff of the project information. They will then spend a few days traveling to the project areas to meet our partners in person and conduct host family visits and training.
Logistics: The PD start dates vary based on the project. Make sure to review the chart of dates for the projects. Prior to arrival in country, the PD will complete asynchronous training, live virtual trainings, meetings with DS, local partners, team members, and independent work time. See more in the training section for details. From start to finish of the contract period, all lodging, food, and transport for project purposes are covered by AMIGOS.
Associate Project Director (APD)
The APD is part of senior staff along with the PD. They share the responsibility of leading the team alongside the PD. On some projects, the APD will also directly mentor volunteers. This is a great entry role to serving on AMIGOS senior staff. The APD will be responsible for the overall budget reporting: ethically spending money and tracking funds, coordinating with partners and service providers, and facilitating activities.
Logistics: The APD will complete online training, both asychronous and live sessions and attend meetings. Depending on the project modality, they will support with initial planning. They arrive to the project site 10-28 days before volunteer arrival. Their lodging and food are covered for the entirety of their contract period with AMIGOS.
Project Supervisors (Psup)
This Psup position is focused on two main things: mentoring/supporting volunteers and facilitating program activities. They will assist with health and safety monitoring and will directly support volunteers. Their full focus is the volunteers and ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable learning experience. They also collaborate on project evaluation and ongoing paperwork. Depending on the project structure, they may support with some logistics, planning, and facilitating training activities.
Logistics: The Psups will complete online training. They arrive to the project 5-16 days before volunteer arrival. Their lodging and food are covered for the entirety of their contract period with AMIGOS.
Traditional Programs: On a traditional model program (DR 4-week and Paraguay 6-week), the Psups will be spending 4 nights a week in rural communities with a host family and 3 nights a week in the staff house in the staff city. It is a role that requires a love of nature, hiking, and adventure, since you will be traveling from one community to another every weekday. There may be more limited access to running water, electricity, and other amenities.
Group Travel Programs: On group travel programs, staff will be with the group at all times. They will be sleeping in the same lodging site as volunteers or staying with a host family. It is a role that requires a love of group activities, nature, and socializing.
