Director of Educational Travel Sales

The National World War II Museum Inc•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Director of Educational Travel Sales. The Director of Educational Travel Sales is responsible for the sales duties of the Museum’s wide array of signature educational international and domestic tour programs. A strong emphasis on this position will be streamlining current sales efforts along with establishing new sales channels nationally through a variety of channels for these products. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in successful program sales, in-depth experience in forming partnerships with universities and other affinity organizations with travel programs, corporate and incentive market, tour operators, travel agents, consortia, and travel related organizations. Experience in Educational Travel / Travel Industry is required. The Director of Educational Travel Sales will work closely with the VP and COO and the VP and CMO on refining existing annual sales efforts and creating new and highly effective sales plans. Candidate shall also foster a productive and collaborative relationship with the museum’s marketing team. The position is supported by an Assistant Director of Group Sales (direct report) as well as a servicing department (not direct report) for handling reservations and passenger communications. There is currently one direct report to the Director of Sales (Assistant Director of Group Sales).

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of five years demonstrated sales success in the travel industry. Previous supervisory experience preferred.
Proven track of sales performance in Travel programs.
Experience in sales budget development and management as well as business development in Travel is required.
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills and abilities – verbal, written, and computer.
Highly organized, with effective time management skills and evidence of entrepreneurial qualities.
Ability to travel at times for qualified meetings sponsored by associations or industries, to meet clients or representatives of potential clients, new sales partnerships, and to occasionally participate in overseas programs. The travel associated with this position should mostly be domestically related to sales initiatives.
Willingness to work on a flexible schedule that goes beyond a 40-hour week, including some weekends and evenings.
Ability to push, pull, and lift weights up to 20 pounds. May require prolonged standing and/or walking during which time objects are transported. May require bending, squatting, or reaching and occasional use of equipment.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Work closely with VP and COO as well as the VP and CMO to increase direct, group and third-party sales for all educational travel products including international and domestic programs.
Collaborate with AVP of Educational Travel.
Manage existing relationships and expand affinity and tour operator partnerships that will result in an immediate and positive impact on the department’s sales efforts.
Grow, train, develop, and support the department’s Assistant Director of Group Sales position, ensuring adherence of all standard operating procedures, as well as develop position efficiencies and priorities, including documentation to aid in future product planning decisions.
Attend, exhibit, and create awareness of museum travel products through sales exhibitions or other qualified outlets.
Work with the VP and CMO & VP & COO to develop a comprehensive sales plan that establishes and fulfills both departmental and institutional goals.
Work with the department’s Team to establish cost and revenue projections within the departmental budget guidelines.
Work with the Assistant Director of Travel Marketing to identify unique selling points for each tour to be used in promotional activities.
Responsible for accurate and detailed sales reporting.

Benefits

Medical insurance – 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium
Dental and vision insurance
Flexible spending account
401(k) – Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment
Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available
Long term disability insurance
Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year
Free parking
Tuition assistance and professional development
Employee assistance program