What are the responsibilities and job description for the Expedition Development Manager – Bluewater Fleet position at Lindblad Expeditions?
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is the pioneer in the Expedition Travel space, from taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, to opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, to leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, to launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004. Now taking nearly 25,000 guests per year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 15 ships, we do whatever it takes to ensure our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of the Expedition Development team, the Expedition Development Manager works with the Director to ensure all land operations for the itineraries assigned provide an exceptional guest experience. This position is also responsible for developing new itineraries, working with local agents and authorities to ensure all landings and activities are authorized and deliver an excellent guest experience, working with Expedition Leaders to continually improve operations, working with the marketing department in proofing all marketing collateral, among other things.
The Expedition Development Manager for the bluewater fleet is the VP’s point person for the expedition operations of the international vessels traveling in these regions. These vessels operate in, but are not limited to, the following geographies: Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands, Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Norway & Canada, Greenland, Maritime Canada, Iceland & the North Atlantic, Britain & Ireland, the Russian Far East & Western Alaska, the South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Coastal Europe.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added or assigned at any time.
Expedition Development:
- Prepare costing for each itinerary to assist management in pricing.
- Work with appropriate Field Staff, Expedition Leaders (EL) & Expedition (Product) Developers to create an exemplary program.
- Develop new itineraries under direction of Director
- Innovate new ideas in existing destinations; constantly seek creative ways to make our expeditions more meaningful and marketable.
- Conduct reconnaissance for new itineraries.
- Work with Marketing to produce extraordinary brochures and electronic collateral.
- Develop extensions to voyage programs.
Vendor Relations:
- Research vendors and acquire bids for potential services as directed.
- Negotiate contracts as directed.
- Establish initial inventory for hotels, charter air, and extensions.
- Determine food, beverage and other service selections for special programs and groups.
- Ensure quality control of existing programs and vendor services.
Administrative:
- Work with Land Manager to create and maintain worksheets, contact information, and any other documents required by the ship and vendors.
- Work with Director and Expedition Development Coordinator on annual Antarctic Scheduling Derby.
- Work with Director and Expedition Development Coordinator to facilitate all necessary permits for vessel visits to Arctic Canada, Greenland, and the Russian Far East, and other geographies, as assigned.
- Work with Expedition Development Coordinator to compile and submit any official reports required for these itineraries.
- Provide daily support for ships and office staff with changes and adjustments to all land services.
- Work with management/colleagues and support all operational aspects in any contingency or emergency situations, such as flight delays/cancellations, mechanical failures with ship, natural disasters, etc.
- Direct EL, as appropriate, to carry-out expedition mission.
- Answer questions from ELs, agents, shipboard personnel re: itinerary details, permit issues, etc.
- Review debriefing and voyage reports.
- Review comment cards, guest letters/e-mails.
- Work with marketing in providing copy for and production of brochures and in proofing brochures.
- Brief Reservations/Operations on itineraries and/or itinerary changes.
- Write and/or proof preliminary and final travel documents and liaise with field staff when needed.
- Coordinate staffing needs with Field Staff Department and local agents where local guides are used.
Field work:
- Visit local vendors for contract finalizations, site inspections and quality control.
- Visit and liaise with ship personnel, ensuring highest possible quality being delivered to guests.
Other Skills/Abilities:
- Proficient computer skills in the Windows operating system, including both word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
- Preferred typing speed: 50 wpm.
- Strong skills in time management, handling multiple tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
- The ability to work independently as well as with others in a team environment.
- Occasional travel may be required.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience
BA/BS degree preferred. Hospitality/tourism experience required. Experience with program development and the expedition industry required. Knowledge of applicable geographic regions and cultures highly preferred.
Communication Skills
Using the English language, this person must have an ability to read, write, and comprehend invoices, contracts, correspondence and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate-both in writing and orally-with a professional demeanor. Sound yet fair negotiating skills desired. Conversational Spanish skills preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regards to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status.
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