Associate Director, Group Travel

Elevate Destinations is seeking an experienced, thoughtful, and highly organized Associate Director, Group Travel Operations to support and strengthen our Group Travel (GT) department.

This role is central to the delivery of Elevate’s Social Impact Journeys and group travel programs. Our Social Impact Journeys team partners with international nonprofits and foundations to design and manage donor trips, board & staff retreats, and charity challenges around the world. These immersive experiences allow travelers to connect deeply with the people, places, and missions driving change.

This position combines hands-on account leadership with increasing responsibility for team management and operational oversight. The Associate Director will ensure that every journey is executed with precision, care, and alignment to our mission of responsible and impactful travel.

This is a leadership role for a candidate who brings strong operational rigor, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to excellence in both client experience and team development.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Director, Group Travel

Quarterly alignment with senior leadership

Direct reports: Initially informal oversight, transitioning to full management of 3 team members

Role Evolution

Phase 1 (6 months):

Direct management of 3 key accounts
Lead upcoming client trip in September
Oversight of broader account operations and systems across GT team
Mentorship and support of 2 team members

Phase 2 (6–12+ months):

Full people management responsibility for team of 3
Ownership of team workflows, performance, and output quality
Active role in shaping department processes and scaling operations

Core Responsibilities

Team Management and Leadership

Manage, coach, and develop a small, high-performing team
Provide clear direction, feedback, and performance support
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and supportive team culture
Identify skill gaps and support professional development
Partner with Director on hiring, onboarding, and training systems

Account Operations Oversight

Oversee execution across a portfolio of GT accounts
Ensure accuracy, quality control, and consistency of deliverables
Review materials prior to client delivery for clarity, completeness, and alignment
Anticipate challenges and proactively troubleshoot issues
Serve as escalation point for operational challenges
Step into accounts as needed to support continuity and delivery

Key Account Management

Directly manage 1–2 high-priority accounts
Lead all aspects of trip development including itineraries, logistics, and vendor coordination
Maintain strong, professional client relationships
Develop timelines and ensure delivery on schedule
Ensure zero-margin-for-error execution

Financial Oversight

Manage and oversee trip budgets
Track incoming and outgoing payments
Support reconciliation and issue resolution
Ensure consistent financial processes

Project Management and Process Excellence

Bring structure and discipline to project management
Standardize workflows and templates
Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements
Ensure consistent use of systems

Client and Traveler Experience

Uphold high standards of personalized service
Support complex traveler needs
Ensure professional and empathetic communication

Trip Execution

Participate in trip management as needed
Oversee on-the-ground execution
Ensure seamless traveler experience

Leadership Profile

Energetic and proactive
Personable and relationship-driven
Confident under pressure
Solutions-oriented
Accountable and team-focused

Qualifications

7–8+ years experience in travel or event operations
Experience managing or mentoring teams
Strong project management skills
Financial acumen
Excellent communication skills

Preferred

Experience in social impact travel
Familiarity with sustainability practices
CRM/project management tools
Spanish or other languages

Working Style

Standard hours with flexibility during trips
Availability for urgent issues when needed
Evenings/weekends as required
Collaborative, mission-driven environment
Remote (ET ±3 hours, US work authorization required)

Salary Range

$70,000 and commensurate with prior experience

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision
Life & disability insurance
FSA / HSA options
401k with 3% contribution
15 days PTO + sick days
11 holidays

Timeframe

April–May: interviews

Decision deadline: June 1, 2026

Start: June 15, 2026

How To Apply

Send resume and cover letter by email.

Elevate Destinations

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Associate Director, Group Travel