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.
