Program Operations Manager (Asia Programs) en Road Scholar

Road Scholar is the nonprofit world leader in educational travel for older adults. Our mission is to inspire adults to learn, discover, and travel. With thousands of programs across the globe—including in-person, online, and on the water—we believe curiosity is the key to a well-lived life.

At Road Scholar, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We believe that by valuing a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we create a stronger, more innovative organization that reflects the communities we serve. 

In addition, we are dedicated to being an environmentally sustainable organization. From the way we design our programs to how we operate as a team, we are striving to reduce our environmental impact and create a positive legacy for future generations. 

About the role...

Join our fast-paced Programs team and be a part of one of the nation’s most dynamic not-for-profit organizations. The Program Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth operations of Road Scholar international programs (Asia), managing relationships with our educational travel partners and/or cruise lines and other vendors. Responsibilities include negotiating costs and ensuring the highest educational content on all of their programs. Together with the Director, they are accountable for achieving and maintaining high NPS scores and assisting in new development.

Road Scholar offers a remote work environment. The compensation range for this exempt level salaried position is $59,000 - $69,000 based on experience. Applicants in Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST) preferred due to the support needed in the position.    

In this role, you will...

• Operates a portfolio of educational programs ensuring highest quality, which solidifies brand loyalty for Road Scholar
• Manages all program aspects - create and maintain program budgets, create the SPIs (Supplemental Program Information), review marketing texts, create and maintain technical itineraries, contract vendors, and operate
• Liaise with Program Resources and Build teams to ensure program support functions are complete for smooth operations of programs.
• Negotiates and contracts all components of the program less than $50K including accommodation, transportation, education, and meals. Ensure costs stay within budget and escalates cost overruns when appropriate.
• Communicates and manages relationship with vendors. Confirm all logistical details. Provides departure cancellation and enrollment updates to vendors and suppliers like hotels and transportation vendors including room block/coach capacity reductions.
• Identify and resolve program quality issues with the focus on customer satisfaction – working with partners/vendors and Group Leaders, identify possible issues, devise contingency plans and take positive action
• Works closely with Director on the strategic direction of programs and the program life cycle
• Uses regional expertise to help drive program development
• Serves on Emergency Cell Phone rotation as part of the regular department rotation.
• Will be required to attend and work on certain programs related to the position
• Moderate travel and some evening and weekend work required 

We're seeking...

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience
• Organized professional with 3-4 years relevant experience and product knowledge
• Pro-active, motivated individual who is results-oriented
• Experience in a fast-paced business environment
• Experience with project/account management necessary; strong negotiating capability required
• Excellent customer service skills
• Analytical skills and high attention to detail essential
• Excellent verbal/written communications, interpersonal, and problem solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-functional team environment
• Demonstrate an understanding of sustainability principles and actively incorporate environmentally responsible practices into your approach.     
• Up to 15% travel required

For serious consideration, please submit a cover letter with your resume telling us why you're interested in the position.  

Why join the Road Scholar Team...

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package!  

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (with a substantial employee subsidy!)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a company match of 5% after 1 year of employment!
• Up to 20 days of PTO annually, accrued every payroll cycle 
• Enjoy a paid week off, in addition to your PTO, at the end of December to enjoy the holiday season!
• A generous employee discounts on our programs
• Access to obtain a Care.com membership
• As a Road Scholar employee, you can opt-in to receive an IATA membership
• We take professional development seriously which is why we provide LinkedIn Learning access to all employees amongst other professional development opportunities
• That’s right, we’re fully remote!
• To learn more about our benefits offerings, check us out at https://www.roadscholar.org/careers/

Equal Opportunity Employer

Road Scholar supports diversity in our staff, participants, and programs. An Equal Opportunity Employer Road Scholar values and supports individual differences and strives to create an environment that contributes to the success of both the individual and the organization. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, illness, marital or veteran status or disability or any other status protected by applicable law.

Cybersecurity

At Road Scholar, we are committed to cybersecurity and to providing a safe experience for job seekers. All official communication regarding employment opportunities will come exclusively via email from the official Road Scholar domain or from our applicant tracking system URL recruiting.ultipro.com. We never conduct interviews through texting applications or instant messaging platforms. If you receive an employment offer or other correspondence from an individual at Road Scholar you have not met, or from a non-Road Scholar email domain, it may be a phishing attempt.