Group Programs & University Relations Manager

Organization: Kaya Responsible Travel
Location: Easthampton, MA or option to work remote
Hours: Full-time (Exempt) 40 hours/week
Start Date: As soon as right candidate is found

Position description

We are currently searching for a passionate and committed individual to lead and manage Kaya operations related to our work with US academic institutions and academic programming. Additionally, this person will sit on the Kaya leadership team to input and debate on the strategic issues and help guide the company's direction.

If you are interested in this position, please read the following job description and follow the instructions for application below.

As part of this role, this position will head up activities in three central areas within Kaya's U.S. operations:

• Academic Partner Relations
• Group Programs with Academic Institutions
• Academic Content

With Kaya's focus on the growth of group and internship offerings, this position is integral to Kaya's success. As such, this person will work closely with Kaya's Executive Director to develop, maintain and grow relationships with academic institutions, lead and manage the development and delivery of Group Programs and strategy surrounding groups.

This position requires an ambitious, eloquent individual with travel experience in the developing world, and who preferably has previous volunteering or international development exposure. The successful candidate for the position will be passionate about travel and possess a good understanding of the field of international education.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Academic Relations:

• Be the first point of contact for US academic institutions interested in partnering for study/intern/volunteer/Group Programs abroad
• Maintain current and developing relationships through professional organizations such as NAFSA and school visits
• Oversee the establishment, maintenance, and organization of affiliation agreements
• Represent Kaya at NAFSA and other industry conferences
• Develop and implement strategies to expand academic partnerships within existing and new institutions
• Oversee development and maintenance of an efficient institutional contact management system
• Develop and manage marketing communications strategy aimed at academic institutions

Academic Group Programs:

• Coordinate the acquisition and delivery of Group Programs for academic institutions
• As a part of the Group Programs team, develop and deliver group proposals and programs
• Maintain up-to-date information about group program providers
• Oversee all communications, budgets, and logistics for academic Group Programs
• Respond to RFPs (Requests For Proposals) as required
• Support all aspects of recruitment and support for the institutions
• Provide regular reporting on groups program statistics and other data.
• Manage the recruitment and training of Onsite-Program Coordinators (OPCs) for all groups
• Develop and implement strategies to make Group Programs more efficient, effective and profitable.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow numbers in group programming

Academic Content:

• Lead and oversee initiatives that improve the academic standing of Kaya programs
• Support internship program development strategy to align with institutional needs

General:

• Operate as part of the Kaya leadership team to input on all strategic elements of Kaya operations
• Support the management team in staff education, development and motivation
• Represent Kaya's core values and mission in all aspects of work
• Respond in a timely manner to all questions/issues/problems/needs of any Kaya staff, university contacts, and partners

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

• Experience in development, service-learning, volunteering, and/or travel in the developing world
• Experience in the field of international education
• Strong communication and networking skills
• Positive attitude and energy to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in public speaking/presenting
• Experience managing direct reports
• Well organised with good attention to detail
• Strategic thinker
• U.S. driver's license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• Previous group program experience
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and the Google suite of products

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift or maneuver up to 50 pounds
• Ability to continuously stand or walk
• Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary based on Manager-level experience: from $50k
• Company-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care flex-spending accounts
• Wellness Program
• Retirement 401(k) plan after 1 year of employment with fully vested company match
• IATA Travel Agent status
• Ten paid vacation days
• 10+ paid Kaya holidays (including Winter Holiday Break from Christmas to New Year's)
• One hour of paid sick time earned for every 30 hours worked
• Option to work at Easthampton, MA offices or work from home from a remote location

HOW DO I APPLY?

• Submit your cover letter, resume, and two professional references using the Apply button below
• Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview
• No phone calls, please

Kaya Responsible Travel provides equal opportunity to all people regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or physical or mental disability. Equal opportunity applies to hiring, placement, promotion, salary determination, and all other conditions of employment. In compliance with employment laws.