Business Travel Specialist - Higher Education Team

This position is open to remote work in the following approved states: WI, AL, AZ, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WV

As one of Wisconsin's largest travel companies, Fox World Travel has excellent perks for all Fox associates including but not limited to: competitive wages, flexible time off (vacation, sick, personal), FAM Dollars to help you explore the world, remote work, a full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, company sponsored life insurance and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401k contributions, end of year perks, and a fully engaged leadership team dedicated to treating associates like part of the family!

It is a priority that our associates demonstrate competence and character that inspires trust by integrating Our Core Values into every action and decision. Our core values state: together we are stronger, demonstrating genuine care and concern to do what is right when no one is looking, with a focus on being curious, creative, and driven and having a work hard, play hard mentality.

A day in the life of a Business Travel Specialist - Higher Education at Fox may include:

• Providing exceptional travel services for domestic, group, trans-border and extensive international itineraries; may provide specialized services to VIP travelers.

• Responsibility for meeting client needs, building value and strengthening Fox World Travel in a way that balances the needs of clients and expectations of the organization.

• Booking domestic and international reservations for air travel, hotel, and ground transportation, following up as necessary to complete reservation.

• Responding to requests for price quotations utilizing automated system(s) for domestic, international, and group air itineraries.

• Maintaining and promoting professional and courteous client relations by managing a prompt and accurate response to chat, telephone, and email communications.

• Remaining informed of all airline rules and regulations; international rail services; vendor loyalty programs; current affairs. Communicating information to clients accurately, appropriately, and professionally.

• Maintaining client profiles, ensuring special requests and reward program information are included.

• Understanding the unique requirements of faculty, student, and higher education travel needs.

• Counseling client on travel safety considerations, preferred supplier support, savings opportunities, logistical routings and options, and international entry requirements, if applicable.

• Handling large amounts of information with strict attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Relating to clients at various levels within their organizations using diplomacy and tact.

• Anticipating client needs and acting on special requests.

• Maintaining awareness and adherence to client's procedures, programs & policy guidelines while consistently applying Fox World Travel practices and programs.

• Assuring professional office appearance in accordance with Fox World Travel standards and onsite standards.

• Maintaining a high level of competency on Apollo/Smartpoint/Galileo/Travelport + GDS.

• Maintaining a level of proficiency in all international fare calculation techniques.

• Understanding how to book under Fly America Act.

• Supporting traveler requirements to combine personal and business travel.

• Educating student and/or first-time travelers to the process.

• Ensuring optimum customer service through effective use of computer systems, positive telephone techniques, and positive customer facing scenarios.

• Improving quality results by studying, evaluating, and making recommendations of process re-designs.

• Updating knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks.

• Operating with a sense of urgency and interest and conveying that to the traveler through actions.

• Maintaining a favorable and collaborative working relationship with co-workers in all departments to foster an environment of trust and mutual respect. Driving standards and best practices whenever possible and effectively fostering a culture of engagement.

• Enhancing the organization's reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

• Being innovative and recommending new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of operations and services performed.

• Other duties, projects and alternate assignments as determined by business need.

You'll love this job if you have:

• Personal effectiveness/credibility.

• Organizational and planning skills.

• Customer-focus and are service-oriented.

• Communication proficiency - verbal and written with appropriate use of grammar.

• Information gathering and monitoring skills.

• Problem analysis and problem-solving skills.

• Sound judgment and decision-making ability.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• The ability to comfortably deal with highly complex situations.

• Flexibility with the ability to work efficiently and effectively with frequent interruptions.

This opportunity might be for you if you have:

• At least 3 years travel industry related experience.

• Proven experience in all facets of higher education travel including support functions, VIP travel, domestic, group air, and international reservations.

• Strong technological skills, knowledge and demonstrated proficiency of all Microsoft Office Applications.

• Ability to work full time hours; flexibility required as required hours may shift based on business needs.

• Proven ability to create international travel arrangements (air, hotel, and ground transportation).

• Demonstrated knowledge of industry codes and practices, as well as an understanding of international travel requirements, i.e. visas, passports, immunization requirements, etc.

• Ability to concentrate and perform accurately while meeting applicable productivity measures.

• High productivity in a self-directed work environment.

• Good sense of geography and workings of travel industry in order to understand how to plan trips, construct itineraries and calculate international fares.

• Ability to communicate with confidence and create a credible impression to clients.

• Effective listening skills with ability to determine root cause quickly, check for shared understanding and address misunderstandings promptly.

• Self-motivation with demonstrated initiative and a strong commitment to personal goals, objectives, and work ethic.

• GDS proficiency, Apollo/Smartpoint/Galileo/Travelport + preferred.

• Completed specialized training in international faring (preferred).

Occasional business travel, overnight stay may be required for training events and to visit Fox World Travel locations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Note: The phrases "occasionally," "regularly," and "frequently" correspond to the following definitions: "Occasionally" means up to 1/3 of working time, "regularly" means between 1/3 and 2/3 of working time, and "frequently" means 2/3 and more working time.

While performing the duties and responsibilities of this position, the associate is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb, reach above shoulders, and move from place to place. The incumbent is frequently required to talk and listen and use hands to finger manipulate or handle. Specific vision requirements for this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The incumbent may occasionally be required to lift up to 50 pounds

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For On-site and Hybrid Associates: Regular attendance is necessary to successfully perform this job; extended hours may be necessary from time to time. The incumbent works in an office environment where the noise level is low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment including but not limited to computers, a headset, a mouse, a keyboard, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

For Work-At-Home Associates: Regular attendance is necessary to successfully perform this job; extended hours may be necessary from time to time. This role routinely uses standard office equipment including but not limited to computers, a headset, a mouse, and a keyboard.

If you share in our passion for teamwork, our vision to have culture, engagement, and innovation at the heart of all our initiatives, we want you to come soar with Fox World Travel! If you fit the description AND meet the qualifications, please don't hesitate to apply online at www.foxworldtravel.com/careers.

Work hard, play hard and travel often with the Fox World Travel Team today!

If hired for this position, you would be an employee of Fox World Travel, therefore, no fees would be associated with your training or employment. Also, Fox World Travel does not charge any fees as part of the application process.

Fox World Travel is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates to work.

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