DIRECTOR EXPEDITION DEVELOPMENT, VOYAGE

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

JOB SUMMARY 

Join us as the Director of Expedition Development, Voyage, where you will lead a pivotal team in shaping unforgettable travel experiences. This position is at the heart of Lindblad’s best-in-class expeditions, overseeing the entire voyage experience from embarkation to disembarkation. You and your team will be responsible for the conceptualization, creation, budgeting, management, and execution of every aspect of the voyage, including onboard programming, transportation, accommodations, meals, and immersive tours.

In this dynamic role, you will collaborate closely with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and enriching experience while driving revenue growth. Your efforts will not only enhance our operational excellence across all programs but will also elevate our brand, making each journey truly memorable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily on a determined timeline. Additional duties may be added or assigned at any time. Duties listed below are in the context of the voyage portion of the expeditions.

 

People and Process Management

• Lead a team of Product Managers; providing mentorship and guidance to ensure all aspects of the voyage experience are exceptional.
• Provide support during contingency situations.
• Develop processes to increase efficiency while maintaining consistency among offerings.

 

Voyage Development

• Guide the team, including field staff, Pre- and Post-Product Managers, Marketing Managers, and other internal and external partners—to develop standout programming with compelling, marketable themes, and launch it on schedule.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to articulate unique voyage selling propositions and review and approve relevant content—leading sales presentations as needed.
• Promote the team to create paid shore excursions as appropriate to augment included experiences and generate additional revenue.
• Collaborate with Sr. Management on annual deployments and deployment changes.
• Lead MarineXchange (MXP) initiatives, including fuel reduction through itinerary design, accurate port bookings, and other cross-departmental uses.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of permitting compliance laws and regulations, collaborating with the marine and port operations team to ensure voyages comply with these considerations.
• Develop community/industry relationships and partnerships that add value to the guest experience and maintain a positive brand relationship in the areas we operate.
• Ensure deadlines are met as determined by the Operations Calendar

Voyage Execution

• Ensure adherence to team deadlines, providing timely manifests with necessary information for voyage and land providers.
• Ensure adherence to team deadlines for creating and distributing working itineraries with operational instructions, contact information and other essential information to execute the voyage to the highest standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during voyage deviations, coordinating with leadership and other departments as needed and supporting field teams.
• Maintain voyage P&L and ensure voyages operate within budget, while optimizing profitability

Administration

• Negotiate favorable voyage land costs and own voyage land costs budget.
• Assist with accounts payable escalations, as necessary.
• In cooperation with the Guest Communications Department, ensure voyage team delivers all voyage documents accurately and on time.

• Create and maintain internal documents and systems to ensure accuracy for users. Work with a cross-departmental team to support all operational aspects in any contingency or emergency.
• Review booking and pacing to work with Marketing and Sales to address shortfalls and ensure maximized revenue.
• Facilitate LEX/NG Fund conservation initiatives.

 

Quality Assurance

• Review and respond to various reports and implement action plans were necessary. Own voyage experience guest scores for all products

 

Research and Field Work

• Seek continual improvement of geographical knowledge, representing Lindblad voyage and programs as a subject matter expert. 
• Visit and liaise with ship personnel, field staff, local vendors, local guides, conduct site inspections, and gather other appropriate on-site field information as necessary.
• Have deep knowledge of the competitive market to collaborate with Marketing to ensure voyages are competitive in terms of experience, price, and other relevant aspects.
• Represent the organization in regional associations, such as IAATO and AECO, as necessary. 

  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, Tourism, or a related field or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience:
  • At least 3 years of experience in voyage development, travel planning, or a similar role.
  • Experience in developing sales presentations and marketing strategies.

• Knowledge:
  • Basic understanding of permitting compliance laws and regulations related to maritime operations.
  • Familiarity with budgeting and financial management.
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Manage multiple high-priority projects at once and deliver on schedule.
  • Exceptional analytical skills, including financial reporting and analysis.
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills to guide reports, field staff and local vendors.

• Technical Proficiency:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with project management tools (Workfront, Asana).
  • Proficient in MarineXchange (MXP)

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in business administration, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in voyage development or similar roles within the travel or expedition industry.
  • 3+ years of experience managing and mentoring a team.
  • Proven track record of successful project management and execution.

• Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge of geographical regions relevant to the company’s voyages.
  • Comprehensive understanding of competitive market positioning and pricing strategies.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Advanced proficiency in accounting software and CRM systems.
  • Familiarity with industry-specific software for itinerary planning and management.

 

• Travel benefits for employees and their family 

• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests  

• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  

• 401(k) plan with employer match  

• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care  

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit  

• 7-8 Paid Holidays

• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)

• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)

• Parental Leave

• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance

• Pet Insurance discount

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.