Senior Travel Specialist

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Senior Travel Specialist assists WWP staff with travel planning for teammates, warriors, and guests. The role ensures the travel team is informed of all aspects of the travel planning process and identifies, negotiates, and implements travel efficiencies and cost savings to support the organization’s mission and goals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as the primary point‑of‑contact for travel planning with the travel management company on behalf of WWP staff and warriors. Provide high‑touch service and help WWP staff troubleshoot travel issues, including assisting with travel logistics and triaging flight issues. Facilitate individual and group training covering a range of travel policies, procedures, and operational and technical areas for the travel and events team and help provide teammate’s professional skills development. Monitor cost savings and provide oversight of travel specialists to ensure the team uses consistent business processes. Respond immediately to crisis situations. Research and identify options and alternatives for air and ground transportation. Work collaboratively with regional office teammates to ensure appropriate and cost‑effective transportation options are selected. Inform and educate internal staff and warriors on appropriate travel practices. Perform compliance audits to ensure consistent standard operating procedures, vendor contracts, and cost initiatives. Utilize expense controls and seek cost‑saving opportunities to help manage the budget effectively. Collaborate with and support Event Planning teams to plan and manage group travel for WWP events. Facilitate continual communication among the Travel & Events team and WWP teammates; facilitate communications and overall process with non‑program attendees. Collaborate with events team and travel specialists to ensure attendees have appropriate information to attend events. Train internal staff on travel processes and procedures, including booking travel with the online booking tool, guest travel, opportunities for cost savings, and related efficient travel practices. Assist with special organizational projects, e.g., serve as coordinator for the mission connect program. Coordinate with WWP’s travel management company and track monthly reporting of WWP travel expenses. Track travel costs for finance and auditing purposes on travel spend for gift‑in‑kind items, e.g., airline certificates. Manage vendor relationships. Identify and implement new travel programs and partnerships as appropriate. Attend and actively participate in required training and/or meetings, including but not limited to New Teammate Orientation, WWP Cares, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, Leadership training, culture/team‑based training, or departmental huddles. Other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Demonstrated understanding of the corporate travel industry. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Understanding of relationship management and partnering. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain professional relationships. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals and build effective working relationships. Demonstrated emotional intelligence. Ability to respond to sensitive matters with diplomacy and empathy. Good presentation skills. Confident communicator with demonstrated ability to present information effectively to groups and individuals. Understanding of WWP programs and services offered to wounded warriors. Ability to travel in support of WWP programs and services. Effectively adapt to changing procedures, processes, and methods. High energy level. Self‑starter; willing to take initiative. Unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of personal and business ethics and conduct. Mission‑driven, guided by core values, and a pleasure to work with.

EXPERIENCE

Requirements Five years of travel industry experience with an emphasis on corporate and group travel. Preferences Three years of experience with travel industry professional associations, e.g., GBTA, ACTE. Three years of experience in budgeting and negotiating contracts. One year of experience working in a non‑profit organization.

EDUCATION

Requirements Bachelor’s degree in tourism, travel management, or relevant field. Equivalent combination of education, experience, training, and certification may be considered in lieu of degree.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE

Requirements None. Preferences Certificate in Corporate Travel Execution (CCTE).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

General office environment; temperature controlled. Standing for extended periods of time. Up to 10% travel. Wounded Warrior Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wounded Warrior Project