The Group Travel Specialist, Discoveries is responsible for designing, arranging, and facilitating domestic and international group travel for AAA Members /clientele. The Group Travel Specialist is responsible to, handle trip files from set up to completion including vendor negotiations, quotes, pricing, reservations, and closeout. The Group Travel Specialist supports and gives priority to the AAA Preferred supplier partnerships. Working as a member of the AAA ONE TEAM, the Group Travel Specialist, lends support to the AAA Travel Advisor in providing a remarkable experience and service to AAA’s members/clients and ensuring total satisfaction, as reflected on Total Satisfaction survey scores. 

Essential Functions:

• Makes group travel arrangements with suppliers for accommodations and services including but not limited to those provided by airlines, train, hotels and resorts, motorcoach, cruise lines, tour operators, sightseeing companies, baggage handlers, and travel insurance companies 
• Assists AAA Travel Advisors, in servicing Members/clients with Discoveries group travel.
• Places reservations for AAA Discoveries trips and uses the AAA preferred operating system, specialized department software and MS Office applications to develop group trips.
• Creates and maintains accurate files/records of reservations, contracts, cost sheets, client information and payments
• Reviews files to make certain all payments are accounted for, and all follow up has been completed to ensure timely and accurate file closing. 
• Develops Discoveries trip brochures
• Reviews and organizes supplier documents for accuracy in preparation for delivery to clients and Journey Managers.
• Researches and organizes relevant travel information regarding insurance, legal documentation, destination information and health advisories.
• Reports problems to the Group Department Manager and follows up in a timely manner to correct problem situations.
• Assists with group departures as scheduled from airports, offices, and other venues.
• May escort group trips following the successful completion of Discoveries Journey Manager training.
• Participates in promotional events to assist in sales of group trips.
• Set up locales, agendas and conducts in-person and virtual pre-departure meetings
• Actively demonstrates, and promotes AAA Central Penn’s Core Values and Commitments
• Serves as a key contributor to the Member Satisfaction scores and assists Department Manager to ensure Members/clients are being Totally Satisfied or we are exceeding traveler expectations.

Education, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Associates Degree in travel and tourism or two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In-depth experience with retail and group travel department operations.
• Time management and attention to detail is a must.
• Professional knowledge of the travel industry including geography, travel logistics, cruising, tours, accommodations, travel documentation, insurance, travel suppliers, product development, marketing, trip operations and problem solving with a special emphasis on group products. 
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision at a high level is key in the position.
• Excellent internal and external customer service and communication skills written and oral. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to work in a multitasking, time-sensitive environment while displaying initiative and teamwork.
• Accurate accounting, ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages.
• Solves practical business problems using variables with limited standardization. Must interpret information and carry out initiatives based on interpretation.
• A working knowledge of computer applications: Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook, Teams, Axis; and supplier products and policies. 
• Good listening skills, excellent customer sales and service skills, flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, organization, phone etiquette. 

 What We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with 6% match
• Paid Time Off 
• Personal Time Off
• Long Term Disability and life insurance
• Paid Volunteer time through AAA Cares events and eligible activities
• Free AAA Premier membership
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts and perks including travel, car battery, and more

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To learn more about what AAA Central Penn has to offer follow this link: http://centralpenn.aaa.com/careers

About Us:

For over 100 years the name AAA has been synonymous with exceptional service. Whether it be roadside assistance, travel, financial products, or insurance, we have over 55 million members who appreciate the value and peace of mind that our services provide. Come join our team and be a part of the AAA legacy!

The selected candidates will be required to successfully complete pre-employment assessments, a criminal background check, and drug screen.

AAA Central Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.