Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Tickets and Tours Manager)

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Travel & Tours Office, MWR Department, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan.

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position.

Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate possesses the following: Knowledge of the broad aspect of the travel industry, both domestic and international, land, air and sea, in order to insure that only the highest quality tours, at the best possible group prices, are obtained for authorized patrons.

An in-depth background, experience and knowledge of domestic and international tour destinations is required in order to present the most marketable and effective tour program to meet the recreational travel demands of the military community.

Knowledge and experience in public relations, personnel management, and about the relationship of the military and civilian community so that effective and diplomatic communications are maintained, orally and in writing, which will insure the highest level of customer and vendor goodwill.

Practical knowledge of managerial and supervisory responsibilities to make the most effective use of manpower, materials and equipment which provides an optimum working climate, while maintaining a cost-effective tour operation.

Knowledge of marketing and promotional techniques for effective advertising and dissemination of tour information.

This includes background and experience as an effective public speaker for translation of tour offerings before audiences of authorized patrons.

Knowledge of local points of interest and up-to-date attractions in the entertainment industry. Must possess the skills in dealing with the public in a polite and courteous manner.

Must be able to work day, evening and weekend shifts, including holidays Major Duties:

Plans, develops and administers a comprehensive and versatile tour/ transportation program, for military personnel and their dependents, authorized DOD civilians, and retired military personnel.

Administers the operation of an entertainment ticket office that provides for cultural, sporting, and entertainment attractions primarily in the greater Kanto area, but also throughout Japan and the Far East region.

Establishes and maintains close working relationship with all major tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, independent travel operator, restaurants, hotels/motels, and attractions, and conduct thorough surveys and analysis in planning and schedule of tours.

Through negotiation, ensures that the highest quality tours are available at the lowest group/military discount prices.

Periodically acts as tour escort or individually investigate tour destination to ensure maximum success and patron satisfaction.

Packages, prices and schedules tours to meet anticipated demand and according to availability of destination, costs, and probability of success.

Ensures that tour selection is of such variety as to appeal to the wide spectrum of the total military community and include tours of entertainment, cultural and educational value.

Ensures that all initial tour bookings are arranged and all final arrangements, i.e., payment, rooming lists, manifests, escort instructions, etc., are completed and submitted in an efficient and timely manner.

Maintains quality control of tours by conducting periodic oral and written surveys of patrons.

Implements proper budgetary accounting policies that provide effective cost control measures that ensure budget guidelines are met and that a minimum self-sufficiency of 100% is maintained for the tours and transportation program.

Works with the MWR Marketing Office in developing marketing and promotional material to properly advertise the program. This will include public presentations to groups and conducting pre-tour events.

Prepares and publishes comprehensive tour bulletin every quarter.

Supervises and trains subordinate staff, to include customer service personnel, travel information clerks, tour guides, Incumbent must present a neat, well-groomed, professional appearance at all times and must work harmoniously with co-workers and members of the MWR Department.

Performs supervisory duties which include assigning work, defining priorities, selecting and recommending applicants for hire, evaluating performance, recommending pay adjustments/awards, providing or recommending training, approving and/or disapproving leave requests, initiating corrective actions, and recommending formal corrective/disciplinary actions as warranted Performs other related duties as assigned.