Company Introduction
WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning. The company was founded in 1967 to provide middle school travel programs to Washington, D.C. and has grown to provide a wide range of programs for more than half a million students annually to over 100 countries around the world. WorldStrides offers experiential learning programs in educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports. Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and to see the world – and themselves – in new ways.
Job Description:
The Performing Arts Sales Specialist is responsible for generating new accounts to participate in WorldStrides domestic performing events. These accounts are developed via telephone and occasionally in-person meetings. In addition to establishing new accounts, the Sales Specialist is responsible for the growth and rebooking of their existing accounts.
The Sales Specialist specializes in working with Band, Choir, and Orchestra Directors from schools and community groups.
Reporting to the Performing Arts Sales Director, the Performing Arts Sales Specialist is responsible for promoting and selling WorldStrides school trips to achieve established sales targets. The Performing Arts Sales Specialist works with the Sales Director to identify market opportunities and set sales strategy for defined areas, territories, or targeted accounts. This role partners closely with Account Managers and Event Coordinators to ensure the customer needs are met and the trip is a success.
An ideal candidate is familiar with performing arts, a passion for creating memorable travel experiences for students, and a business acumen that drives them to reach sales targets.
Responsibilities:
- Achieve annual sales goals through the development of new and existing clients.
- Develop a database of qualified leads through referrals, phone calls, cold calling, email, and networking.
- Follow the proven sales process, follow up on leads from the website and lead generation team, and convert leads to sales.
- Prepare action plans and schedules to identify specific targets and prioritize activities.
- Maintain and grow profitability/margins across a book of business.
- Maintain daily and weekly pipeline and activity reports.
- Create a close working relationship with internal stakeholders and other functional areas to ensure successful trips, satisfied customers, and achievement of sales retention goals.
- Complete customer needs assessments to prepare and present proposals that meet group requirements.
- Host meetings with parent, student, and administrative groups.
- Ensure revisions to itineraries and trip budgets are made as required.
- Work with marketing to provide feedback on marketing materials.
- Maintain product knowledge, offering expertise and guidance to new and existing clients.
- Participate in regular sales meetings, company meetings, and training sessions.
- Represent WorldStrides in a positive, ethical, and professional manner.
- Assist in hosting and coordinating large music events for students.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrates competitive spirit with a track record of winning.
- Goal-focused, self-sufficient individual who takes initiative to grow sales.
- Attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
- 2-5 years of direct and/or telesales experience preferred.
- Excellent negotiation, conversion, and closing skills.
- Experience in music is preferred but not required.
- Excellent communication skills – ability to work effectively with adults and youth.
- Ability to travel.
- Exceptional work ethic, with a willingness to work additional hours during seasonal peaks as well as some weekends and evenings.
- Exceptional computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Advanced Excel, PowerPoint).
Work Perks
- Fun & driven environment.
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage, life, accidental death and dismemberment, accident, critical illness, and disability insurance, FSA healthcare, FSA dependent care, HSA with employer contribution, and generous 401k match.
- 11 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day & up to 25 PTO days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, 4 mental health days, and 5 bereavement days.
- Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually
- $1,000 towards professional certifications annually
- Opportunities for paid and discounted travel.
- Flexible work schedule providing on-site, remote, and virtual office opportunities.
- Encouraged participation in our Employee Resource Groups and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion council.
- Fitness Center and café onsite at select locations.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Parental, Caregiver, and Disability leave.
- Team Member Discount Program
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WorldStrides is committed to building a diverse workforce, supported by an environment that promotes inclusion and belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
WorldStrides will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, J-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Select seasonal roles may consider students on J-1 or F-1 visas.