Director, National & Strategic Account Sales

WHO WE ARE

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”.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Director of National & Strategic Account Sales is responsible for driving the growth and retention of key national accounts and strategic partnerships. This role focuses on developing and executing strategies to expand business, enhance customer relationships, and achieve revenue targets.

The Director will work cross-functionally with internal teams, including Field Sales, Revenue Management, Marketing and Reservations to align goals and product offerings. They will develop relationships with high-impact clients, and secure new business opportunities within those targeted accounts. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Account Growth & Retention 
• Develop and implement a growth strategy for assigned national and strategic accounts. 
• Foster strong, long-term relationships with key clients, acting as a key point of contact. 
• Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts, aiming to maximize revenue potential and achieve National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions goals. 
• Collaborate closely with accounts to ensure a high levelof satisfaction and identify new business opportunities. 
• Sales Strategy & Execution 
• Define and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for national and strategic accounts. 
• Establish and track measurable goals and KPIs to ensure targets are met or exceeded. 
• Support yearly contract negotiations
• Collaborate across internal teams to align on account goals and ensure a unified approach. 
• Market Analysis & Business Planning 
• Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities within national accounts. 
• Provide insights on advisor and client needs and feedback to help inform internal teams. 
• Work with our Revenue Management to deliver regular sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and business performance reviews to senior leadership. 
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Internal Communication 
• Serve as a voice of the agency community internally, advocating for their needs. 
• Maintain strong internal networks to facilitate effective communication and alignment on account management strategies. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree or equivalent industry experience. 
• Strong knowledge of Expedition travel. 
• 10+ years sales experience in the expedition cruise, adventure, or luxury travel industry, with a track record of revenue growth.
• Strong relationships with US Retail Agencies, Wholesaler and Tour Operator markets. 
• Capable user of the MS Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook. 
• Creative, resourceful, and solution oriented. 
• Good organizational, management and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong skills in time management, handling multiple tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to work independently as well as with others in a team environment.
• Must be able to travel 50-75% and work remotely (home-based position). 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experienced with Salesforce and Seaware 

OUR BENEFITS

• 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

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.