The Travel Manager is an administrative position that reports to the Director of Operations and works with the Operations Team to help execute the organization’s travel processes and policies.
The Travel Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day and long-term oversight of those traveling on behalf of the DNC during the 2024 election cycle. They will help support large scale travel, negotiating rates, and be on call for troubleshooting real time travel needs.
The Travel Manager would also help to coordinate with the contracts team as applicable, the Biden for President campaign as applicable, and the 2024 Coordinated team. The Travel Manager would lead any efforts to build out any additional travel processes, update the travel policy as necessary, and work with DNC leadership on approvals and policy adherence.
Critical for success is an interest in the mission of the DNC, strong sense of personal initiative, prior experience leading travel arrangements for a team, and the ability to balance multiple, competing tasks.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Plan and coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and other logistical needs for those traveling on behalf of the DNC.
- Develop and manage travel budgets, negotiate contracts with vendors, and seek cost-saving opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with organizational and FEC policies and regulations regarding travel expenses, maintain accurate records of expenditures, and prepare timely reports for review.
- Develop and implement emergency response protocols to address unexpected travel disruptions, including weather-related delays, cancellations, or security concerns.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with travel-booking tools, airlines, hotels, and other service providers to secure resources and seamless experiences for DNC travelers.
- Collaborate with operations leadership to develop and update travel policies, guidelines, and best practices to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for travel-related inquiries, provide timely assistance and support to travelers, and ensure clear communication of itinerary details and updates.
- Conduct ongoing risk assessments of travel destinations, monitor travel advisories, and implement appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks to traveler safety and security alongside the Director of Operations and Director of Security.
- Develop and deliver training programs and resources to educate travelers on travel procedures, safety protocols, and best practices.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, technology integration, and innovation to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the travel management function during the cycle.
- Coordinate with external teams throughout the election cycle to ensure seamless travel experiences throughout the Democratic ecosystem.
- Coordinate with contracts and accounting teams to ensure budgetary compliance and accurate financial record keeping.
- Oversee the travel on-call schedule to ensure 24/7 emergency travel response.
- Assist in day to day operational activities as a member of the Operations team, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned to support the department and the DNC’s mission.
Skills:
- Enjoys a fast paced working environment and understands the sense of urgency;
- Flexibility in shifting priorities on a day-to-day basis, as well as an hour-by-hour basis;
- Meticulous attention to detail and clear communication style;
- Collaborative spirit to develop buy-in on processes from key stakeholders when needed;
- Self-motivator with a proactive approach to traditional and unexpected assignments;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; thoroughness, and timeliness;
- Proven ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and deadlines;
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels;
- Balances enforcing organizational policies and procedures with providing excellent customer service and judgment;
- Operates as a team player with the mindset that it is important to offer help to team members on pressing priority projects;
- Flexibility and recognition that winning campaigns often means working outside of traditional office hours;
- Works well under pressure.
Qualifications:
- At least 1 year of experience in leading a travel team or travel program, ideally in a campaign setting
- A Bachelor’s degree or 3 years experience in an office environment
- Prior contract experience strongly preferred
- Prior experience with travel management and project management software strongly preferred
The Travel Manager position will require travel, which could be up to 15% of the time. The starting salary for the Operations/Contracts Associate position is $65,000, on an annualized basis, commensurate with experience and qualifications , and has an end date of November 15, 2024. This is a full-time, exempt position, which means you will not be eligible for overtime pay. This position is in the bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local-500.
Due to federal campaign finance rules, only U.S. citizens or U.S. green card holders are eligible for this role. See 52 U.S.C. 30121; 11 C.F.R. 110.20(i).”
The DNC offers a generous benefit package, including:
- Paid time off, including Federal holidays, open leave, and personal days;
- Health and dental insurance for employee and dependents;
- 90% paid by the DNC, 10% paid by employee;
- Supplementary vision plans available to employees for purchase;
- Pre-tax Flexible spending account benefits available to employees and dependents.
