Director of Performing Event Sales

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 Director of Sales will lead and manage a team of sales representatives focused on selling group travel experiences for middle and high school band, choral, and orchestra programs. This position combines strategic leadership with hands-on sales responsibilities, including direct customer engagement, team coaching, and operational involvement in the festivals.

Responsibilities:

• Sales Leadership
• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets.
• Coach, mentor, and manage a team of 8-10 salespeople to achieve individual and team sales goals.
• Monitor sales performance, provide actionable feedback, and implement improvement plans as needed.
• Collaborate with the SVP of Sales to align departmental goals with organizational objectives.
• Direct Sales
• Manage a portfolio of key accounts, fostering relationships with educators and school administrators.
• Prospect new business opportunities and expand the customer base.
• Negotiate contracts and close sales for group travel experiences.
• Act as the primary point of contact for high-value clients.
• Event and Festival Management
• Support the planning and execution of student festivals, ensuring operational excellence.
• Serve as an on-site representative during festivals to ensure client satisfaction and successful event delivery.
• Partner with operations and logistics teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues in real time
• Operational & Strategic Contributions
• Analyze sales data and trends to forecast revenue and identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing to refine lead generation and outreach strategies.
• Maintain a deep understanding of competitor offerings and market trends.
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry stakeholders and partners.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel for events and client meetings as required
• Preferred:
• Experience in the educational travel, event planning, or performing arts industries.
• Familiarity with CRM tools and sales reporting systems.
• Passion for student enrichment and group travel.

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, HAS with employer contribution, and generous 401k match.
• 10 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day & 25 PTO days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, 4 mental health days, and 5 bereavement days.
• Tuition reimbursement up to five thousand, two hundred fifty dollars annually or one thousand dollars towards professional certification 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)