Join Our Team at EF Education First
A career with EF combines the support and opportunity of a large international organization with the spirit and energy of a small business. We seek thinkers and doers—creative, collaborative, and motivated individuals who are passionate about education and travel.
Position Overview
EF Education First, the world leader in international education, is seeking a dedicated and organized Director to become part of our Educational Tours Travel Team. In this role, you will work with an energetic, multinational team and report to the Director of Travel in our flights division.
The ideal candidate will be motivated to lead an emerging team focused on strategizing and securing the best flights inventory for our customers while effectively supporting the needs of our Educational Tours sales teams based in North America. This role will require international travel approximately 25% of the time.
Start Date
The anticipated start date for this full-time position is July 2025.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Training staff and managers on the technical aspects of industry Global Distribution Systems; expert-level technical skills in both Sabre and Amadeus are required, alongside a minimum of 1 year of experience with Travel Fusion and NDC.
- Collaborating closely with stakeholders at all levels of the business.
- Managing a multi-million dollar budget that encompasses both direct and indirect costs.
- Setting the procurement strategy for a team responsible for securing flights for the Educational Tours’ product group, with an emphasis on quality, customer experience, and financial stewardship.
- Providing support, training, and development for the Managers and Flight Coordinators that report to you.
- Analyzing complex data and market forecasting to inform decision-making for both your team and the broader organization.
- Working with senior sales leadership of Educational Tours to outline service level agreements, determine business rules, and establish processes that enhance the customer experience for our North American customers while ensuring strong budget adherence.
- Collaborating closely with other Directors across Travel to achieve our collective strategic priorities.
- Driving innovation through technology as we seek new ways to scale our business and improve our operational efficiency.
Who You Are
- You bring 5+ years of proven success in leading teams or positively influencing teams in a managerial capacity or higher.
- A GDS expert who enjoys delving into the details and discovering innovative solutions for group bookings.
- Experience working with North American travel consumers; prior experience in the educational travel industry or with the K-12 school market is a plus.
- A collaborative individual who is excited to work as part of a team to achieve exceptional results.
- Well-versed in working with senior stakeholders, comfortable making decisions, and skilled in clear communication with relevant parties.
- Able to address concerns, challenge colleagues, and propose constructive solutions tactfully.
- Proficient in understanding group travel models and airline procurement and servicing processes, with at least 3+ years of experience in booking groups.
- A track record of managing or acting as a decision-maker on technical projects that streamline processes.
- A strategic leader who brings drive, passion, and inspiration to your role.
- Competitive and goal-driven, embodying a “nothing is impossible” attitude when it comes to helping your team achieve its objectives.
- Flexible and adaptable, understanding the unpredictable nature of the travel industry and ready to navigate its highs and lows.
- A team player who approaches work with a diligent yet enjoyable attitude.
About EF
At EF, we believe that the world is a better place when people strive to understand one another. Since 1965, we have helped millions of individuals explore new places, experience new cultures, and learn more about the world and themselves. Our culturally immersive education programs—focused on language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics—transform dreams into international opportunities.
When you join EF, you become part of a multicultural and diverse community operating across more than 600 schools and offices in 50 countries, united by our shared mission of opening the world through education. Regardless of your background or passions, we invite you to bring your unique perspective to work every day. EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering inclusion and belonging across all aspects of diversity.
Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF has schools and offices globally, including in cities like Boston, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, Shanghai, Stockholm, and Zürich. Learn more about us at EF.com.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.