Location: Washington, D.C.

EF Explore America is a division of EF Education First (“EF”), a diversified global education company that has been in operation for over 55 years. EF is family-owned, has a staff of nearly 60,000 people, and operates out of 600 offices in over 100 countries around the world. As a privately held company, EF has the advantage of being flexible and able to make decisions for the long-term success of the company. We have certainly experienced our share of travel-related obstacles and seemingly impossible situations - but have bounced back stronger each time. Our future is bright.

EF Explore America organizes and leads educational trips for teachers and their students across North America. Washington, D.C. is our most popular destination. At EF Explore America, we believe in one simple truth - that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Our tours help students expand their knowledge of the world around them, understand new people, places, and cultures, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident and independent.

The Hotel Allocations Specialist

In this role, you will play a vital role in fulfilling the company’s mission: Opening the World Through Education . You will be part of the passionate, high-achieving, and fun Procurement Team (part of our Operations Team) and will be the key face of EF Explore America to our Washington, D.C. hotel and industry partners. You will report directly to the Director of North America Hotels who is based in Boston.

In this highly cross-functional and visible role, you will:

• Develop and manage relationships with local hotel partners, hotel management companies, and CVB/DMO partners, through on-site visits and frequent email/phone correspondence.
• Be the face of EF Explore America to the local supplier community by attending industry events and conferences throughout the year.
• Strategically develop and execute allocation strategies that support our strategic business objectives around cost and quality management, inventory utilization, and customer experience.
• Onboard new hotel suppliers to ensure they are well-prepared to offer the best experience possible to our student travelers, sometimes visiting with travelers on-site at a hotel.
• Manage reservation details and work closely with hotels to problem-solve on-tour incidents.
• Assist in any necessary supplier or contract negotiations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 0- 2 years professional or equivalent experience
• Use of a personal vehicle for work-related tasks; mileage to be reimbursed at the federal rate
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Able to think critically and creatively to problem solve under pressure
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining awareness of the larger mission
• Great communication skills, both oral and written
• A self-directed, results oriented, team player
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Work in our light-filled office where you’ll enjoy comprehensive professional development, frequent social programming, office-wide sports leagues, and employee-run social groups (including our “EFinity” groups: Black@EF, LGBTQ+@EF, Indigenous@EF, API@EF , and Parents@EF ). You can also expect:

• Paid travel at least once a year (more as you grow with us).
• Robust professional growth opportunities including monthly trainings, workshops, and inspiring talks with global leaders and experts.
• Three weeks paid vacation your first year (four weeks starting in year two) and nine paid holidays.
• 25% match to your 401(k) contributions.
• Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage, along with life and disability insurance.
• Wellness benefits including $150 yearly fitness reimbursement.
• EF program discounts including travel, language schools, childcare, and more.
• Discounts at local venues and businesses.
• Compensation: Starts at $55,000 commensurate with experience

At EF Education First, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, EF has helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves.