Job Summary:

The Partnerships Manager-US cruise oversees the daily management of National Geographic Expedition's Expedition Cruise Business (operated by Lindblad Expeditions and Ponant Expeditions). You will determine and direct important projects to support the department. You will set and oversee the execution of the strategic direction for the Expedition Cruise product and partnership. Ensure all operators comply with brand standards and protect the National Geographic brand at all times. You will provide direction on consistent standards for Trip Development, Trip Operations, Trip Security/Risk Management, Product Quality and Guest Relations for over 300 itineraries operated by cruise partners. Ensure that they maintain consistent standards across programs. Ensure the visibility and consistency of National Geographic banding across the fleet (12 +ships). You will use key metrics and trends to help maximize business efficiencies and results. Drive performance expectations and accountability to ensure goals are met or exceeded. You will manage contract negotiations with external Expedition Cruise operators. Support Finance team with the financial planning and analysis work. Ensure all reporting, budgeting and forecasting and payment deadlines are met.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of partnership management for Lindblad and Ponant, including product development, to ensure annual delivery of $350m+ gross sales through these operators.
• Ensure achievement of strategic goals, including internal support from digital, marketing and public relations teams to promote and source guests from the US, APAC and EMEA Market.
• Ensure consistent product development and delivery standards to include vetting and compliance with regard to trip security, IT security, insurance, activities and animal experiences.
• Collaborate with National Geographic Society, National Geographic Expeditions Talent team, and other internal teams to source National Geographic branded content (TV, Film, Magazines, digital messaging) and National Geographic Experts and Photographers for all 350+ trips in the portfolio.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Public Relations to ensure timely approval of all Operator communications.
• Lead all external contract negotiations with support from Legal.
• Ensure delivery of partner revenues and forecasts to budget.
• Support Finance team with budgeting and forecasting for all applicable product lines.
• Collaborate with Guest Relations, Public Relations, Public Affairs and Security and Compliance to ensure all messaging, and crisis management standards are met.

Basic Qualifications:

• Experience managing partnerships/accounts.
• Experience in travel product management; preferably in the cruise industry.
• Experience with brand and/or brand reputation management.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment and maintain a professional composure.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
• Able to deliver difficult news and be firm.
• Motivated self-starter who takes independent action to hold self and Leaders accountable in a metric-driven environment to improve performance.
• Strong partnering, influencing, communication, and relationship-building skills at all levels including C-Suite.
• Understanding of marketing, public relations, branding and sales.
• Ability to travel to meet with partners and inspect itineraries.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the Expedition Cruise business.

Required Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will work a portion of their time on-site from a Company designated location and the remainder of their time remotely.