Travel Center - Travel Experience Specialist

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-teams="true"><strong>Who We Are</strong><br>Mercy Ships is a global faith-based charity that uses hospital ships to bring life-changing surgeries and transformational medical training to people in some of the most challenging contexts along the African coast. For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has been delivering lasting hope and healing through safe surgical care, while working alongside partners and stakeholders to strengthen local healthcare systems in more than 55 countries. Since the inception of this dream by founders Don and Deyon Stephens in 1978, Mercy Ships has served more than 2.7 million direct beneficiaries without regard for race, gender, or religion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-teams="true">Do you have a heart for the hurting and a desire to invest your talents and experiences into a mission with eternal significance? For every transformative surgery that takes place onboard one of our Mercy Ships, there are dozens of men and women being used of the Lord to prepare the way through their vocational gifts and talents!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The<strong> Travel Experience Specialist </strong>uses specialist knowledge of the travel industry to liaise with travelers and our travel partners to ensure needs of the individual and organization are met, striving to provide a best-in-class and cost-effective travel booking experience</span></p> <p><br><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>**</strong><strong>The annual compensation range for this role is $55,00–$60,000 </strong></span></p> <p><br><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder; color: #1c1c1e; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This is a </span></strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder; color: #1c1c1e; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">full time, REMOTE position</span></strong></span></p> <p><br><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How You’ll Contribute</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Uses specialist travel industry knowledge and experience to help deliver cost-effective and personalized travel itineraries for each traveler.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Monitors the shared Travel mailbox and responds to traveler inquiries in a timely manner.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Delivers customized traveler communication and documentation.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Provides pre-departure guidance and service location information.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Answers questions related to flight alerts and travel changes.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Recommends appropriate arrival and departure timing and travel logistics.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Determines eligibility for premium traveler upgrades.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Creates, updates, and manages Concur traveler profiles.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Books and manages travel arrangements using Concur and Sabre.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Monitors traveler delays and cancellations.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Communicates travel interruptions, delays, and updates to travelers.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coordinates and supports complex or exception-based travel needs.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coordinates travel logistics including lounge access, hotel prepayments, and ground transportation.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dispatches rides and manages traveler access within Uber for Business platforms.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Identifies workflow bottlenecks and reassigns approvals to ensure timely processing.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maintains accuracy and completeness of travel requests and associated records.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Updates and manages Travel-related SharePoint lists and data.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tracks changes and reviews version history within SharePoint as needed.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Develops and maintains knowledge resources such as blogs, training materials, and internal documentation.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Contributes to internal communications and training initiatives.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maintains alignment and upholds Mercy Ships Core Values, Code of Conduct, and follows the policies and procedures published on Compass. </span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Follows the model of Jesus and aligns with our core values by Loving God; Loving and Serving Others; Being a Person of Integrity; and a Person of Excellence in all you say and do.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other duties may be assigned that are not included in the information provided in this job description. </span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>The Ideal Candidate</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Customer service-oriented with the ability to address inquiries and issues promptly.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excellent communication skills required - both written and verbal.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Knowledge of corporate travel policies and procedures.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in tracking and managing travel-related data.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> International travel may be required.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems, such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records and other office procedures and terminology, competency with the Microsoft PowerApps Suite preferred.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pro-active thinker; constantly strive to improve processes.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Analytical skills are a plus.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Enthusiastic and relational approach to work with volunteers and colleagues.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Positive approach to work with a solution-oriented attitude.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Highly adaptable, able to work on multiple projects at once.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values. </span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Education & Experience</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bachelor's degree in travel/hospitality, business, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, advanced degree preferred.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 3-5 years of travel industry experience.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Understanding of travel GDS (global distribution system) preferred.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Successful completion of Mercy Ships Entry Training will be required within the first year. <br>Or equivalent combination of experience and education.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">**Compensation range listed is for U.S. hires only. Actual compensation may vary dependent upon location of hire.</span></p> <p> </p><p><span data-teams="true"><span style="font-size: inherit;">Pour your God-given talents into a mission with eternal return on investment -- join the Mercy Ships Crew, today! </span><span style="font-size: inherit;">This is a paid position. To explore our many Mercy Ships volunteer opportunities, please visit us at: </span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer/" id="menur363r" target="_blank" title="https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer/" aria-label="Link https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer/"><span style="font-size: inherit;"><em>https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer/</em></span></a></span></p>

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...