Account Executive - Sports

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 sales team is a collaborative and development focused team that cares about, supports, and learns from each other. We provide an in-depth training program, sales coaching, and ongoing continuing education to equip you for success. The Account Executive will generate new business by engaging clubs, schools, and college teams to sell the opportunity to travel and play sport internationally. The Account Executive will use their knowledge, network, and experience to present the opportunity to prospective clients.  WorldStrides Sports are the sports travel experiences that WorldStrides offers. We take teams around the world to challenge new opponents, boost skills, and gain memorable experiences that last a lifetime. The primary program focus is on soccer travel to European destinations, serving youth club, high school, Olympic development, and university teams through customized sports tours, tournaments, and competitive play.

Responsibilities:

• Win new business and expand existing business within your assigned clubs, organizations, schools and territory. This is a hunter role and requires that mindset to be successful.
• Help coaches, directors, and other leadership members build and enhance their program's international travel programs.
• Develop a pipeline of opportunities and manage all aspects of the sales cycle, from lead generation through qualification and closing.
• Assess each prospect's needs and goals, and clearly communicate our value proposition.
• Respond to inquiries or requests promptly via phone or email, and problem solve quickly and creatively on behalf of Program Leaders.
• Prepare compelling proposals and navigate through decision-making processes to close business.
• Meet and exceed sales activity targets as well as seasonal sales goals.
• Comprehend the sports travel industry with interest to learn more regarding our competition.
• Improve the success of our team by proactively contributing new ideas, market feedback and successful sales strategies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date computer and documentation on all customer data, telephone contact, price quotes, and written correspondence.
• Work effectively and in tandem with Account Management, Operations, Program Management, Program Associates and Financial Service Representatives, as well as any other colleague within WorldStrides.
• Understand and support all policies, procedures, and overall business strategies of WorldStrides.
• Assume additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications:

• An entrepreneurial mindset -- you're driven, collaborative, competitive, and have a growth mindset.
• Previous work experience in sales as well as soccer/sports or a customer facing role. Bonus points for outbound calling experience!
• A passion for traveling and belief in the value of travel in helping student athletes experience the game they love on another continent. Knowledge of international destinations/international travel experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation, time management and organizational skills
• Sense of urgency and commitment; demonstrated ability to meet individual and sales team goals.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, data-driven environment. Adaptable to frequently changing systems and workloads.
• Active listening skills and curiosity to fully understand a prospect's pain points before presenting our solutions.
• Ability to significantly increase time commitment as needed to meet company objectives.
• Ability to balance customer service expectations with business considerations.
• Strong interpersonal skills -- excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional telephone and video call demeanor.
• Ability to work efficiently on a computer, familiarity with Microsoft Office products is a plus, especially PowerPoint. Able to learn new technologies with appropriate support and training.
• College degree required with two years of proven performance in a sales and/or customer service role with revenue retention/growth.
• Ability to drive an automobile, comfortable with airline travel.
• Able to travel domestically and internationally to develop and facilitate client relationships and attend industry conferences and customer events.

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, HSA with employer contribution, and generous 401k match.
• 11 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day & up to 25 PTO days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, 4 mental health days, and 5 bereavement days.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually
• $1,000 towards professional certifications 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)
• Paid Parental, Caregiver, and Disability leave.
• Team Member Discount Program