Virtual Travel Consultant

We are seeking an experienced University Travel Consultant to manage university-specific travel requests with accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional attention to detail.

This is a full-time position available either remotely or in-house.

The successful candidate must be highly proficient in Sabre GDS and have extensive experience handling both domestic and international travel reservations.

The consultant will communicate with clients by phone and email and process submitted registration forms to arrange complete travel itineraries.

The role also involves coordinating individual and group travel, including contracted and blocked airfare, charter transportation, hotel room blocks, and other travel logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Arrange simple and complex domestic and international travel for university-focused clients, including flights, hotels, rental cars, rail services, limousines, and other ground transportation.
• Advise travelers regarding applicable travel requirements, including passports, visas, entry requirements, and additional travel-related costs.
• Respond to travel requests received through phone calls, emails, and registration forms.
• Maintain traveler profiles and effectively manage reservation queues.
• Apply available unused airline tickets and credits to eligible reservations to help maximize client savings.
• Utilize available travel technology and automation tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Follow established company procedures, standards, and best practices when identifying logical, cost-effective fares and accommodations.
• Research and resolve traveler concerns or disruptions that occur while travelers are en route.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of each client’s travel policies, approval processes, guidelines, and authorization requirements.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with clients while delivering consistently professional service.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously and adapt quickly to changing priorities and business requirements.
• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Maintain a professional and mature approach when communicating with clients, employees, travelers, and colleagues.

Primary Work Allocation

Approximately 50% of the role will involve corporate transient travel reservations and related client services.

The remaining 50% will focus on corporate group travel reservations, coordination, and support.

Qualifications and Competencies

Candidates should possess strong, current knowledge of the travel industry along with substantial reservation and client-service experience.

Requirements include:

• At least 5 years of recent, hands-on experience using Sabre GDS.
• Strong knowledge of university and collegiate travel environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing group airfare blocks and airline contracts.
• Experience with higher education or student travel is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of group travel planning, coordination, and logistics.
• Ability to manage both straightforward and complex international itineraries and fare structures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong emphasis on client service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Practical experience using Smartsheet.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and learn new processes and technologies.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Patience, adaptability, and flexibility when responding to changing circumstances.
• Willingness to participate in emergency or disaster recovery situations when necessary to support travelers and clients.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and industry learning.
• Willingness to attend virtual or in-person staff meetings and training sessions.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to work confidently with travel-related systems and technology.

Education and Experience

A high school diploma is required, while a college degree is preferred.

Applicants should have at least 5 years of professional corporate travel experience, including substantial use of the Sabre GDS reservation system.

Work Environment

For employees working from a corporate office, the position operates within a traditional professional office environment alongside other team members.

Remote employees are responsible for complying with the company’s telecommuting policies and maintaining an appropriate home-office environment that supports their responsibilities.

Schedule and Working Conditions

This is a full-time position, with working hours varying according to business requirements and generally operating within the Eastern Time (EST) schedule.

Schedules may be adjusted when necessary to meet operational or client needs. Employees may occasionally be required to work overtime.

Remote team members may also be asked to report to a company office when reasonably required for training, operational support, meetings, or other business-related purposes.