Operations Assistant
Full-time, office-based in South Kensington.
Come and join a leading specialist cultural travel operator. ArtsAbroad organises tours for high-level special interest groups from leading arts institutions around the globe. We are looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working and personable Operations Assistant, with a sunny disposition and a natural ability to communicate. The job requires strong organisational skills, good written English (fluent proficiency) and competent IT skills. A working knowledge of additional European languages would be an advantage.
ArtsAbroad works with museums and galleries, opera and dance companies and other cultural institutions to arrange carefully structured travel programmes for high-level patron, benefactor and supporter groups. All of our travel programmes are bespoke and are entirely relevant to the institution they are designed for. We work closely with our clients to ensure that each trip offers valuable insights, high-level curatorial input and privileged access to private collections, magnificent homes and historic sites, as well as behind-the-scenes and after-hours access to museums and galleries.
The role will include office-based tour administration, and the opportunity to travel on research trips and tours as you progress.
Responsibilities will include:
* Full operation of tours, including liaising with airlines, hotels, restaurants and venues visited (e.g. museums and galleries, opera houses, concert venues, private collections and gardens)
* Sourcing suppliers for tours and negotiating contracts
* Researching and writing text for tour brochures
* Designing marketing brochures, specifically using Adobe Indesign (training provided)
* Liaising with tour participants via phone and email
* Liaising with clients (cultural instutions) where required
* Providing support for the compilation of tour costings
* Assisting with general office support
Required experience & skills:
* English as a mother tongue or total proficiency in both spoken and written English
* The ability to deal with complex itineraries and multi-task
* The ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
* Strong decision-making skills, particularly under pressure
* Impeccable attention to detail (this is essential)
* Excellent communication skills
* Good judgement and initiative
* Highly organised and adaptable
* A good team player, willing to go the extra mile to support colleagues
* A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
* An interest in the arts
* A passion for travel and a curiosity about different destinations and cultures
Desired experience & skills:
* At least one year’s office experience
* Proficient knowledge (spoken and written) of at least one other European language (preferably German)
* A good working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign)
* Confident Mac user
Salary and benefits:
* Salary £26,000 – £29,000 (dependent on experience)
* Annual performance-based bonus
* Pension contribution
* 20 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), plus the time between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed
* Birthday off
* Quarterly company-funded ‘Cultural Afternoon’
* Worldwide travel insurance for all employees for both work and personal travel