Description

The Senior Programmer performs a variety of Recreation Division tasks related to senior travel programs. This position plans, develops and coordinates senior travel programming, including all local trips, regional trips and extended travel. This position is responsible for quality programming, customer satisfaction, course entry into registration software, roster management, budget management and chaperone responsibilities for specified trips.

Total hours will be 16-20 per week to manage responsibilities and administrative duties. Other hours as scheduled for program facilitation, supervision and operations of current recreation programming responsibilities. Other occasional opportunities may be offered for shifts for special events. Additional night or weekend shifts may be required for travel and/or special events.

Requirements

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the level and/or class of this position.

PROGRAMMING and OPERATIONS

• Plan, develop and coordinate senior travel.
• Research and vet all travel professionals prior to collaboration and partnership.
• Coordinate with Senior Resource Group (SRG) committee to obtain sponsors for designated day trips, invoice and collect payment and documentation.
• Attend SRG meetings as necessary.
• Plan, organize and coordinate senior citizen travel programs including day trips, local excursions and extended travel. Research trending trip destinations.
• Prepare trip itinerary outlines, coordinate logistics, vendor payments and participant rosters.
• Research, schedule and secure destinations, meals and entertainment.
• Coordinate extended overnight travel trips and tours. Work with travel companies or tour operators to negotiate agreements, securing group travel rates, housing and travel insurance as an option for customers.
• Coordinate transportation (bus, train, air) as necessary. For local trips, submit transportation requests for buses in a timely manner to Transportation Coordinator as needed.
• Coordinate mobility and accessibility plans and include in course descriptions.
• Responsible for entering/maintaining assigned senior program information and generating related reports in registration software. Resolve minor system problems and arrange for additional technical support as needed.
• Hold pre-trip meetings with customers.
• Resolve minor senior service operations problems, supporting the flow of daily operations.
• Conduct research necessary to resolve customer issues and concerns. Make necessary adjustments or recommend a plan to resolve the issue.
• Monitor customer satisfaction via surveys and other performance measures.
• Provide support to divisional and departmental staff. Examples include maintaining files, filling gaps for special events or proofreading prepared materials.
• Enforce office procedures, applicable forms, and guidelines.
• Prepare reports regarding divisional operations, statistics and finances as required, from the registration software, as related to assigned senior programming.
• Attend quarterly and monthly staff meetings, Connect meetings as well as monthly Programming meetings.
• Takes initiative in scheduling and executing 1:1 meetings with direct supervisor.
• Manage the implementation of approved budget(s); partner with Finance team to assure actual revenue and expenditures are within budget(s) and recommend changes when appropriate.
• Facilitate or participate in online meetings such as on Zoom/Teams and be able to use online meeting tools such as Chat feature and Share Screen.
• Manage trip planning timelines and work demands, anticipating workloads during busier weeks.
• Meet deadlines as assigned. (i.e.) publication deadlines, staff reports, invoices, credit cards report, etc.
• Provide information and assistance to program participants, staff, program instructors and the general public (in-person, over the phone or via email as needed); direct the person to other staff as appropriate.
• Adhere to Commission guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Licenses/Certificates

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of related recreation experience.
• Experience working in the hospitality or travel industry, with senior citizens and travel/event planning experience.
• Familiar with public transportation.
• Experience working with a diverse population is preferred.
• Experience working in an office setting with the ability to deliver highly effective customer service (in person, via email or by phone).
• Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must be able to type quickly and accurately.
• Basic knowledge of registration software is preferred.
• First Aid and CPR Certification within six months of hire.
• Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize work and be able to work independently, as well as with a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with site supervisors, co-workers, vendors, program participants, volunteers, and the general public.
• Ability to respond to supervisor requests in a timely and professional manner, specifically with email/phone/text communication.
• Ability to adhere to given deadlines with good leadership skills.
• Ability to handle customer requests and furnish information to the general public.
• Must be productive, courteous, flexible, resourceful, and creative with effective work skills.
• Must be able to prioritize programs and follow deadlines.
• Must follow provided program budgets.
• Must be able to create and document recreation checklists.
• Must follow planning procedures and prepare contractual agreements as requested.
• Must have strong communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and timely to internal staff, trip contractors, venues and agencies and customers regarding pertinent trip details and changes.
• Must have good organizational skills with an emphasis on attention to detail.
• Must exercise mature judgment and initiative in analyzing trip programming and recommending solutions and communications.
• Must be able to resolve problems and exchange information with peers.
• Must have the skills to handle problem situations in a tactful, courteous and respectful manner and be professional in appearance.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Vehicles Used:  Computers, copiers, general office equipment, AV equipment, membership scanner (attached to software), recreation minivan, ping pong tables, recreation tents, and other items deemed necessary.

Physical Demands:  This position is primarily an office position; therefore, one must be able to sit for long periods at a computer workstation, typing and making phone calls. Field time or time outdoors may be required so one must be able to stand for periods and withstand the outdoors for some periods, in all elements. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Must be able to put up or assist with equipment setup.

Mental Demands:  While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents, analyze and solve problems, observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information; and interact with members of the public and Commission staff.

Working Conditions:  Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and able to meet various deadlines. May be exposed to extreme heat/cold when occasional field time is required. Programs may not be assigned to the main work site and off-site coordination is expected.

Benefits: This position is ineligible for all benefits, including the 401A.

Reporting Relationships:  A person in this position will report to the Senior Services Manager.