Manager - Adventure Operations

Job Purpose: 

The Astrotourism manager is a site-based position. The astrotourism manager will be the first impression many guests will have on the astronomy tours and experiences. This first impression is crucial in delivering a high-quality visitor experience. The astrotourism manager will need to be a “people” person with an understanding of solar system, stars, deep space, constellations, and the history of astronomy in local aspects as well as astronomy of other civilizations. The Astronomy Guide will be tasked with the operations of the astronomy tours on clusters, as well as the related workshops coordination along with training of astronomy guides, managing team across destinations and work with operation team for ensuring smooth operations. 

Job Responsibilities: 

General

• Reporting directly to the Astronomy Lead, the candidate will lead clusters in the smooth running of the astronomy tours and experiences operations.
• Assist the Astronomy Lead in the development of other operations procedures related to Astronomy tours, events, festivals, experiences.

• Support the  Akun team in the development of other operations procedures related to Astronomy tours, events, festivals, experiences.

• Maintain a professional appearance of the astronomy structures and assets.
• Work on multiple destinations across the red sea.

Experience Growth

• Work alongside the Astronomy Lead and RSSE Experience Design Manager to develop and deliver the Astronomy tours, events, festivals, experiences.
• Working alongside and supporting all RSG departments during Delivery stage to ensure targets are achieved, operational phasing is initiated when required and projects are delivered as designed.

• Create educational materials, such as brochures, handouts, and visual aids, to enhance guests' understanding of astronomy.
• Prepare presentations or workshops on specific astronomical topics for guests of varying age groups and levels of knowledge.
• Stay updated with the latest discoveries and technological advancements in the field of astronomy to provide accurate and up-to-date information to guests.
• Provide training for Akun Guides to support on the stargazing experiences.

Operational

• Collaborate with the reservations team to assist guests in selecting appropriate stargazing sessions based on their preferences and skill levels.
• Provide detailed information on session durations, equipment provided, and any additional requirements.
• Ability to deliver an educational and entertaining tour of stargazing programs for our visitors, covering the solar system, stars, deep space, constellations, and the history of astronomy and how it is interwoven with humanity. Experiences are held on both land and islands.
• Lead guests through the stargazing activities, telescope viewings and astrophotography activities.
• Provide historical and cultural context for different celestial objects and their significance in Arabian Astronomy mainly as well as other cultural interpretations.
• Answer guests' questions and engage in discussions to enhance their understanding and interest in astronomy.
• Operate telescopes and binoculars for viewing during the program.
• Educate guests on proper handling and use of stargazing equipment.
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on optical equipment to ensure their proper functionality.
• Create meaningful dialogue about the universe with guests.
• Support in developing and equip the Red Sea Observatories and overserving locations.
• Take part of developing and delivering Astronomy events and festivals..
• Ensure all observatories and structures are equipped and functional prior to visitors visit.
• Communicate with other astronomers on team on program design and delivery, as well as telescope and equipment.
• Communicate with RSSE senior managers on schedule, guest feedback, site conditions and other logistics.
• Ensure efficient coordination with other stakeholders to accommodate guests' needs during their stargazing experiences
• Work with Tour Assistant in setting up and breaking down telescopes, and any other essential components to perform the tours.
• Communicate with Tour Assistant prior to tour about timing, guest list, and program segments based on moon, and other weather conditions.
• Stay engaged with astronomy communitas and latest discoveries and technological advancements in the field of astronomy to provide accurate and up-to-date information to guests.
• Stay engaged with the trending local and international astronomy events and relevant illustrations to provide accurate and up-to-date information to guests.
• Perform regular training to astronomy guides and astronomy assistants as needed.
• Assist in raising awareness about astronomy by conducting astronomy sessions to partners from Red Sea.
• Monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions regarding stargazing sessions in case of adverse conditions.
• Address guest concerns and inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on stargazing equipment to ensure their proper functionality.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to address any technical issues or repairs promptly. 

Policies, Systems, Processes, Procedures, Standards and Reports

• Follow all relevant functional policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions to ensure that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Assist in the preparation of accurate and timely functional statements and reports to meet corporate and functional requirements, policies, and standards

Safety, Quality & Environment

Apply safety, quality and environmental management policies, procedures, and controls to ensure employee safety, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products/service and a responsible environmental attitude.

Continuous Improvement  

Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of department’s systems, processes and practices considering ‘international best practice’, improvement of business processes, cost reduction and productivity improvement.

Job Requirements: 

Qualification and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Tourism, Tourism and Hospitality, Business Management, Astronomy, physics, environment or relevant field.
• A minimum of 5 years' work experience within the tourism industry, experience in Saudi Arabia is advantageous.
• Astronomy related track record
• Proven achievements in astronomy or customer satisfaction record
• Knowledge of the Astronomy tours, events, festivals, experiences concepts, practices and procedures
• Knowledge of utilizing astronomy optics for observation.

Essential Skills: 

• Excellent standard of written and spoken Arabic
• Excellent standard of written and spoken English
• Excellent communicator and public talking
• Excellent storytelling and illustration skills
• Has an aptitude and aspiration for outstanding customer service with a ‘can-do’ attitude
• Flexible and open-minded approach to environment and tasks
• Ability to self-motivate and deliver to agreed deadlines
• A working knowledge of tourism industry, allowing for delivery of a crafted experience
• A working knowledge of astronomy equipment
• Good time-keeping
• Social media experience
• Highly detail-oriented
• Guest experience oriented, social personality
• Able to work with different cultures, nationalities and age groups.
• Ability to handle high-end clientele, superior level of customer service
• Effectively manage guests’ requests and complaints
• Be a perfect role model for other staff members
• Able to work in a multiple luxury resort environments and follow professional hospitality standards
• Able to work both as part of a team and independently, and exercises sound judgment and discretion
• Agility approach in working at demanding working environments
• Always demonstrate the utmost confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Has an interest in and an ability to build a solid understanding of Astronomy science, research, conservation, and education
• Ability to deliver a magical guest experience
• Able to assist with Astronomy initiatives administration and planning

Desirable skills:

• Spoken language other than Arabic and English.
• Astronomy business background-track record as evidence
• Tours operations health & safety experience
• Tours operations track record in various geographic locations
• Astronomy/Environmental/Social conservation interest/background

Job Context: 

• Highly proficient and knowledgeable in the field of astronomy.
• Advanced understanding of astronomy and other historical content covering constellations.
• Experience with telescopes and binoculars, both manual and computerized.
• Must comprehend the logical structure of program design and balance.
• Able to understand guest wants and needs, and to deliver the program in the appropriate manner that exceeds their expectations.
• Ability to execute programs in a timely manner.

Schedule: willing to work nights and late nights and travel to locations within the Red Sea sites to make observations and use specialized equipment