Director, Ambassadors of the Environment

Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau introduces both children and adults to the natural wonders and rich cultural traditions of the Cayman Islands. The islands' ecological resources become a natural classroom and living laboratory in which families embark on eco-adventures. Through exploration and active study, Ambassadors have meaningful experiences that imbue them with a deep appreciation and respect for nature as well as an understanding of how to live more environmentally responsibly back home. Programs change daily, custom programs are available for groups. 

Job Overview:  

Primary responsibility is to provide leadership, direction and supervision of staff in the daily operations of the Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau program.  The Director is to oversee the coordination of all guests activities, be directly involved in programming, budgeting, forecasting, payroll and scheduling as well as product inventory and ordering.  The Director will also be responsible for liaising with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society as needed for program development and enhancement.

Responsibilities include:

1. Maintain complete knowledge of all hotel features and services
2. Maintain complete knowledge of all Ambassadors of the Environment adult, family, and children's program offerings
3. Oversee the daily operations of the Ambassadors of the Environment program including activity bookings, inventory of equipment and products, cleanliness of facility, program offerings for children, adults, and groups, retail, scheduling, payroll, and finance.
4. Recruit, interview, evaluate, and hire staff
5. Motivate, mentor, discipline, and retain staff
6. Maintain monthly forecasting, annual budgets, and follow all budget guidelines
7. Maintain a safe and accident-free workplace
8. Attend meetings - departmental, pre-conference, operations, quality, and daily line-ups.
9. Maintain the Ritz-Carlton standards with all staff
10. Maintain retail ordering, inventory, and sales
11. Handle guest complaints ensuring guest satisfaction
12. Maintain complete knowledge and comply with hotel and departmental policies and procedures
13. Participate in all appropriate Ritz-Carlton hotel trainings
14. Maintain positive relationship with Ocean Futures Society representatives
15. Assist with Ocean Futures Society fundraising event (per contract)

Key Relationships:

Internal:  Ambassadors of the Environment, Meeting & Special Events, General Manager, Hotel Manager, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Engineering, Laundry, Accounting, Concierge, Club Lounge, Residences, Guest Services, Purchasing and Front Desk

External: Hotel guests, meeting planners, local guests, outside vendors

Qualifications:            

Essential:      

1. Bachelors degree in natural or environmental science and/or 3 years in a leadership role in similar program operation
2. Understanding of global environmental issues
3. Ability to communicate with guests of all ages
4. Accounting and budgeting knowledge
5. Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing
6. Strong computer skills
7. Proven leadership qualities

Desirable:      

1. Hospitality Experience
2. Event Planning
3. Knowledge of local environment
4. Experience developing and/or implementing environmental education program in outdoor setting

Essential Skills:       

1. Ability to motivate, train and retain staff
2. Ability to perform job functions with minimal supervision
3. Ability to work cohesively with other departments & co-workers as part of a team
4. Ability to learn and manage Ambassadors of the Environment Management System for staff and program scheduling
5. Ability to maximize revenues through program management
6. Ability to source appropriate retail products and maintain proper inventory
7. Ability to focus attention on details and be very organized
8. Ability to communicate essence of program to internal and external guests
9. Ability to follow budgetary guidelines
10. Ability to maintain a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department and business