Program Director - Patagonia

Title: Program Director-Patagonia Reports to: Executive Program Director Location: Bozeman, MT - In Office Position Summary  The Patagonia Program Director is responsible for sales, client relationships, destination partner management, and the successful operation and growth of Yellow Dog Flyfishing’s South America travel programs. This position serves as the primary relationship manager for clients, lodges, outfitters, and destination partners throughout the travel experience, from initial inquiry through post-trip follow-up. The Patagonia Program Director guides clients in selecting and booking appropriate destinations, maintains strong partner relationships, oversees trip accuracy and service quality, and identifies opportunities to strengthen assigned programs. This position works closely with Program Administrators and other departments to ensure a coordinated and exceptional client experience.  Success requires exceptional customer service, outstanding communication skills, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, flexibility, and a collaborative, team-first approach to serving Yellow Dog clients and supporting fellow employees.  Key Areas of Responsibility  Program Management  - Serve as the primary owner of assigned destination programs, with responsibility for program quality, client satisfaction, partner relationships, and continued sales growth. - Build and maintain productive relationships with lodges, outfitters, guides, and destination partners to support exceptional guest experiences and reliable trip operations. - Evaluate program performance and recommend enhancements to destination offerings, pricing, service, and operational processes. - Research, evaluate, and periodically visit existing and prospective destination partners to maintain program quality and identify new opportunities. - Monitor industry trends and competitor offerings to inform program development and sales recommendations. - Support the broader Travel team by assisting with sales inquiries, destination recommendations, and program coverage as assigned.  Client Sales & Service  - Manage assigned sales inquiries from initial contact through confirmed booking, following up proactively to convert inquiries into reservations and support program sales growth. - Recommend destinations and lodges based on each client’s fishing interests, travel goals, budget, and expectations. - Respond promptly, professionally, and courteously to new, returning, and prospective clients. - Communicate directly with lodges and destination partners to confirm availability, reservations, special requests, and travel arrangements. - Maintain client relationships throughout the booking and travel process, providing clear guidance and timely follow-up. - Conduct pre-trip planning calls and post-trip follow-up calls to prepare clients, collect feedback, and support repeat business. - Resolve client concerns promptly and professionally, coordinating with destination partners and internal teams and escalating issues when appropriate. - Communicate payment requirements and deadlines, monitor outstanding balances, and follow up with clients on overdue payments in coordination with Accounting and established company procedures.  Trip Operations & Administration  - Ensure assigned trips are accurately documented and coordinated throughout the booking lifecycle. - Create initial trip invoices and build and maintain trip experiences, invoices, and itineraries within company travel management systems. - Coordinate with the assigned Program Administrator on post-booking documentation, client information, travel logistics, and follow-up, while retaining responsibility for client relationships, destination partner communication, and final itinerary approval. - Oversee the completion of pre-trip planning materials and review, proof, and approve trip itineraries for accuracy and completeness. - Maintain accurate and current client, lead, reservation, and booking information within company CRM and travel management systems. - Assist clients in navigating Brindlechute and other company travel platforms. - Assist with client payment follow-up, monitor payments for timely receipt, and ensure trip-specific financial information is accurate for all bookings. - Maintain destination-specific pre-trip guides and supporting travel documentation. - Coordinate reservation updates, itinerary revisions, and other booking changes with clients, destination partners, Program Administrators, and Accounting as appropriate.  Destination Development & Marketing  - Coordinate with Marketing to maintain accurate destination webpages, rates, photography, and travel content for assigned programs. - Provide destination updates, fishing reports, specials, and promotional content for company marketing channels. - Collaborate with the Retail team to maintain destination-specific gear and fly recommendations and connect clients with Retail team members for trip preparation and purchases. - Represent Yellow Dog at trade shows, consumer events, partner meetings, and hosted travel as assigned. Cross-Functional Responsibilities  - Collaborate effectively with fellow Program Directors, Program Administrators, Marketing, Accounting, Operations, Air Services, and Retail to support an exceptional client experience. - Communicate timely and accurate information about client needs, trip changes, partner updates, and issues affecting other teams. - Maintain professionalism while representing Yellow Dog Flyfishing with clients, partners, and industry contacts. - Contribute to shared office responsibilities, including answering phones, assisting clients, taking messages, and supporting day-to-day operations. - Support a positive, team-oriented work environment and assist with coverage and shared priorities as needed. - Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.  Required Qualifications  Experience  - Demonstrated background in and working knowledge of fly fishing, including the ability to discuss fishing methods, equipment, and trip preparation relevant to the region. Preference is given to those with Patagonia region specific experience. - Experience in travel, hospitality, outdoor recreation, sales, or a related customer-focused industry. - Experience managing client relationships, responding to inquiries, and delivering attentive, personalized customer service. - Familiarity with fishing destinations, lodges, and travel logistics relevant to assigned programs is preferred.  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  - Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. - Ability to understand client needs, recommend appropriate travel options, and confidently guide clients through the booking process. - Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. - Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through consistently in a fast-paced environment. - Sound judgment and the ability to resolve problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and recognize when escalation is needed. - Demonstrated ability to build strong internal and external relationships. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn and use company technology platforms and software applications. - Ability to develop and maintain detailed knowledge of assigned destinations, partner offerings, and travel requirements. - Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.  Work Environment & Schedule  This is an in-office position with a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening, weekend, and after-hours availability is required to support emergency travel situations, urgent client needs, last-minute bookings, and business operations.  Domestic and international travel is required for destination visits, trade shows, partner meetings, hosted travel, and industry events as assigned.  Physical Requirements  - Ability to work at a computer for extended periods. - Ability to travel by air and ground transportation. - Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.  Compensation Annual base salary of $70,000–$80,000, depending on relevant experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for quarterly bonuses based on program sales and overall program and company performance. Benefits - Company-sponsored health insurance - Voluntary dental and vision insurance - Flexible spending account (FSA) - Paid vacation - Retirement plan match after 2 years Yellow Dog Flyfishing reserves the right to modify this job description at any time to meet changing business needs. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required for the position.