Overview

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Job Classification: Full-time
Job Location: Luang Prabang/Oudomxai Provinces Lao P.D.R.
Compensation: Monthly salary – $2,500 (please note this is a base salary and will be increased after one year of training)
Reports to: Michael Vogler (CEO)

About Us:

MandaLao (established in 2016) is Luang Prabang’s first non-riding elephant center focused education, the ethical care of elephants and the conservation of those in the wild. We offer guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with and learn about elephants in the most natural way possible in elephant tourism today. Many of MandaLaos’ employees are long tenured and have helped to create a family like atmosphere while at work and outside of it. This has helped immensely in ensuring MandaLaos’ success and in bettering the lives not just of elephants but those of our staff and their families. Our work to conserve wild elephant populations includes managing and protecting over 30,000 hectares of forest and all the wildlife within. Much of this work involves community-based conservation efforts in the villages surrounding our protected area.

About You: We are looking for someone with a strong passion for animal welfare and for Lao life and culture to manage our day-to-day tour operations and help with MandaLaos’ growth and expansion. This also includes oversight and management of our conservation area and reintroduction project. The COO will work together with all levels of employees to ensure guests have the most enjoyable experience possible when visiting MandaLao, and ensure they learn about the work we are doing and understand complexities of elephant conservation. You must also enjoy time outdoors, in the element’s and in working with local communities in remote locations. This individual must be flexible in their work schedule with both hours and time off dependent on the work at hand (it is not a clear set 9-5 Monday through Friday job). Additionally, they must be self-motivated and push themselves and our team to continually better ourselves and expand on MandaLaos’ mission.

Duties and Responsibilities: An Introduction to the type of work

  • Work with our sales team to manage all types of tour bookings (online, in office, hotels and DMC’s etc…)
  • Oversee our guides and ensure tour scheduling efficiency and quality
  • Manage property services including lunch quality, cleanliness, property gardens and infrastructure
  • Monitor and report finances to accounting team
  • Ensure all rented lands used by MandaLao are kept up to date and surveyed weekly
  • Speak with guests if any issues arise
  • Monitor emails from guests, DMC’s hotels etc…
  • Check in with our elephant care team daily
  • Assist with conservation management strategies and our elephant re-introduction program
  • Work with local communities to mitigate human elephant conflict
  • Research the behavior of re-introduced/translocated elephants
  • Help with construction and development of elephant care facilities
  • Develop new strategies to better our elephant care services and guest experiences
  • Collect and post videos/pictures on our social media
  • Respond to reviews on TripAdvisor/google and other platforms
  • Speak with local/international press when requested
  • Find and apply for applicable grants
  • Keep MandaLaos’ website updated
  • Plan company events to keep staff moral high
  • Oversee employee work contracts/wages
  • Report weekly on work accomplished, areas in which you think we may improve and what projects are planned for the following week
  • Communicate and work with our board of directors

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Candidate must have two years of experience working in the travel industry or related field
  • A background in wildlife conservation and/or zoology
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  • Candidate should be familiar with Microsoft Excel/QuickBooks and have excellent communication and writing skills
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, international driver’s license and to be capable of safely driving in Laos
  • Preferred qualifications include work experience with elephants, and previous work in Laos or Thailand

To ensure workplace cohesion and the best work environment possible MandaLao also offers exceptional benefits, including: (per year/full time employment)

  • 20 days paid time off
  • Financial assistance with a health insurance plan – up to $1000 yearly
  • Compensation for travel if visiting family abroad – up to $1000 yearly
  • 20% of the cost of housing rental in Luang Prabang
  • Use of company vehicle
  • Food and drinks while at work

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to michael@mandalaotours.com