Academic Programs Specialist
Job Description:
Reporting to the Director/Sr Dir of Account Management, the Academic Programs Specialist serves as the primary liaison to university partners, ensuring all experiential programs align with academic goals, learning outcomes, and faculty expectations. This role owns the academic vision and curriculum alignment for faculty-led programs.
Responsibilities:
Academic Leadership
Gather and translate course objectives, learning outcomes, and academic goals into program design
Act as a trusted advisor to faculty, providing recommendations on program structure, themes, and content
Lead client calls relating to program planning discussions, and academic briefings
Program Design & Quality
Design high-quality experiential learning programs aligned to curriculum and learning objectives
Ensure all engagements (company visits, panels, projects) support defined academic outcomes
Align strategy challenges, deliverables, and educational content with course requirements
Maintain oversight of program quality, ensuring academic rigor and consistency
Client Engagement & Relationship Management
Build strong, long-term relationships with university partners
Manage client expectations, timelines, and deliverables to meet service level agreements
Address client concerns proactively and escalates when needed
Ensure a seamless and high-touch client experience
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Sales and Account Management to support program proposals and positioning
Collaborate with Global Partnerships team to translate academic needs into company engagement briefs
Provide input on program feasibility, trends, and academic innovation
Market Expertise & Thought Leadership
Stay informed on global trends, higher education needs, and emerging academic topics
Develop destination briefings and program materials incorporating relevant global context
Position yourself as a strategic partner for faculty seeking meaningful global experiences
Operational Execution
Manage multiple programs simultaneously and ensure deadlines are met
Track progress and maintain accurate records in CRM (Dynamics) and internal tools
Qualifications:
Strong communication, interpersonal, relationship-building and organizational skills
Highly self-driven sense of motivation and perseverance
Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity, while being able to prioritize and meet deadlines
Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome objections and facilitate negotiations
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups including faculty, community partners and internal stakeholders
Ability to exercise professional/ethical judgment, manage time and prioritize competing deadlines with acute attention to detail
Positive and forward-thinking attitude with a strong work ethic
Understanding of global markets including languages, currencies, and world events is helpful but can also be learned if you have the desire
Flexible as needed with work hours to accommodate international time differences and client schedules
Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 including Dynamics, SharePoint and OneNote
Bachelor’s degree required
3+ years of experience in higher education, international education, experiential learning, faculty engagement, academic partnerships, or client relationship management
Experience with CRM systems
Experience utilizing virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom)
Strong communication, relationship management, and consultative skills
High attention to detail with strong project management capabilities
Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong presentation and facilitation skills; experience communicating effectively with executives, faculty and academic stakeholders
Conflict resolution and negation skills
Must be able to work a flexible schedule when needed
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
Experience working with faculty or academic programming
Experience supporting study abroad, global education, experiential learning programs, or faculty-led travel programs
Knowledge of experiential learning principles
Experience with curriculum design and learning outcome assessments
Work Perks:
Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, accident, critical illness, disability insurance, FSA/HSA options with employer HSA contributions, and a generous 401(k) match.
Generous paid time off including 11 paid company holidays, 25 PTO days the first year (prorated), 1 paid volunteer day, 4 mental health days, and bereavement
Professional development support, including up to $5,250 annually for tuition reimbursement and up to $1,000 for certifications annually
Opportunities for paid and discounted travel
Flexible work schedule providing on-site, remote, and hybrid office opportunities
Encouraged participation in a wide variety of Employee Resource Groups
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources, including fitness centers at select locations
Paid parental, caregiver, and disability leave
Team Member Discount Program
Engaging, collaborative, and fun work environment
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount WorldStrides is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.
California Salary Range
$50,000—$50,000 USD
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount WorldStrides is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.
Maryland Salary Range
$50,000—$50,000 USD
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount WorldStrides is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.
New York Salary Range
$50,000—$50,000 USD
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount WorldStrides is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.
Massachusetts Salary Range
$50,000—$50,000 USD
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount WorldStrides is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.
Virginia Salary Range
$50,000—$50,000 USD