Academic Programs Specialist

Company Introduction

WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning. The company was founded in 1967 to provide middle school travel programs to Washington, D.C. and has grown to provide a wide range of programs for more than half a million students annually to over 100 countries around the world. WorldStrides offers experiential learning programs in educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports. Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and to see the world – and themselves – in new ways.

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:

Fun & driven environment.

Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage, life, accidental death and dismemberment, accident, critical illness, and disability insurance, FSA healthcare, FSA dependent care, HSA with employer contribution, and generous 401k match.

11 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day & up to 25 PTO days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, 4 mental health days, and 5 bereavement days.

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually

$1,000 towards professional certifications annually

Opportunities for paid and discounted travel.

Flexible work schedule providing on-site, remote, and virtual office opportunities.

Encouraged participation in our Employee Resource Groups and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion council.

Fitness Center and café onsite at select locations.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Parental, Caregiver, and Disability leave.

Team Member Discount Program

WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WorldStrides is committed to building a diverse workforce, supported by an environment that promotes inclusion and belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

WorldStrides will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, J-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Select seasonal roles may consider students on J-1 or F-1 visas.