Strategic Partnerships Associate

WorldStrides; United States; Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Travel opportunities

Flexible work options

Job summary

WorldStrides is seeking a Program Development Associate for the Higher Education team to drive new university partnerships and expand access to education abroad programs. You will connect with education abroad professionals, identify opportunities, and help design programs from concept to launch.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, goal achievement, and project management across cross-functional teams, including operations and risk management, with flexible on-site, remote, and hybrid

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in inside sales and recruitment, preferably in higher education.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet targets.
• Proficiency with CRM tools and MS Office; ability to learn new systems.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities and meet sales targets.
• Engage education abroad professionals to understand program needs.
• Guide partners through the program development process from concept to closure.
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM and manage leads and opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations, academic support, and risk management to ensure program execution.

Skills

Inside sales

Recruitment

Communication

CRM usage

Time management

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

CRM platforms

Job description

WorldStridesis 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:

Ready to help bring transformative global experiences to students around the world? As aProgram Development Associate on the WorldStrides Higher Education team, you'll be at the forefront of building new university partnerships and expanding access to life-changing education abroad programs. In this exciting, relationship-driven role, you'll connect with education abroad professionals, uncover new opportunities, and help design innovative international programs. Through outreach, virtual meetings, conferences, and campus visits, you'll grow a network of partners while helping turn ideas into impactful global experiences. We're looking for someone who loves building relationships, thrives on achieving goals, and enjoys managing projects from concept to launch. If you're energized by sales, passionate about higher education, and excited by international education, we'd love to meet you!

Responsibilities:

• Sales & Business Development:
• Proactively generate new business opportunities, meet and exceed annual sales targets, and drive revenue growth.
• Partner Engagement:
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with education abroad professionals to understand their program needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Pipeline and Program Management Expertise:
• Utilize prior experience in project management to guide partners through the program development process, from initial concept to successful execution. Apply consultative selling techniques to guide prospects from initial contact through program development and closure.
• CRM & Data Management:
• Maintain accurate records in WorldStrides' CRM to track leads, opportunities, and ongoing partner communications.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams—including operations, academic support, and risk management—to ensure seamless program execution.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in inside sales and recruitment, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrates strong attention to details
• Highly motivated self-starter with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing concurrent projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and CRM platforms.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills.
• Goal-oriented mindset, with a track record of exceeding targets.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in all interactions
• 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

Compensation Range

$48,000 - $48,000 USD

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.