Program Manager - Australia

WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning, founded in 1967. The company provides a wide range of programs for over half a million students annually to more than 100 countries, including educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports.

About the role

The Program Manager advises, converts, and supports students participating in WorldStrides Higher Education programs within a specific region. This role guides students from application through departure, ensuring a smooth and informed journey. It includes ongoing communication with students, families, and U.S. university partners, driven by a belief in the power of international education.

Responsibilities

• Student Advising & Case Management
  • Provide high-quality advising from application through program departure using established best practices.
  • Maintain proactive communication via phone, email, and virtual meetings.
  • Review and determine eligibility of student applications for designated program locations.
  • Advise students on academics, course registration, host university expectations, housing, visas, budgeting, cultural preparation, and program logistics.
• Program Operations
  • Review course selection forms, academic documentation, and placement exams; manage accurate and highly-detailed course information.
  • Manage and update pre-departure orientations for assigned locations.
  • Prepare Arrival Guides and all pre-departure materials for each student cohort.
  • Support visa advising for destinations, in coordination with internal teams.
  • Track acceptance timelines, enrollment metrics, and withdrawals; use insights to inform best practices.
• Stakeholder Communication
  • Communicate professionally with families and U.S. university partners regarding program details, expectations, and processes.
  • Respond to on-site incident reports in collaboration with regional teams and other internal stakeholders.
  • Participate in the program-wide on-call rotation approximately once per year.
• Program Improvement & Team Collaboration
  • Review program evaluations and work with the Team Lead on improvements.
  • Support emerging projects, new program locations, and evolving responsibilities driven by enrollment trends.
  • Optional domestic travel to support recruitment efforts and pre-departure orientations at U.S. universities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1–3 years of professional experience preferred.
• Strong interest in international education and student development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong phone presence.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Detail-oriented with strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to take on responsibilities beyond core tasks as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs (e.g., recruitment materials).
• Valid passport in the event international program support is needed.
• Friendly, positive, service-oriented approach to student support.
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad.
• Previous experience in student advising, customer service, or administrative roles.
• Strong intercultural communication skills in a professional context.

Benefits

• 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.
• 10 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day, and up to 25 accrued PTO days to start (accrues up to 28 over 3 years).
• Up to 4 mental health days per year and 5 bereavement days.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually or $1,000 towards professional certification annually.
• Opportunities for paid and discounted travel.
• Flexible work schedule with on-site, remote, and virtual office opportunities.
• Encouraged participation in 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.