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:

We're looking for a decisive, high-impact, business-minded Total Rewards leader who thrives on shaping modern, data-driven programs and executing with precision. As our Associate Director, Global Total Rewards, you'll drive the development and optimization of global compensation and benefits strategies that help us attract, retain, and motivate top talent across all regions globally.

You'll play a critical role in ensuring our global Total Rewards programs are not only market competitive and compliant, but also reflective of our values and meaningful to our team members. You'll be equally comfortable digging into benchmarking analysis, leading executive conversations, managing vendors, and proposing what's next. This role combines strategy, execution, innovation, and operational rigor.

Please note that is a hybrid position that can be based near one of our offices in Vienna VA, Charlottesville VA, or Austin TX.

Responsibilities:

Global Compensation Strategy & Execution Design and evolve our global compensation philosophy and structure, aligned with company goals and market best practices. Oversee job leveling, market benchmarking, compensation surveys, and competitive pay analyses across regions. Lead compensation cycles (merit and bonus), including modeling, analysis, and communications. Partner with Recruitment, HR Business Partners, and Finance to ensure consistency and fairness in offers, promotions, and internal pay decisions. Serve as a trusted advisor on complex compensation matters including incentive design and executive pay support. Lead compensation-related special projects that drive long-term value. Global Benefits Design & Delivery Oversee all health, welfare, retirement, and wellness benefits programs for team members across regions - evaluating, designing, and optimizing offerings to meet evolving needs. Manage vendor relationships and renewals, lead the RFP process, and ensure strong governance and compliance across all geographies. Lead the execution of U.S. benefits activities (e.g., open enrollment, ACA compliance, ERISA filings) while expanding benefits offerings in new international markets. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments across regions to ensure full compliance and proactive adaptation. Create and deliver clear, compelling communications that help team members understand the value of their total rewards. Strategy, Governance & Innovation Monitor external trends to recommend new or enhanced offerings aligned with business strategy and team member expectations. Build clear, data-driven business cases for new programs or changes - including modeling cost and impact. Develop scalable processes and tools that enable transparency, consistency, and effectiveness. Ensure readiness for internal audits and external reporting with strong documentation and internal controls. Leadership & Collaboration Act as a thought partner to HR leadership and an internal consultant to business leaders on Total Rewards strategy. Build strong partnerships with HR Business Partners, Legal, Finance, Payroll, Recruitment, and HR Systems to ensure alignment and execution. Coach and develop Total Rewards team members and lead with a mindset of growth, collaboration, and accountability. Qualifications: 8-10+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards, including both compensation and benefits, ideally in a global environment. Experience leading or serving as the #2 in a Total Rewards function. Deep understanding of compensation frameworks, benchmarking, incentive plans, and benefits strategy across multiple geographies. Strong analytical skills and business acumen - able to create and present data backed recommendations to senior leaders. Experience managing U.S. and global benefits vendors, renewals, and compliance (e.g., ERISA, ACA, GDPR, local country regulations). Track record of leading or contributing to change initiatives that modernize rewards programs. High comfort level working in a fast-paced, growing organization. Outstanding collaboration and communication skills - able to influence across functions and levels. Ideal Qualifications: GRP, GPHR, CCP, CBP, CEBS, or similar certification Experience with HCM/comp systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, Rippling, Pave, PayScale, etc.) Prior work in PE-backed or high-growth environments Strategic and hands-on - you know when to zoom out and when to dig in Forward-looking - you stay ahead of market trends and lead with curiosity Data- and impact-driven - you bring clear logic and strong storytelling Inclusive and people-first - you design for diverse team member needs across markets Bold and thoughtful - you challenge the status quo while building trust and buy-in Energized by execution - you get things done with precision, clarity, and collaboration 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.