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:
The Resident Director is responsible for the successful operational delivery of all WorldStrides programs in Amsterdam. The role involves oversight of student services, faculty-led program operations, financial administration, health and safety, local partnerships, and strategic development.
The Resident Director serves as the primary local representative of WorldStrides and plays a key role in ensuring an outstanding experience for students, faculty, and institutional partners.
Responsibilities:
1) Faculty-Led (Custom) Programs
Responsible for the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of faculty-led programs.
- Plan and coordinate educational itineraries and program schedules.
- Coordinate program logistics from confirmation through completion.
- Arrange accommodations, transportation, restaurant bookings, and local services.
- Confirm operational services and requirements with suppliers.
- Prepare rooming lists, operational documentation, and briefing materials.
- Liaise with faculty before, during, and after programs. Coordinate participant communications.
- Manage operational changes and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
- Support on-site program delivery when required.
- Conduct post-program reviews and evaluations.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvement and efficiency.
2) Individual (Study Abroad) Programs
Responsible for supporting students throughout their study abroad experience at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Fall, Spring and Summer sessions)
- Coordinate student arrivals and departures.
- Arrange and oversee airport transfers.
- Deliver and coordinate orientation programs (BCO).
- Coordinate student housing, primarily through Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and approved housing providers.
- Conduct housing inspections as required.
- Ensure that students register at municipality
- Support student welfare and well-being.
- Organize student activities, cultural events, and excursions.
- Provide operational support throughout the semester.
- Coordinate with local partners and service providers.
- Support students with day-to-day operational matters.
- Resolve issues affecting the student experience.
3) Financial Administration & Accounts Payable
Responsible for supporting the financial administration of Amsterdam programs and ensuring compliance with company procedures.
- Assist with budget forecasting and financial planning.
- Support financial reporting and reconciliation through Concur and related systems.
- Monitor program costs and support cost-control initiatives.
- Collect and process supplier invoices.
- Review invoices for accuracy and operational compliance.
- Prepare invoices for payment approval.
- Prepare and submit expense reports.
- Manage petty cash and reconciliation processes.
- Maintain accurate financial and operational records.
- Prepare documentation for payment runs.
- Maintain supplier files and records.
- Support administrative and compliance requirements.
4) Tour Leadership & Programme Delivery
Responsible for supporting field operations and program delivery when required.
- Acting as Tour Director where/when operationally required.
- Escorting student groups.
- Delivering programme briefings.
- Briefing and supporting Tour Directors, Tour Leaders and Tour Guides.
- Coordinating programme logistics while travelling.
- Monitoring operational quality during programmes.
- Resolving operational issues in the field.
- Supporting professors and students throughout programme delivery.
- Representing WorldStrides professionally at all times.
5) Health, Safety & Student Welfare
Responsible for supporting the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
- Support crisis management procedures in collaboration with WorldStrides' dedicated support teams.
- Promote student well-being and positive engagement.
- Respond appropriately to health, safety, and welfare incidents.
- Coordinate medical appointments and hospital visits when necessary.
- Prepare and maintain incident reports.
- Liaise with faculty during incidents or emergencies.
- Escalate significant incidents according to company protocols.
- Support emergency response procedures.
- Maintain confidential and accurate records.
6) Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Responsible for maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in Amsterdam
- Develop and maintain relationships with university partners, housing providers, vendors, and local institutions.
- Represent WorldStrides in meetings, networking events, and partner engagement activities.
- Identify and support opportunities to strengthen local partnerships and enhance the student experience.
- Act as a key point of contact for external stakeholders and community partners.
7) Strategic planning.
Responsible for supporting the long-term success and growth of WorldStrides operations in Amsterdam.
- Collaborate with supervisors on operational planning and strategy implementation
- Monitor local trends, opportunities, and challenges to support informed decision-making.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve program quality, efficiency, and growth.
- Support the implementation of new initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
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Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree
- Significant experience in the travel and tourism industry
- Experience planning and delivering group travel experiences (Preferably for International student groups)
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.