Relationship Manager

Job Description:

The Relationship Manager (RM), K-12 District Relations is responsible for developing, expanding, and sustaining strategic relationships within assigned school districts and schools where WorldStrides holds an approved status (RFP, ITB, Approved Vendor, or Accepted Vendor). This role focuses on navigating district and school-level ecosystems to identify, influence, and connect the right educators and decision-makers with WorldStrides Sales and Account Managers.

The Relationship Manager does not operate as a traditional salesperson, but as a trusted connector, advocate, and influencer—working across multiple layers of district and school leadership to enable program adoption across all K-12 Group product lines, including Domestic and International programs.

Responsibilities:

District & School Relationship Development

• Establish and maintain high-level relationships within assigned districts where WorldStrides is approved to do business or has the potential to do business with WorldStrides.
• Build credibility and trust with key stakeholders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, department heads, curriculum directors, counselors, travel coordinators, and student services leaders.
• Navigate district organizational structures and approval processes to identify pathways for WorldStrides programs to reach classrooms.
• Act as a long-term partner to districts, supporting their educational travel goals rather than short-term transactions.

Opportunity Enablement & Lead Development

• Partner closely with Sales Representatives and Account Managers to surface and qualify program opportunities within districts and schools.
• Identify and connect Sales and Account Managers with the “right teacher” or program sponsor for each opportunity.
• Leverage district-level relationships to enable adoption across multiple schools and programs.
• Support both new program introductions and rebooking or retention of existing district business.
• Support and attend local and national conferences, conventions and trade shows.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Account Management, Marketing, Operations, and Product teams to ensure alignment and consistency.
• Attend and actively participate in departmental, team, and cross-functional meetings to support district and account strategies.
• Participate in joint strategy planning for key districts and accounts.
• Assist with presentations, pricing strategies, and proposals using approved systems and tools.
• Attend district or school meetings virtually or in person when relationship support is needed.

Pricing & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure adherence to approved pricing guidelines, particularly in districts where WorldStrides has been awarded RFPs or ITBs.
• Partner with Sales and Account Managers to reinforce compliant pricing practices aligned with district agreements.
• Serve as a point of accountability for understanding district-specific pricing requirements and guardrails.
• Escalate pricing exceptions or compliance concerns through appropriate internal channels.

Program Growth & Engagement

• Support efforts to maximize participation and program size by engaging in on-campus and off-campus events.
• Advocate for WorldStrides’ full portfolio of K-12 Group programs, ensuring districts are aware of all available offerings.
• Help reinforce WorldStrides’ mission of expanding access to life-changing experiences for students.

Tools, Data & Accountability

• Consistently and accurately document district contacts, activities, and insights within the CRM.
• Share account intelligence transparently to enable cross-team success.
• Use approved communication channels to meet engagement expectations and KPIs.
• Contribute to pipeline visibility by supporting accurate forecasting and opportunity tracking.

Qualifications:

• Strong desire to make a meaningful impact in education.
• Proven ability to build and sustain professional relationships.
• Comfort working through extended sales cycles in educational environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team-based organization.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings as needed.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to perform additional lite work in multiple programs/apps including multiple CRMs.
• Must meet all school district compliance requirements, including successful completion of background checks and fingerprinting, to obtain authorization for access to district property.
• Experience working with K-12 school districts or public-sector procurement.
• Background in education or educational travel.
• Public speaking experience with educators or administrators.
• Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills.

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