Senior Director of Project Management Office

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.

The Head of Project Management plays an integral role in partnering with business leaders and team members to identify, prioritize and monitor critical projects to ensure we execute with certainty. The role contributes to WorldStrides’ success by providing leadership support to ensure successful project execution focused on process optimization, growth strategies and improving the customer journey.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Ensure prioritized projects are aligned to WorldStrides organizational objectives.
• Project Governance: Maintain project governance standards, policies, and procedures to ensure effective project execution.
• Resource Management: Allocate resources efficiently across projects, ensuring optimal utilization and alignment with business priorities.
• Project Portfolio Management: Oversee the project portfolio, prioritize initiatives, and provide guidance on project selection and execution.
• Risk Management: Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions and achieve successful outcomes.
• Performance Monitoring: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure project performance, and provide regular reporting to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Communication: Facilitate communication between project teams, stakeholders, and executive management to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve project management processes and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Talent Development: Mentor and develop project management professionals within the organization, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Change Management: Partner with business leaders on respective change initiatives related to project management practices to strengthen the transitions and adoption by project teams.
  
  

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, HAS with employer contribution, and generous 401k match.
• 10 paid floating corporate holidays, 1 paid volunteer day & 25 PTO days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, 4 mental health days, and 5 bereavement days.
• Tuition reimbursement up to five thousand, two hundred fifty dollars annually or one thousand dollars towards professional certification 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, 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.

Requirements

Education, Experience, and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in business, project management or a related field of study. Master's degree preferred. PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification highly desired. At least eight (8) years of experience in project or product management, with at least 3 years with a role within a PMO.

Skills And Qualifications

Strong experience with process improvement, project management and complex organizations. Deep understanding of project management methodologies, frameworks, and best practices. Extensive understanding and practice of Agile. Expert in JIRA and other tools project management tools. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with integrity and respect for others. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to make data-driven decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Leadership

Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve project goals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Proven track record of building and leading high-performing project teams, fostering collaboration and teamwork.

Physical Conditions And Nature Of Work

Employee is subject to inside environmental conditions, protection from weather conditions. Nature of work is primarily sedentary: walking (1 hour daily), standing (1 hour daily), and light lifting (0 – 15lbs); no environmental hazards indicated for this classification.

Expected Hours Of Work

The employee must be available during regular business hours of 8 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday unless otherwise specified.