Assistant Dean of Career Development

Join a Community That Transforms Lives — Welcome to American International College

At American International College (AIC), we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Located in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts, our vibrant campus blends historic charm with modern innovation. With approximately 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, AIC offers a close-knit, supportive culture where your work makes a meaningful impact.

Our mission is to provide access to a holistic education in an inclusive environment that propels a diverse community of learners to personal growth and professional success. Guided by this purpose, we cultivate a campus where students, faculty, and staff feel a true sense of belonging, benefit from innovative education, and participate in experiences that empower them to thrive in their careers and communities.

Whether you're teaching, advising, or supporting operations, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that values purpose-driven education, personal growth, and professional achievement. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we actively seek candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to our campus.

Make a difference where it counts. At AIC, every position plays a part in empowering students and strengthening the AIC experience.

About the Role:

The Assistant Dean of Career Development at American International College (AIC) is a forward-thinking leader who drives innovative career development through the Saremi Center for Career Development (SCCD) that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing workforce. Reporting to the Dean of Academic Pathways and Learning Innovation, this role designs, delivers, and supports impactful programs that connect academic learning with real-world opportunities, including internships, experiential learning, career exploration, and job placement.

With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of AIC’s diverse student body, including many who are the first in their families to attend college, the Assistant Dean fosters inclusive career development strategies that empower all students to achieve their professional goals. Working closely with faculty, employers, and community partners, this role builds pathways that support professional growth and lifelong career readiness. By staying attuned to workforce trends and student needs, the Assistant Dean ensures AIC’s career development programs remain relevant, equitable, and transformative.

Responsibilities:

• Design and lead career development programs, workshops, and events that reflect student needs and interests, using best practices and creativity to make career readiness a dynamic part of the student experience
• Teach one credit-bearing course each semester for undergraduate students in career development or professional readiness, while leading workshops and facilitating professional development sessions for faculty and staff
• Maintain visible presence through regular career counseling appointments, classroom visits, and program facilitation
• Partner with APEX (AIC Plan for Excellence) program leadership to embed career exploration, professional identity development, and internship preparation into first-year and junior-year experiences
• Design and deliver faculty development opportunities that equip faculty to integrate career readiness into teaching and mentoring, connecting disciplinary learning to career pathways
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to facilitate internships, employment, and networking opportunities
• Oversee the Federal Work-Study/Student Employment program and budget, ensuring accurate placement, adherence to federal regulations, and effective coordination with campus and community partners
• Collaborate with deans, faculty, and academic departments to integrate career readiness into the curriculum and support experiential learning initiatives
• Partner with college departments to develop creative on-campus internship opportunities that offer structured, skill-building experiences and expand access to quality internships that align with NACE competencies
• Represent the institution at career fairs, conferences, and professional associations to enhance visibility and expand partnerships
• Engage with local and regional career services networks and higher education consortia to strengthen AIC’s visibility and reputation as a provider of career-ready talent
• Lead a team of two Assistant Directors, one for Student Employment and one for Internships, a Graduate Assistant, and student staff, providing guidance, training, mentorship, and performance management
• Manage the Saremi Center for Career Development budget, resources, and technology platforms to enhance program effectiveness and student engagement
• Evaluate program effectiveness through assessment tools and feedback mechanisms, providing recommendations and improvements guided by data

Qualifications:

Required

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, career development, student affairs, or related field
• 3–5 years of experience facilitating workshops, training sessions, or instructional programs with diverse audiences, including students, educators, or professionals
• Proven leadership experience with managing teams and building career development programs within an educational setting or similar environment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Experience working with diverse populations, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in career development
• Familiarity with career development technology platforms such as Handshake, Symplicity, or similar systems
• Familiarity with first-year experience programs and early career exploration models
• Background in administering Federal Work-Study/Student Employment or similar programs requiring compliance with federal or institutional guidelines
• Bilingual or multilingual competence reflecting AIC's community

Strongly Preferred

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education, counseling, organizational leadership, or related field
• Direct experience teaching or mentoring first-generation college students
• Senior leadership experience in higher education at the director or assistant dean level
• Expertise in experiential learning, including internship program development, cooperative education, or work-integrated learning
• Deep knowledge of NACE Career Competencies, career development theory, and emerging workforce trends