Assistant Director, NYC Academic Internship Program

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of the NYC Academic Internship Program at Vanderbilt University supports the operational and strategic execution of the program. The Assistant Director oversees day-to-day internship operations, employer and student engagement, and program management initiatives that promote high-quality internship experiences and successful student placement. This role ensures that internship workflows, application processes, employer partnerships, and student communications are delivered at a high standard. The Assistant Director reports to the Director of the NYC Academic Internship Program (in NYC), this position is based in Nashville, TN. This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible role.

About The Work Unit

The Career Advancement and Engagement (CAE) division at Vanderbilt University is strategically prioritizing career empowerment to unlock new opportunities and success on campus and beyond.

Vanderbilt University–New York City is a Vanderbilt campus in the heart of New York City that was established to expand Vanderbilt's educational, research and community engagement in one of the world's most vibrant cities. The campus offers undergraduate semester programs and a one-year Master's of Science in Business and Technology program, linking students to New York’s diverse industries. In addition to academic programming, the campus hosts a range of alumni and community

events, executive education workshops and university initiatives.

The Undergraduate Semester Vanderbilt University–New York City Academic Internship Program connects leading companies and organizations with talented Vanderbilt students.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Internship Program Operations and Project Management- Manage the operational execution of the NYC Academic Internship Program, including internship postings, application processes, interview scheduling, and student placement workflows.
• Oversee, track, manage and post internship posting management in Handshake.
• Develop and maintain program workflows, timelines, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent program delivery and scalability.
• Work with the Director, Vanderbilt schools and colleges, and the NYC team to implement standardized frameworks for internship roles, selection, learning outcomes, and evaluation practices that support successful student placement.
• Data Management, Reporting, and Program Analytics- Serve as the primary lead for the program’s CRM and data systems, ensuring accurate tracking of employer engagement, student participation, and internship placements.
• Develop and maintain program dashboards, reports, and analytics that track key metrics related to program participation, outcomes, and growth.
• Support program assessment and continuous improvement by analyzing program data and preparing insights that inform program planning and decision-making.
• Employer Partnership Operations- Partner with program leadership to operationalize employer onboarding, internship role intake, and placement coordination.
• Maintain systems that track employer engagement, internship capacity, and role quality to ensure alignment with program standards and student demand.
• Support employer engagement initiatives, including communications, networking events, and recognition efforts, through logistical coordination and reporting.
• Coordinate employer communications related to internship timelines, recruitment processes, interview scheduling, and program expectations in partnership with program leadership.
• Collaborate with employer partners to support internship readiness by sharing guidance on student preparation, program expectations, and effective internship supervision practices.
• Ensure employer partners receive clear operational guidance and logistical support throughout the internship recruitment, interview, and placement process to facilitate a smooth and effective hiring experience.
• Student Communication, Preparation, and Program Experience- Manage the NYC Academic Internship Program shared inbox and respond to student, employer, and partner inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage student-facing communications related to program timelines, application processes, interview preparation, and internship expectations.
• Coordinate student preparation resources that support internship readiness and successful participation in professional environments.
• Ensure students receive clear guidance and operational support throughout the internship application, interview, and placement process.
• Program Strategy Support and Cross-Campus Coordination- Support the Director in implementing program strategy by translating strategic priorities into operational plans and program processes.
• Coordinate with Vanderbilt schools, colleges, and administrative partners to ensure consistent implementation of program policies and internship frameworks.
• Prepare program updates, reports, and assessment summaries that inform program evaluation and strategic planning.
  
  

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Internships.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field strongly preferred.
  
  

Experience And Skills

• 5 years of experience in internship program management, higher education student support, or related professional program operations is preferred.
• Prior experience in higher education or within a large, complex organization is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex program workflows, coordinating cross-campus initiatives, or supporting multiple stakeholders is preferred.
• Strong project management skills and experience with operational systems or CRM tools, such as Salesforce are preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills with diverse student populations and external partners are preferred.
• Experience with internship or student engagement platforms, such as Handshake, Simplicity, or similar systems, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in a dynamic environment, apply an entrepreneurial mindset, develop practical solutions, and execute operational priorities that support program delivery and growth.