Director of Student Success & Career Development

About this role

Training Tomorrow's Technicians to Become Skilled, Employable and Essential. 

About Us  - Big Changes, Better Benefits - Join us today!

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) , established in 1969, is a premier institution dedicated to advancing the field of aviation maintenance through exceptional education and training. With 15 campuses nationwide, AIM is a cornerstone in the aviation industry, accounting for 20% of all students attending FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) schools across the country. Each year, AIM proudly contributes to the graduation of nearly one in four certified aircraft technicians in America.

At AIM, you'll become part of a dynamic team of educators and leaders, all united by a shared commitment to delivering top-notch training and ensuring student success. We are passionate about equipping the next generation of aircraft technicians with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the aviation industry. If you are eager to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of aviation maintenance, AIM offers a rewarding environment where your contributions will truly matter.

📍 Location: 2329 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA 23518

Salary: Up to $82,000 , based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated success. Candidates with extensive leadership experience in career services, student success, retention, and graduate placement may qualify for compensation at the higher end of the range.

Schedule: Full-time | Some evenings and weekends as needed

Make an Impact on Students' Lives

Are you a higher education leader who is passionate about leading a team in helping students persist, graduate, and launch successful careers?

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance is seeking a Director of Student Success to lead our campus Student Success and Career Services teams. This highly visible leadership role is responsible for creating an exceptional student experience from enrollment through graduation and employment.

You'll lead initiatives that improve student retention, certification readiness, graduation rates, and career placement while developing a high-performing team dedicated to student success.

If you have experience leading teams in higher education, career services, student affairs, academic advising, workforce development, or student success , we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Lead Student Success

• Develop and execute campus-wide retention and persistence strategies.

• Monitor student attendance, engagement, academic progression, and barriers to completion.

• Partner with Academic leadership to identify and support at-risk students.

• Ensure proactive coaching and intervention plans are implemented throughout the student lifecycle.

Drive Student Outcomes

• Oversee student progress toward FAA certification milestones and graduation.

• Ensure students remain on track for certification testing and program completion.

• Monitor graduation requirements and completion metrics.

• Lead graduation preparation, exit interviews, and transition planning.

Lead Career Services

• Oversee career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and job search support.

• Build relationships with employers and industry partners to expand career opportunities.

• Monitor placement performance including interviews, offers, employment verification, and graduate outcomes.

• Guide Career Services staff to achieve placement goals and continuously improve performance.

Develop High-Performing Teams

• Supervise Student Success and Career Services staff.

• Coach, mentor, and develop employees through ongoing performance management.

• Foster a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on accountability and results.

• Partner closely with Campus Executive Directors, Academic leadership, and Corporate Student Success teams.

Use Data to Improve Results

• Monitor key performance metrics including:

• Student retention

• Certification success

• Graduation rates

• Graduate placement

• Analyze dashboards and reports to identify trends and implement improvement strategies.

• Ensure compliance with FAA, accreditation, institutional, and regulatory requirements.

Represent Student Success Across Campus

• Lead New Student Orientation presentations.

• Coordinate career fairs, employer engagement events, and student success initiatives.

• Participate in commencement ceremonies and Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings.

• Support onboarding and training of new Student Success team members.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in Career Services, Student Success, Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Higher Education, or Workforce Development

• Experience leading teams and driving measurable performance outcomes

• Lead through ambiguity, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution while building new processes and driving continuous improvement

• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to improve student success metrics

• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, student-centered environment

Preferred

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Postsecondary or higher education

• Technical or vocational education

• Career college administration

• Student retention and persistence

• Graduate placement and employer engagement

• Career coaching

• Academic advising

• Workforce development

Why Join Us?

At Aviation Institute of Maintenance, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while helping them build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

We invest in our employees through competitive compensation, professional development, and outstanding benefits.

Our Benefits Include

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (effective Day One)

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Life Insurance

• Em

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