Director of Student Success

About the role

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. The Director of Student Success leads, integrates, and optimizes all campus operations related to persistence, certification, graduation, and employment outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead campus-wide retention strategy by monitoring student attendance, progression, barriers to completion, and overall engagement.
• Oversee proactive outreach, coaching, and interventions to help students remain on pace and persist through program milestones.
• Partner with Academics to ensure timely and accurate identification of at-risk students and implement targeted support plans.
• Provide leadership to Student Success staff in documenting student outreach, advising notes, follow-up, and progression status in the student information system.
• Track student performance against FAA certification benchmarks and internal progression expectations, ensuring students remain on pace toward all testing milestones.
• Oversee campus processes for FAA written exam scheduling, retesting workflows, exam follow-ups, and AKTR data submission in collaboration with Academic leadership.
• Support faculty and Student Services teams in preparing students for FAA written exams, oral & practical expectations, and career-ready credentialing.
• Ensure all required certification documentation is submitted accurately and within required timelines.
• Maintain campus-level compliance documentation related to graduation, completion rates, and accreditation requirements.
• Oversee Career Services activities that prepare students for job search success, including resume development, interviewing skills, job-search coaching, and professionalism.
• Manage a caseload of students and graduates (as needed) and ensure Career Services staff deliver consistent, high-quality coaching and placement support.
• Monitor weekly placement metrics, including resumes, applications, interviews, job offers, and verified placements, and guide the team in action planning to meet targets.
• Build strong relationships with employers and industry partners to increase opportunities for students and graduates to secure in-field employment.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of graduate employment statuses and all compliance documentation.
• Directly supervise Student Services and Career Services staff, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Foster a unified culture of Student Success that prioritizes timely intervention, student-centered support, and outcome-driven practices.
• Serve as a key partner to campus Executive Directors and Academic leadership in aligning strategy, analyzing trends, and escalating risks.
• Coordinate campus participation in student success initiatives including workshops, employer events, certification readiness sessions, and retention campaigns.
• Lead or contribute to Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and ensure feedback is documented and shared with educators.
• Monitor weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance across all Student Success metrics—retention, certification, graduation, and placement—ensuring accurate reporting and timely submission to internal and external stakeholders.
• Regularly review Tableau dashboards, SIS data, and internal reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain compliance with accrediting bodies, FAA guidelines, and state/federal regulations related to student records, certification results, employment verification, and reporting.
• Ensure all staff document student interactions and outcomes in the appropriate electronic systems with accuracy and consistency.
• Represent Student Success at New Student Orientation and introduce students to campus expectations, upcoming milestones, and available support resources.
• Lead campus career fairs, employer engagement events, certification readiness events, and other initiatives that contribute to student success.
• Participate in commencement ceremonies and related activities.
• Support onboarding and training for new Student Success staff to promote consistency across the institution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum three (5) years of professional experience in aviation, or five (5) years of experience in Student Services, Human Resources, Recruiting, Career Services, or related student-support roles.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment with measurable outcome expectations.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to interpret data, identify trends, and design action plans.
• Ability to lead teams, manage performance, and build positive, collaborative campus culture.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a student-focused customer service mindset.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Passion for aviation and a commitment to student success.
• Proven track record of improving student retention and graduation rates.
• Experience in managing large-scale programs and initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of FAA certification standards and procedures.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Experience with career services and student success initiatives.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 401(k) and Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy.
• Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance options.
• Parental Leave: Support for new parents during important life transitions.
• Paid Time Off: Recharge with paid time off to promote work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to resources for personal and professional support.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with financial support for further education.

Pay

The compensation for this position ranges from $85,000- $95,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Schedule

- Monday- Friday 9am-6pm

What We Offer

We are committed to providing a rewarding compensation package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being. AIM is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.