Director of Student Success

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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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
• 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 Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (effective Day One)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities

Pay

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

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