Sr. Assistant Director, International  Student Career Pathways

The Senior Assistant Director will lead efforts to enhance career readiness, professional development, and employer engagement for international students, ensuring they have access to meaningful career opportunities that align with their unique strengths and aspirations. They will develop programming that highlights the value of global perspectives in the workplace, fosters cross-cultural career exploration, and connects students with employers who recognize the benefits of international talent. The Senior Assistant Director will collaborate with campus partners, including those supporting international students, to engage as International Student Career Pathway Fellows, who will assist in executing this initiative. Additionally, they will coordinate a signature career event focused on professional development and career preparation, facilitate a Friends of Rutgers virtual student-alumni mentoring program, and develop panel discussions and workshops on key career-related topics. These will include identifying employers that seek global talent, strategically communicating work authorization to employers, navigating professional norms across industries, and showcasing international students’ multilingual and cultural adaptability in job applications and interviews. Programming will also focus on leveraging international students’ professional networks, exploring global career pathways, and equipping students with strategies for long-term career success. Furthermore, the Senior Assistant Director will create opportunities for students to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and successfully transition into the workforce by understanding workplace culture, professional expectations, and employee support resources.

The Senior Assistant Director will foster a vibrant career community that connects international students with mentors, employers, and industry professionals who appreciate the skills and experiences they bring to the workforce. They will lead the International Student Career Pathways Community Advisory Board, which will provide insight into emerging career opportunities, guide employer engagement strategies, and support the Friends of Rutgers virtual mentoring initiative. The advisory board will include faculty, staff, industry professionals, and student leaders who are committed to championing career success for international students. Additionally, the Senior Assistant Director will cultivate relationships with campus partners such as Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), academic departments, and student organizations, ensuring that career development is seamlessly integrated into the broader student experience. They will also serve as the primary contact for career presentation requests from international student organizations and campus stakeholders seeking to enhance career readiness programming.

The Senior Assistant Director will provide individualized and group career advising to help international students navigate their professional journeys with confidence. Advising will emphasize leveraging students’ diverse skill sets, international experiences, and global perspectives to enhance their career prospects. Topics will include identifying global and U.S.-based employers that value international talent, effectively communicating work authorization status to employers, adapting job search strategies to different hiring practices, and maximizing professional connections. They will also identify and implement strategies to expand advising capacity through group advising within the community and individual advising, ensuring broader access to career support. While visa and work authorization advising will remain the responsibility of Rutgers Global – ISSS, the Senior Assistant Director will collaborate with campus partners to provide career-related guidance that aligns with students’ professional goals.

The Senior Assistant Director will actively engage in meetings, professional development opportunities, and other duties as assigned to support the mission of Career Exploration and Success. They will contribute to elevating Rutgers University’s presence as a leader in global career development by participating in industry conferences, presenting on best practices, engaging in professional online communities, and contributing to award nominations and other recognition efforts. Additionally, they will support other career programs and initiatives as needed to further enhance international students’ access to career development resources and employer connections.

To be considered for the assistant director position, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Experience and Education: A bachelor’s degree and at least five (5) years of relevant experience in career services, workforce development, student success programming, or a related field; or a master’s degree with at least three (3) years of relevant experience in these areas. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may also be considered. A master’s degree is preferred. Experience within a career services, employer relations, or higher education setting, particularly working with international students.
2. Skills and Competencies: With a strong student-focused orientation, this role requires experience in designing career programs and initiatives that help students navigate job search challenges, including understanding work authorization, researching employers, adapting to U.S. hiring practices, and professional self-advocacy. The ability to make strategic decisions related to program development, employer engagement, and student success initiatives is essential. Expertise in public speaking, workshop facilitation, and advising is also necessary, along with the confidence to lead these efforts autonomously. Success in this role requires a self-motivated individual who can take initiative, adapt to change, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.