Associate Director for Experiential Learning

The New School; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

The New School in New York City seeks an Associate Director for Experience to lead experiential learning initiatives university‑wide, including compliance, employer engagement, and student support. This role collaborates with academic and administrative partners to advance career readiness and outcomes.

Reporting to the Senior Director, you will manage programs, oversee assessments, and drive strategy for internships, co‑op experiences, and CPT initiatives, while supervising staff and fostering

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of professional experience, preferably in higher education, employer relations, or career services.
• Experience with CPT, SEVIS, and international student employment regulations.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing complex programs or operations.
• Knowledge of experiential learning practices and internship administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of experiential learning programs and compliance.
• Collaborate with CLAA and ISSS to align experiential learning with academic policy and international programs.
• Develop and maintain employer relationships to expand internships and cooperative education.
• Design and deliver programming and resources for student preparation and career development.
• Directly supervise staff and contribute to team development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff supervision

Project management

Career services

Communication

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Handshake

12Twenty

Job description

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately8,300 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

The Center for Career Development is dedicated to helping students make connections between their academic experiences and professional paths. We empower students in their career journeys by providing comprehensive resources, guidance, and support. Our aim is to assist students and alumni to explore career options, developing essential skills, and navigating the job market effectively. Through personalized counseling, workshops, networking opportunities, and access to relevant tools and information, we strive to foster confidence, resilience, and success in every stage of career development.

The Associate Director for Experience reports to the Senior Director of the Center for Career Design and Development and serves as a key member of the Center’s leadership team. The Associate Director assists in the management and long‑term strategic planning of experiential learning initiatives across the university. The primary role of the Associate Director, Experience is to provide leadership and oversight of The New School’s experiential learning and internship programs, including compliance, assessment, employer engagement, student support, and cross‑functional collaboration with academic and administrative partners.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Support Strategic Development: Support the strategic development and expansion of cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning initiatives for the university in collaboration with Center leadership, academic programs, employers, and university partners.
• Oversight & Compliance: Provide strategic leadership and operations for university‑wide experiential learning processes, policies, procedures, and systems, including the Experiential Learning Agreement (ELA) process, to ensure efficient service delivery and institutional compliance.
• Strategic Projects & Technology: Collaborate with Center leadership on special projects, strategic initiatives, and the implementation of technologies and digital resources that advance student success, career readiness, and experiential learning outcomes.
• Industry & Regulatory Trends: Identify emerging trends, best practices, and relevant changes in experiential education, employment, labor, and immigration regulations, and recommend innovative approaches, policy updates, and operational improvements as appropriate.
• Reporting & Assessment: Prepare reports, assessments, and recommendations for Center leadership regarding experiential learning participation, student engagement, service delivery, and outcomes.

Academic & Campus Partnerships

• Academic Affairs Alignment: Partner closely with Curriculum Learning and Academic Affairs (CLAA) to ensure alignment of experiential learning initiatives with academic policy, curriculum, assessment, international programs and partnerships, and other university‑wide academic priorities.
• Faculty & Curriculum Integration: Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and university partners to promote experiential learning opportunities, strengthen student participation, and integrate career‑connected learning across the student experience.
• International Student Support: Collaborate closely with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and other university partners to support Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and experiential learning opportunities for international students.
• Advisory & Resource Point: Serve as a primary resource for students, faculty, staff, employers, and campus partners regarding experiential learning opportunities, internship administration, policies, procedures, and related compliance matters.

Employer Relations & Partnerships

• Employer & Partner Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with employers, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and industry representatives to expand high‑quality internship, cooperative education, and other experiential learning opportunities, in collaboration with Center leadership and Industry Engagement colleagues.
• Quality & Standards Alignment: Collaborate with employers and campus partners to ensure experiential learning opportunities align with university standards, student learning objectives, and applicable policies and regulations.

Student Advising, Training & Programming

• Student Preparation & Programming: In collaboration with Center leadership, design and implement programming, workshops, and resources that prepare students to successfully pursue and engage in internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Student Advising & Equity: Provide advising and consultation to students regarding experiential learning opportunities, workplace expectations, and professional development, while advancing equitable access and participation among diverse student populations.
• Resource Development: Develop training materials, resources, and guidance for students, faculty, staff, and employers to promote understanding of experiential learning policies, procedures, and best practices.

Team Supervision & Staff Development

• Direct Report Leadership: Establish goals and priorities with direct reports and support their professional development and performance in alignment with Center and University objectives.
• Student Staff Supervision: Assist in the supervision and development of student workers supporting Center operations, programs, and experiential learning initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other Duties: Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 5 years of professional experience, preferably in a discipline related to fields offered by The New School with previous experience in higher education, employer relations, or career services.
• Experience working with Curricular Practical Training (CPT), SEVIS, and international student employment regulations.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing complex programs or operations.
• Knowledge of experiential learning practices, internship administration, and student development.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and on a team, working under deadlines.
• Excellent writing, networking, and communications skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current hiring trends in career development.
• Strong project management, organizational, assessment, and event planning skills.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and G‑Suite;
• Experience with career management systems (Handshake, 12Twenty).
• Experience with cooperative education.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in‑person and is based on campus to support effective in‑person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.#LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$83,500 - $85,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward‑thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well‑being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world‑renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.