Director of Career Services | Office of Student Experience

Position Summary    

The Director of Career Services provides strategic leadership and vision for the university’s career development initiatives, with a strong focus on internships and job placement. This role is responsible for building and sustaining employer partnerships to secure high-quality internship opportunities that prepare AUS students for the workplace. The Director will align internship, job placement and career programs with regional workforce trends, support Emiratization initiatives, and strengthen AUS’s reputation as a leading source of skilled, career-ready graduates.

Job Responsibilities    

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement a comprehensive career services strategy aligned with AUS’s mission, vision, and regional priorities.
• Foster a culture of career readiness across campus through collaboration with academic departments, faculty, and student organizations.
• Work closely with the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) to strengthen alumni engagement, expand professional networks, and increase internship and employment opportunities for AUS students.

Employer & Industry Engagement

• Establish and expand partnerships with leading employers in the UAE, GCC, and internationally to secure internships, graduate placements, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Lead AUS’s Career Fair and employer networking events, ensuring strong participation from multinational and regional companies.
• Collaborate with government entities, free zones, chambers of commerce, and industry councils to align with national workforce priorities, including Emiratization.

Career Development & Student Support

• Oversee career advising, workshops, and professional development programs that prepare students for success in both regional and global job markets.
• Introduce innovative initiatives such as mentorship programs, industry panels, and alumni networking events.

Operational & Team Management

• Lead and mentor the Career Services team, setting goals and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Manage budgets, resources, and data-driven reporting to demonstrate impact and outcomes.
• Enhance the efficiency of the career platform to better manage career and internship opportunities.
• Any other job duties assigned.

Qualifications and Skills Required    

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in career services, student affairs, or talent development.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with career management platforms (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity, or equivalent).
• knowledge of CRM tools and data analytics platforms for tracking career outcomes.
• Strategic leadership and organizational management skills.
• Strong ability to build and maintain employer, government, and industry partnerships in the UAE/GCC region.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience Data-driven planning, assessment, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of the UAE and GCC labor markets, including Emiratization policies and regional hiring practices.
• Experience in developing strategic initiatives and lead organizational change.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in higher education.
• Master’s degree in related fields.

How to Apply

• Interested applicants should fill out the form.
• AUS alumni are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not meet specified requirements will not be shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.