Senior Director for Technology and Engineering Career Pathways

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

7d

About The Position

The Senior Director for Technology & Engineering Career Pathways is a senior leader within Career Advancement and Engagement (CAE) at Vanderbilt University responsible for guiding the university’s strategy for preparing students for careers across technology, engineering, and data-driven industries. This role leads advising coordination, experiential learning development, and employer engagement initiatives that prepare students for careers in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, product management, engineering, and emerging technology sectors. The Senior Director works to connect Vanderbilt students with technology employers, industry mentors, and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen technical and professional readiness for internships and early career opportunities. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Career Advancement and Engagement, the Senior Director collaborates closely with employer relations leadership, faculty, and campus partners to expand industry partnerships, develop technology-focused experiential learning opportunities, and strengthen Vanderbilt’s reputation as a source of technology and engineering talent.

Requirements

• Master’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, military experience, and relevant professional experience is necessary.
• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant professional experience is necessary.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills required.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in technology, engineering, data science, product management, or related industries strongly preferred.
• Experience building partnerships with employers, startups, or innovation ecosystems preferred.
• Experience advising students or managing career preparation programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads Vanderbilt’s technology and engineering career pathway strategy, preparing students for careers across software engineering, data science, product management, engineering, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
• Develops milestone-driven preparation models aligned with recruiting timelines and employer expectations in technology sectors.
• Identifies priority employers and collaborates with employer relations leadership to expand partnerships with leading technology companies, startups, and innovation-focused organizations.
• Oversees the development of experiential learning opportunities aligned with technology careers, including industry projects, internships, startup experiences, and employer sponsored programs.
• Works with technology employers, faculty, and alumni partners to expand opportunities that allow students to apply technical skills in real-world environments.
• Helps integrate technology-related experiential learning opportunities into Immersion Student Advising and Career Preparation
• Leads teams responsible for advising and preparing students pursuing technology and engineering careers.
• Ensures students receive coordinated support that integrates advising, experiential learning, and employer engagement opportunities.
• Supports students in developing technical portfolios, industry connections, and professional preparation needed for competitive recruiting processes.
• Partners closely with the School of Engineering, data science programs, and other academic units involved in technology and innovation education.
• Collaborates with campus innovation and entrepreneurship programs to connect students with startup ecosystems and emerging technology opportunities.
• Works with Development and Alumni Relations to activate alumni networks in technology and engineering fields.
• Develops and tracks metrics related to student engagement, technology internships, and placement outcomes.
• Uses labor market insights and employer feedback to inform pathway strategy and program development.
• Continuously evaluates advising and experiential learning programs to improve student readiness for technology careers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior