Associate Director, AI & Career Systems Strategy

Position Summary

The Associate Director, AI & Career Systems Strategy leads the design, implementation, and optimization of AI-enabled tools and operational systems within Career Advancement & Engagement. This role is responsible for scaling student access, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing employer engagement through the strategic use of AI, automation, and integrated platforms. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, this role serves as the primary owner of CAE's AI

advising co-pilot and works closely with internal teams, faculty partners, and external vendors (e.g., Handshake) to develop and deploy technology-enabled solutions that improve student outcomes and organizational performance.

About Career Advancement & Engagement

Career Advancement & Engagement at Vanderbilt University is building a pathway-based career ecosystem that aligns academic experience, experiential learning, and employer engagement to improve student outcomes at scale. Through advising, internships, industry partnerships, and AI-enabled tools, CAE helps students explore, prepare for, and launch into meaningful careers across a broad range of industries.

This model expands access to opportunities, strengthens employer relationships, and positions Vanderbilt as a leading source of talent in a rapidly evolving workforce.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• AI Product Ownership (Student Experience)

• Lead development, deployment, and continuous improvement of the AI advising co-pilot

• Define use cases aligned to student pathways, milestones, and advising needs

• Monitor usage, effectiveness, and student outcomes

• Partner with faculty (e.g., Generative AI Innovation Center) on ongoing development

• Workflow Automation & Operational Efficiency

• Identify and redesign key workflows across advising, employer engagement, and student communications

• Implement AI and automation tools to improve efficiency, consistency, and scale

• Reduce manual processes and streamline operations across teams

• Marketing & Communication Automation

• Develop AI-enabled approaches to student and employer communications

• Automate targeted messaging aligned to pathways, recruiting timelines, and student milestones

• Improve personalization and engagement at scale

• Systems Integration & Vendor Management

• Serve as primary liaison to Handshake and other platform providers on AI-enabled features

• Ensure alignment between AI tools, CRM (VandyQuest), and career platforms

• Identify and implement new tools that enhance system capabilities

• Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Develop dashboards and reporting to assess system performance and user engagement

• Use data to refine workflows, improve student outcomes, and inform strategy

• Identify trends and opportunities for further automation and innovation

• Training, Adoption & Change Management

• Train staff on AI tools and system workflows

• Drive adoption of new tools and processes across CAE

• Develop documentation and best practices for sustainable use

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field is necessary.

Experience and Skills

• 5-8+ years of experience in operations, systems, technology, or program management is necessary.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or managing AI, automation, or digital tools is necessary.
• Strong analytical, process design, and problem-solving skills are necessary.
• Ability to translate complex systems into practical workflows is necessary.
• Experience in higher education, workforce development, or career services is preferred.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce) and platforms like Handshake is preferred.
• Experience working with AI tools, product development, or digital transformation initiatives is preferred.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are preferred.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.