This position is hybrid until 2026 and is based  at Corporate Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Candidates must reside in the Austin metro area to be considered for this position.  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Career Programming is a strategic leadership role responsible for designing, developing, and managing all aspects of API’s career programming initiatives, including internships, co-ops, research projects and career exploration programming. This position plays a critical role in aligning API’s career programming strategies with organizational goals, forming academic partnerships, and overseeing a range of student-related administrative functions and onboarding procedures.

With full ownership of the Career Programming P&L and internship library, the Manager leads cross-functional collaboration, oversees special projects for the SVP, and manages both full-time and part-time staff. They act as a key liaison with academic institutions and internal departments to ensure an exceptional student experience from inquiry through enrollment and post-acceptance processes.

In addition to operational oversight, the role oversees the process for prospective students and parents, guiding them through program selection, admissions, and pre-departure processes. This includes detailed knowledge of admissions requirements, visa processes, course registration, and housing logistics. The role demands a high level of administrative accuracy, particularly in maintaining records within Salesforce and ensuring all onboarding and orientation materials are up to date and effectively communicated.

This individual demonstrates initiative, problem-solving ability, and a collaborative mindset, contributing to continuous improvements and organizational effectiveness. A strong commitment to customer service, clear communication, and professional development is essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing and leading the implementation of career programming strategies;
• Forming alliances and partnerships with key academic institutions;
• Working collaboratively with other department employees to ensure the program is in alignment with organizational needs;
• Develop and implement administrative and recordkeeping systems;
• Owns the P&L for Career Programming;
• Owns the internship library;
• Oversees a variety of special projects under the direction of the SVP;
• Responsible for developing and managing full time and part time employees;
• Performing other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

API expects all staff to

• Be adaptable to change in the workplace and use change as an opportunity for innovation and creativity;
• Take ownership of problems, has ability to brainstorm different problem resolution paths, uses sound judgment in selecting solutions to problems, and demonstrates consistent follow through;
• Demonstrated self-initiation and an action bias orientation;
• Has job knowledge and skills to perform the fundamental job functions and is able and willing to assume greater responsibility over time regarding the scope of work;
• Has the ability to inspire and model collaborative teamwork;
• Demonstrates an understanding of customer service regarding accommodation, helpfulness, trust building, appropriate boundaries, and flexibility.

What We’re Looking For. The Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in Business or a related field;
• Previous participation in a work/co-op/intern/career exploration programming;
• Experience in account and/or relationship management;
• Demonstrated competency in the required key skills: Negotiation, influencing, facilitation and communication (both verbal and written);
• Advanced project management skill;
• Skilled in analytical thinking and time management.

What you will be doing.

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert, promoting a portfolio of AP career programs;
• Oversee admissions (i.e., enrollment review) for a portfolio of programs, including managing incoming onboarding materials, handling host institution enrollment reviews, and notifying students of acceptance and enrollment;
• Liaise with the host institution and on-site resident coordinators/directors as required to secure student enrollment into the career programming opportunities;
• Liaise with the VP of Pedagogy and Curriculum for career programming course facilitation;
• Assist with visa processing (when applicable);
• Meet periodically with marketing and programming staff to cross functionally collaborate program updates and changes;
• Actively participate when attending Enrollment Management meetings;
• Review the accuracy of website information and the catalog for annual publication, on a seasonal and as-needed basis;
• Demonstrate experience with handling and problem solving difficult interactions with parents, students, or advisors and resolving problems/concerns/issues;
• Review the full student life-cycle and make both product and communication recommendations;
• Contribute to the success of the broader team/organization by driving positive change and contribute to the collective success by:

1. Facilitate and guide new employees through the onboarding process;
2. Disseminate relevant updates and facilitate discussions on pertinent topics in recurring team meetings;
3. Present timely information and lead focused conversations on key areas like trends, process improvement, and skill development during team updates. Take ownership of identifying and implementing improvements; and
4. Collaborate and provide assistance with teammates to manage during increased demand periods.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Communication: 

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for interacting with various stakeholders, including team members, senior management, and external partners.

Leadership:

We are looking for a strong leader who can inspire and motivate their team, guiding them towards achieving strategic objectives.

Management:

Exceptional ability to manage budgets, resources, and projects effectively, ensuring efficient and impactful program delivery.

Team Building and Development:

Demonstrated ability with recruiting, managing, and developing a team of professionals, including program managers and other staff.

Program Development and Strategy:

Must have a deep understanding of program design, implementation, and evaluation is crucial. Strategic Vision - must be able to successfully develop and execute strategic plans that align with the organization's mission and goals, driving innovation and growth in career programming initiatives.

Relationship Management:

Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Risk Management:

Must have experience with identifying potential risks associated with career programming initiatives and developing mitigation strategies.

Data Analysis:

The ability to analyze data and track the effectiveness of programs is important for making informed decisions and demonstrating impact.

Adaptability:

The ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities in the career landscape is essential for staying relevant and effective. 

KEY EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS 

• A bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as media studies, communications, education, business, or a related field is required.
• Study abroad experience is preferred.
• 5-7 years’ experience in programming and/or working for a higher education partner (i.e. College or University or Internship program for an organization). 
• Demonstrated experience managing full time, wage earning employees.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
• This position is 100% in the corporate office. This is NOT a remote/hybrid position.