Regional Director, Student Placement & Support

Regional Director, Student Placement & Support

Location: Stamford, CT (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $52,000–$54,000 annualized equivalent compensation (based on a 35-hour work week), equivalent to $28.60 – $29.70 per hour. This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Academic Year in America (AYA), part of the AIFS family of programs, is a leading high school foreign exchange organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding. We create life-changing experiences by connecting international students with American host families, helping young people build global perspectives and lasting relationships.

About the Role

AYA is seeking an energetic, people-driven Regional Director to lead student placement and support efforts. This is a dynamic, relationship-focused role ideal for someone who thrives on connecting with others, driving results, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families.

What You’ll Do

• Place international students with American host families and meet placement goals through proactive outreach and relationship-building
• Recruit, train, and motivate a network of Local Coordinators
• Build and maintain strong relationships with host families, students, and community partners nationwide
• Provide hands-on student support, including guidance and conflict resolution
• Manage rematch processes to ensure positive outcomes when placements change
• Ensure compliance with program policies and U.S. Department of State regulations

Who You Are

• Outgoing, confident, and highly people-oriented
• Comfortable communication by phone and managing high-volume outreach
• Goal-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Skilled communicator who builds trust quickly
• Able to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy
• Highly organized and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

Why Join AYA?

Change lives through connection. Help students experience the U.S. in a way that goes far beyond the classroom and help host families discover the world from their own homes.

Build your community. Cultivate meaningful relationships with families, schools, students, and local partners while becoming a trusted ambassador for AYA.

Make an impact you can see. From finding the right host family to supporting students throughout their exchange, your work directly shapes their experience and creates lasting connections.

Bring your ideas to the table. Take ownership of your region, build new relationships, and find creative ways to strengthen AYA’s local presence.

Join a mission-driven, global community. Be part of an organization that believes cultural exchange creates understanding, connection, and lifelong relationships.

Feel valued and supported. We appreciate the contributions our employees make to our mission and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and in life, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement savings plan through Fidelity Investments, and generous paid time off, holidays, and parental leave.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 1–3 years of experience in customer service, sales, education, or other people-facing roles
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage diverse audiences
• Comfortable managing frequent communication and outreach
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; willingness to learn CRM/database systems
• Flexibility to work evenings and during peak seasons, with travel as needed

Travel Requirement

• This role requires occasional business travel, including travel to the Company’s New Jersey orientation site and other off-site locations as needed. Attendance at AYA’s annual international meeting is required as part of the role. Employees must be able to meet any applicable requirements for domestic and international travel.
• Employees must also be able to meet the driving requirements of the position, which may include operating a personal or rental vehicle, subject to applicable law.  

Hybrid Schedule and On-Site Requirements

• This position is currently designated as hybrid, with an anticipated schedule of 2 to 3 days per week in the Stamford, Connecticut office and the remaining days remote. The schedule is subject to change based on business needs.
• Employees must be able to report to the Stamford office as required, including on days outside of the regular in-office schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer: AIFS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

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