Associate Director of Career Advising and Employer Relations: Environmental Policy and Management, Global Governance and Policy, International Policy and Development, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration in Sustainability
Scott is a Middlebury Institute alum (MPA, 2007) who has spent the past decade building the career services program at the Middlebury Institute while drawing from over 20 years of international development experience. As Associate Director of Career Advising and Employer Relations, he provides comprehensive career coaching and manages employer partnerships for graduate students across multiple programs, including the in-person International Policy and Development, Global Governance and Policy, Environmental Policy and Management programs, and the online MPA and Organizational Leadership programs.
Scott’s international development career spans 12 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. His field experience includes serving as a Technical Adviser for Emergency Human Resources with Catholic Relief Services, managing multi-million dollar program portfolios as a Senior Program Officer at Relief International, and holding various roles at International Relief and Development, including program officer and international recruiter. He began his international career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger (1997-2001) and later served as a Peace Corps Regional Recruiter. He also currently serves as the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program Coordinator at the Institute, supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers enrolled at the Institute.
This diverse background—from rural village work to managing complex donor relationships—gives Scott unique insight into the full spectrum of international development careers. Having worked as a recruiter for multiple organizations and reviewed thousands of applications, he understands both what employers seek and the challenges job seekers face in this competitive field.
Scott designs and teaches career management courses covering everything from personal branding, resumes and cover letters, interviewing, networking, and compensation negotiation. He maintains an extensive network of employer contacts across the international development, policy, trade, and environmental sectors, helping students connect with opportunities that match their values and career goals. Under his guidance, over 95% of advised students secure positions within one year of graduation.
He co-leads the Middlebury Institute annual DC Career Acceleration program, taking students to Washington, DC, for intensive networking and employer engagement. Scott also serves on various Institute committees and has been recognized for his commitment to student success and alumni engagement.
My approach combines practical career coaching with real-world industry knowledge. Having been on both sides of the hiring process—as a recruiter screening candidates and as a program manager building teams—I help students understand not just how to present themselves effectively, but how to identify opportunities that align with their values and long-term goals.
I believe in authentic storytelling. Rather than generic advice, I work with each student to articulate their unique value proposition and connect their academic preparation with their professional aspirations. My extensive network in international development, policy, and environmental sectors allows me to provide targeted introductions and insider perspectives on career paths. I’m committed to helping you pre-position yourself through networking and research to access the hidden job market, leveraging the extensive MIIS alumni community to help you achieve your career goals.
Whether you’re exploring your first professional role or transitioning between sectors, I’m here to help you navigate the process strategically and confidently.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or email me to schedule an appointment.
| by Caitlin Fillmore
Many returned Peace Corps volunteers find both community and a career through the Middlebury Institute—including many current students, faculty, and staff.
MPA graduate Lizzie Falconer shares how support from faculty, staff, and alumni helped her to launch a career in international development.
| by Orestes Betancourt MPA ’18
MPA graduate Orestes Betancourt shares how working with his career advisor and the Institute’s alumni network helped him launch a career in international development.
