Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Career Success

University of North Texas System•Dallas, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of North Texas at Dallas invites visionary leaders to apply for the position of Executive Director of the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success (CELCS). The Center is a critical component of our 2030 Vision for UNT Dallas to become the leading public regional university in the area by delivering a holistic educational experience that integrates career-ready skills, leadership development, and experiential learning. Grounded in our UNT System-wide values, the Executive Director will guide a newly expanded team of 13 full-time staff members to build an ecosystem where real-world learning, Generative AI fluency, high-impact practices, and enduring human skills intersect - through close collaboration with an array of campus leaders. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation in the Office of the Provost, this executive will directly empower our diverse, largely first-generation student body to become purpose-driven, career-ready leaders.

Requirements

Master's degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Student Affairs or related field
7 years in years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, with a focus on experiential learning, student success, career services, or a related area.
Demonstrated expertise in experiential learning models, career development theory, and high-impact practices (internships, study abroad, service learning, and undergraduate research), including experience integrating these frameworks into academic program pathways.
Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, team supervision, and change management skills within complex environments, with a proven track record of leading expanded teams and serving first-generation and nontraditional college students.
Proven ability to build and sustain cross-functional partnerships with faculty, Deans, employers, and community stakeholders, including supporting faculty in curriculum alignment and career readiness initiatives.
Skilled in data-informed decision-making, including program assessment, learning outcome evaluation, and metric reporting for continuous improvement and student success.
Effective communicator with the ability to engage diverse audiences—including academic leadership, faculty, students, and executive employer partners—through written, oral, and presentation formats.
Technologically adept, with experience leveraging career services platforms, CRM systems, labor market analytics, and Generative AI tools to scale student engagement and operational workflows.
Broad grasp of labor market trends, industry expectations, and emerging workplace competencies, including the integration of enduring human skills and Generative AI applications.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development and execution of initiatives to expand and enhance experiential learning opportunities, career readiness education, and employer partnerships, including guiding the university-wide integration of career readiness across undergraduate degree programs.
Work with the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL), Deans, and Department Chairs to design faculty toolkits and programs that facilitate engagement in high-impact practices, ensuring opportunities for internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, service learning, and emerging skill frameworks are accessible and aligned with academic pathways.
Lead the team to provide comprehensive, technology-enabled support for students, including career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, Generative AI fluency, and employer networking.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with local, regional, and national employers as well as community organizations to co-create talent pipelines and expand network opportunities for internships, service learning, and post-graduation employment.
Regularly assess the success and impact of the Center's initiatives and curricular integration efforts, using qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making, demonstrate student success, and drive continuous program improvement.
Manage the Center's expanded operating budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support operations, technological infrastructure, and growing program goals.
Hire, supervise, mentor, and lead a team of 13 full-time professional staff, student assistants, and interns who support the execution and operational growth of the Center's programs.
Represent the Center on university committees, task forces, and at public events, serving as a visible advocate for the value of experiential learning, workforce alignment, and career initiatives.