Title: Executive Director, Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success

 Classification: Exec Dir, EL & Career Success

Campus: University of North Texas - Dallas

Division: DAL-Academic Aff & Stdnt Success

SubDivision-Department: DAL-Office of the Provost

Department: DAL-Experiential Learning-500150

Job Location: Dallas

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility:

About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

The Center for Experiential Learning & Career Success (CELCS) is being newly launched as an organizational unit that not only combines existing campus functions related to experiential learning and career services but serves to expand capabilities to ensure the success of every UNT Dallas student. A significant investment is being made to more than double the existing number of five full-time staff members that will be newly assigned to the Center along with an expanded operating budget. This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation.

Position Overview

The University of North Texas at Dallas seeks an innovative, student-centered, and strategic leader to serve as the Executive Director of the new Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success (CELCS). This leadership position will be responsible for the development and execution of a unified, institution-wide vision for experiential education that prepares students for academic, career, and life success. The Executive Director will build and lead a comprehensive center that promotes and integrates internships, practicums, service learning, undergraduate research, study abroad, and other high-impact practices that enhance students’ real-world readiness.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in experiential learning models, career development theory, and high-impact practices such as internships, study abroad, service learning, and undergraduate research.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills within complex, student-centered environments that include first-generation and nontraditional college students.
• Proven ability to build and sustain cross-functional partnerships with faculty, employers, and community stakeholders to enhance student learning and career outcomes.
• Skilled in data-informed decision-making, including assessment, program evaluation, and reporting for continuous improvement.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage diverse audiences through written, oral, and presentation formats.
• Technologically adept, with experience using career services platforms, CRM tools, and other technologies, including generative AI tools.
• Grasp of labor market trends and employer expectations across a broad range of industries, including developments related to the impact of generative AI.

Preferred Qualifications

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties:

• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Lead the strategic development and execution of initiatives to expand and enhance experiential learning opportunities, career readiness education, career coaching, and employer partnerships.
• Experiential Learning Development & Implementation: Work with the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) to design and lead programs that facilitate both faculty and student engagement in high-impact practices, ensuring that opportunities for internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, and service learning are accessible and aligned with students’ academic and career aspirations.
• Career Readiness Support: Lead the team to provide comprehensive support for students, including career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and employer networking.
• Collaboration & Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national employers as well as community organizations to create a robust network of opportunities for internships, service learning, and employment.
• Assessment & Reporting: Regularly assess the success and impact of the Center’s initiatives, using qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making and improve program offerings.
• Budget Management & Resource Development: Manage the budget for the Center, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support the Center’s programs and operations.
• Staff Management: Hire, supervise, and mentor a team of professional staff, student assistants, and interns who will support the implementation and operation of the Center’s programs.
• Institutional Representation & Advocacy: Represent the Center on various university committees, task forces, and at public events, serving as an advocate for the value of experiential learning and career initiatives. 

Physical Requirements:

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards:

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule:

On campus, Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM, some weekends as needed for programming

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.