Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Career Success

University of North Texas - Dallas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas at Dallas seeks an Executive Director to lead the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success. The role shapes strategy, builds career-ready programs, and partners with employers to expand opportunities for students.

You will guide a 13-member team, integrate AI-enabled workflows, and report to campus leadership. You will champion data-informed program assessment, collaborate across academic units, and advance equity for first‑generation students while driving

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 7 years in leadership in higher education (experiential learning, student success, or related area).
• Experience building employer partnerships and career readiness initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive program strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of experiential learning initiatives and employer partnerships.
• Collaborate with faculty and deans to design pathways integrating career readiness.
• Oversee career coaching, resume development, interview prep, and job search strategies.
• Build strategic relationships with local and national employers.
• Assess program impact with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Manage the Center's operating budget and resources.
• Hire and lead a team of 13 staff and interns.

Skills

Experiential learning

Career development

Strategic planning

Cross-functional partnerships

Data-informed decision-making

Communication

Generative AI fluency

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Career services platforms

Labor market analytics

Generative AI tools

Job description

Title: Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Career Success

Employee Classification: Exec Dir, EL & Career Success

Campus: University of North Texas - Dallas

Division: DAL-Academic Aff & Stdnt Success

SubDivision-Department: DAL-Strat Partner & Innov

Department: DAL-Ctr Exp Learn & Career Success-500150

Job Location: Dallas

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success (CELCS) 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.

Position Overview

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.

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 (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.

Preferred Qualifications

None

Required License/Registration/Certifications

None

Job Duties

• 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. - (Essential)


• 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. - (Essential)


• 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. - (Essential)


• 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. - (Essential)


• 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. - (Essential)


• Manage the Center's expanded operating budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to support operations, technological infrastructure, and growing program goals. - (Essential)


• 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. - (Essential)


• 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. - (Essential)

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.


• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

On campus, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, 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

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, 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. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration 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 a related investigation or proceeding.