Director, Alcon Career Center

Job Summary:

The Director, Alcon Career Center is responsible for directing the activities of the Alcon Career Center. This role develops and executes a strategy that enhances the career readiness of a growing undergraduate student population by employing a relational approach tailored to students' needs and that establishes clear milestones to ensure optimal outcomes. The Director will foster collaboration across a complex institutional structure, effectively challenge existing ideas, and position themselves as a trusted expert in preparing rising talent to meet the demands of the professional world. The Director must cultivate a high-performing team, instilling a culture of ambition, innovation, and solution-oriented thinking, ensuring that the Alcon Career Center consistently evolves to meet student expectations and employer needs within the Neeley School of Business.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

Drive Strategic Employer Engagement
1. Cultivates and expands a dynamic network of corporate partners who hire Neeley students and alumni.
2. Leverages data insights and industry trends to identify high-potential employers, strengthen ongoing partnerships, and position the Alcon Career Center as a go-to resource for top talent.
3. Represents the school at industry events and professional associations to uncover internship and job opportunities, manage on-campus recruiting activities, and provide strategic consultation to employers on how to best connect with and recruit Neeley students.
Leads a High-Impact Career Development Operation
4. Oversees and inspires a dedicated team in delivering forward-thinking career readiness initiatives for undergraduate business students.
5. Guides the creation and execution of engaging workshops, recruiting events, and career assessments that meet evolving market demands.
6. Evaluates and adopts emerging career development technologies and practices.
7. Collaborates with internal stakeholders—student groups, signature programs, and faculty—to embed career development into the broader student experience.
8. Provides 1:1 consultations with undergraduates regarding career development topics such as career exploration, job/internship search strategies, interview preparation, networking and job offers and negotiations.
Amplify Outcomes and Insights
9. Elevates the visibility and credibility of the Alcon Career Center through storytelling and data.
10. Synthesizes student outcome data and employment trends into compelling reports and presentations for leadership, accreditation bodies, and rankings submissions.
11. Shares best practices and innovations through professional associations.
12. Partners with faculty to align academic experiences with employer expectations and to close student skill gaps through intentional curriculum support.
Champion Operational Excellence and Innovation
13. Directs the operations of the Alcon Career Center with a focus on continuous improvement, service excellence, and fiscal responsibility.
14. Leads all personnel-related efforts, budget planning, and resource allocation to ensure the center is well-positioned to serve a growing and ambitious student population.
15. Works in close partnership with other campus career leaders and colleagues to share best practices and drive university-wide collaboration.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, business administration or a closely related field.
• 5 plus years’ progressive experience in leadership, including recruiting, career advising, program creation and implementation and staff supervision.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Experience working in Higher Education and/or Student Affairs

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must be insurable under the university motor vehicle requirements.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• Clifton Strengths, LifeDesign, or Project Management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques
• Knowledge of recruiting, job fairs and event planning techniques.
• Knowledge of career opportunities.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques.
• Knowledge and ability to administer assessment tests.
• Knowledge of resources necessary for a successful job search outcome.
• Skill in demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, management, communication, and presentation.
• Skill in making sales calls on corporate executives/hiring managers and in closing the sale.
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Ability to allocate resources and manage budgetary responsibilities.
• Ability to successfully facilitate job search of the student/graduate.
• Ability to establish and maintain databases.
• Ability to train and lead staff.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.