Director, Texas Talent Accelerator

Title: Director, Texas Talent Accelerator

Employee Classification: Dir Texas Talent Accelerator

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-VP Digital Strategy Innovation

SubDivision-Department: UNT-VP Digital Strategy Innovation

Department: UNT-Texas Talent Accelerator-230010

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $164,000 - $180,000

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Texas Talent Accelerator, launched by the University of North Texas, is a strategic regional initiative designed to address the evolving workforce needs of the rapidly growing North Texas region. As part of a collaborative network of employers, educational institutions, and economic development partners, the Accelerator works to align talent development with industry demands, foster innovation, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness. Located in one of the nation’s most dynamic business corridors, this initiative plays a critical role in shaping the future of workforce readiness and regional prosperity. Professionals joining this effort will contribute to impactful, system-wide solutions that support economic growth and improve career outcomes across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Texas Talent Accelerator will lead the research enterprise within the Texas Talent Accelerator. This role oversees a high-performing team that produces actionable insights on labor market trends, workforce needs, and skills forecasting. The Director will translate research into strategies that shape academic programs, inform employer partnerships, and strengthen the region's economic competitiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in data science, sociology, public policy, education, economics, or another related field (Master's degree with significant evaluation and research leadership experience considered). At least 8 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in workforce research, higher education, economic development, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in labor market analysis, workforce forecasting, and program evaluation.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop high-performing staff.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into insights for executive, public, and community audiences.
• Strategic visioning and systems-thinking skills, particularly in the areas of workforce development, higher education, and economic mobility.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to engage employers, educators, policymakers, and funders.
• Ability to secure and manage external funding, including grants and philanthropic support.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to manage research teams, budgets, and complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Strategic Research Leadership - Develop and implement a research agenda that advances workforce intelligence and innovation. - Direct the Accelerator’s research team to provide actionable insights for employers, educators, and policymakers.
• Workforce & Academic Alignment - Translate research findings into programmatic recommendations that inform UNT’s academic offerings and regional training strategies. - Anticipate and report workforce shifts in key industries in the region.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Convene and collaborate with anchor employers, higher education partners, chambers, workforce boards, and policy leaders. - Represent UNT and the Accelerator at high-level forums and strengthen UNT’s reputation as a national leader in workforce innovation.
• Organizational Leadership - Recruit, mentor, and lead a diverse research team. - Ensure effective resource management, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with UNT’s mission.
• Innovation & National Impact - Position UNT and the Texas Talent Accelerator as a national model for education-industry collaboration. - Pursue external funding through grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support to sustain and scale the Accelerator.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

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.