Program Manager, Terry J Lundgren Center for Retailing (Part-Time)

The Norton School of Human Ecology is seeking applications for the role of Program Manager, Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing. The role will be responsible for the development, coordination, and execution of career and professional development initiatives within the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing (TJLC), with a particular focus on students in the Retailing and Consumer Science (RCSC) major and related programs. Key responsibilities include oversight of student interns in the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab (LCS Lab), coordination of student clubs and advisory boards, and planning and implementation of career development activities such as speaker series, career presentations, and study tours. The position also involves engagement with corporate recruiting partners to support student career pathways and intentional development of student leaders through experiential learning opportunities, mentorship, and applied practice.

This role may include formal teaching responsibilities within the RCSC, PFFP, HDFS, and FITS programs during the fall and spring terms. In addition, the position encompasses a range of administrative and program planning activities to support the Center's mission and operations.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Coordinate the development and management of a broad range of professional growth and career readiness initiatives, including seminars, workshops, study tours, LCS Lab internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Provide individualized and group support to students through career preparation services such as job search strategies, interview preparation, personal branding, and professional skill development.
• Lead staff oversight and mentorship, including one-on-one coaching for members of the Center's Student Advisory Board and other student organizations, with a strong emphasis on developing student leaders and preparing them for success in a dynamic industry.
• Direct special student engagement activities such as employer information sessions, including scheduling, employer communication, and facility coordination.
• Establish and maintain an RCSC/FITS alumni database and working group to enhance student-alumni-employer connections.
• Course design and instruction within the Retailing and Consumer Science (RCSC) degree program and other Norton School majors. Teaching assignments may include RCSC 295A: Career Exploration as well as the supervision of experiential learning and independent study courses that support student professional development.
• Collaborate on the logistics and planning of major Center events, including the Global Retailing Ideas Summit, invited speaker engagements, Lundgren Scholar activities, and other related initiatives.
• Support marketing and communication efforts through social media planning, development of promotional collateral, and oversight of student workers responsible for day-to-day marketing activities.
• Participate in strategic planning efforts in partnership with the Director, Student Activities Coordinator, and other team members to advance the Center's mission and goals. Performs additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the Director.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge or experience in the retail industry is highly valuable for this role, as it informs student mentorship, strengthens employer partnerships, and ensures that programming aligns with current industry trends and evolving talent needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups of individuals, ranging from students to parents to industry professionals. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Public speaking skills.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelors degree.
• Five years experience working with students in a professional and career development capacity, or working in the retail industry, or a combination of both.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience integrating personal branding and social media content into course materials.
• Five or more years of experience in a corporate retail or brand setting in HR, Store Operations, Marketing or Buying and merchandising.