Assistant Director of Academic Advising

Job Title
Assistant Director of Academic Advising

Agency
Tarleton State University

Department
Academic Advising

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Stephenville, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Assistant Director in the Office of Academic Advising . As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco , along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville , where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

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The Assistant Director of Academic Advising supports undergraduate student success on the Stephenville campus by providing leadership and supervision to academic advising staff, fostering advisor development, and promoting excellence in advising practices. This position collects, analyzes, and reports advising and student success data to inform continuous improvement initiatives and evidence-based decision-making. The Assistant Director also collaborates with academic leadership, campus partners, and Texas A&M University System institutions to strengthen student support services and advance institutional goals.

This is a 12-month staff position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work requirements indicate. Position may require work responsibilities outside of normal business hours. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Summary: Complies with all state, system, and university policies, regulations, rules, procedures, guidelines, and directives in a timely manner and adhere to confidentiality policies (FERPA). May advise in both group and individual settings with current and prospective students. Provides leadership and operational oversight as needed in the Director’s absence. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision: Under direction, manages a team of staff in providing academic advising for students grounded in tenets of practice outlined by the National Association of Academic Advising (NACADA) and appropriate academic advising and student development theories. Develops and assesses plans for delivery of advising services that are flexible and responsive to students’ needs. Establishes and monitors key performance indicators for academic advisors. Leads hiring of new academic advisors.

Professional Development: Leads advisor professional development based in theory, best practices, and recent research. Develops and maintains reference materials for advisors that reflect common practices, policies, and guidelines.

Collaboration: Coordinates with campus partners to develop strategies that support student retention and graduation goals. Participates in departmental strategic planning to align advising initiatives with institutional priorities. Works collaboratively with deans and department chairs to ensure that academic advising services meet distinct needs of students and that faculty understand the student experience.

Data & Assessment: Analyzes data, develops reports, and creates assessment instruments for programs, initiatives, and services. Provides leadership and supervision for academic advising staff through budget planning, resource allocation, and data-informed decision-making to support student success initiatives.

Research, Technology, & Innovation: Conducts research on best practices and theory within the field of academic advising, students in transition, and related topics to foster professional growth and improve the student advising experience. Identifies emerging trends and leads staff to implement initiatives to increase student retention and graduation. Actively seeks opportunities to serve on committees or in leadership positions for professional organizations that promote advising or student success. Collaborate with campus partners to implement technology and applications that support advising and student success. Assign projects to staff related to the implementation of technology and applications.

Minimum Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

- Master’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least six years of experience in academic advising or closely-related student services in a higher education setting. Supervisory experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of student development in higher education. Ability to lead students in developing a sense of purpose and developing education and personal goals.
- Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, student information systems, degree planning, and degree audits.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, present information clearly and concisely, work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent written communication, analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $59,370 up to $84,311 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page   offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

- Completed online application
- Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.