Assistant Director of Academic Advising

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Comply 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.
• Provide leadership and operational oversight as needed in the Director’s absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Manage a team of staff in providing academic advising for students grounded in the tenets of practice outlined by the National Association of Academic Advising (NACADA) and appropriate academic advising and student development theories.
• Develop and assess plans for delivery of advising services that are flexible and responsive to students’ needs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for academic advisors.
• Lead hiring of new academic advisors.
• Lead advisor professional development based in theory, best practices, and recent research.
• Develop and maintain reference materials for advisors that reflect common practices, policies, and guidelines.
• Coordinate with campus partners to develop strategies that support student retention and graduation goals.
• Participate in departmental strategic planning to align advising initiatives with institutional priorities.
• Work collaboratively with deans and department chairs to ensure that academic advising services meet distinct needs of students and that faculty understand the student experience.
• Analyze data, develop reports, and create assessment instruments for programs, initiatives, and services.
• Provide leadership and supervision for academic advising staff through budget planning, resource allocation, and data‑informed decision‑making to support student success initiatives.
• Conduct 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.
• Identify emerging trends and lead staff to implement initiatives to increase student retention and graduation.
• Actively seek 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.

Qualifications

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.

Skills

• 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.

Pay

Target base annual salary range: $59,370 up to $84,311, negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package for full‑time and qualifying part‑time employees; details available on the university’s Careers and Benefits Information pages.

Schedule

12‑month staff position; Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM (with possible work outside normal business hours as required).