Director, Career Services

Agency

Department

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Director, Career Services in the Division of Academic Affairs. 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.

The Director provides administrative and managerial oversight and support for Career Services through supervision and execution of the departmental efforts aligned to Career Exploration, Career Development, Workforce (Business/Industry/Education/Not-for Profit) engagements/initiatives, professional and graduate education endeavors, and other career-related activities; work in strategic collaboration with academic and university colleges/schools/departments, athletics, alumni relations, advancement, and other university divisions, community college and ISD partners on opportunities to build new and enhance long-standing relationships to benefit Tarleton learners, graduates, and the University; stays abreast of workforce and career-based initiatives aligned with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the State of Texas, the Texas A&M University System, and other relevant agencies, organizations, and professional associations. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

In-office position located in Stephenville, Texas with work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work requirements indicate; which may include after hours and/or weekends.

Responsibilities:

Leadership/Management/Administration/Support/Planning (45%)

• Prepare and execute strategic planning initiatives, goal setting, division budgets, and monthly/annual reports.

• Attend administrative staff meetings on and off-campus as well as meetings/conferences/events regarding career planning and employment/employer relations and engagement.

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision to the Career Services staff and provide mid- and long-range strategic goals for the division.

• Monitors multiple workflows with employer relations initiatives, career development activities and marketing/promotions to ensure appropriate staffing and project completion.

• Oversee the compilation and assessment of the division’s employer relations and career development efforts on all campuses including employer partnership programs/deliverables.

• Work collaboratively with other departments/divisions on University Strategic Plan Goals and Initiatives.

• Work with academic colleges and data/research areas on preparation, implementation, and execution of the First Destination Survey (or related survey initiatives).

Community Outreach/Employer and Stakeholder Engagements and Internal/External Relationships (45%)

• Establish, cultivate, and maintain existing contacts with corporate, non-profit, government, and education-related employers and stakeholders.

• Work collaboratively with academic and administrative colleges/schools/departments on the planning of career development and workforce-related strategic based on relevant workforce data and initiatives intended to strengthen opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral/professional program students.

• Lead the planning and successful execution of career fairs and other career-related forums.

• Coordinates marketing plan for the department. Prepares strategic plan for department with goals, objectives, and strategies for effective operation.

• Engage with Alumni Relations and University Advancement on potential collaborations, initiatives, and/or events with direct ties to Career Services-related functions. 

• Provide a university point of contact for all Texas A&M University System, State of Texas, and appropriate federal career services committees and initiatives.

OTHER (10%)

• Other duties as assigned and deemed appropriate.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in counseling, business, management, human resources, education/higher education administration/leadership, student affairs, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ten years of related experience including three years managing and supervising people.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with students, faculty, and staff.

• 5+ years of work experience(s) in a career services or related field(s) providing career guidance, consultation, educational presentations/trainings and/or engagements leading to the creation of partnerships and initiatives involving key stakeholders, such as employers, institutions of higher education, and workforce organizations.

• 3+ years managing and supervising people.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with students, faculty, and staff.

• Experience developing and executing budgets.

• Demonstrated track record managing staff resulting in the fulfillment of events, new services or committed project goals. 

• A record of successful external and internal engagements, collaborative leadership, and management skills.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Supervisory/budget experience.

• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Requires the ability to effectively handle multiple tasks/duties and work cooperatively and collaboratively with various internal/external stakeholder.

• Possess superior communication skills and the capacity to effectively represent the division at various meeting/events.

Supervision of Others

• Supervises others.

Salary

Commensurate with experience

Salary Range

The target base annual salary range is $65,292 to $85,000 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:

Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development:

• Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit!
• Masters Educational Assistance – is designed to invest in and assist employees further their knowledge, skills, and job effectiveness through 100% of eligible tuition and fees being paid on enrollment. Click link for additional guidelines and details!

Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning

• Fully covered employee health insurance
  • Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days.
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement and Insurance programs

Paid Leave

Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area!

• Paid sick leave
• Holiday pay
• Vacation
• Longevity pay
• Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday!

Other

• Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events!
  • Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium.
• Employee Wellness Release Time
• Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation
• and other Tarleton Discounts

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.