Director, Advising and Retention

Texas A&M University–Central Texas; Killeen (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University–Central Texas seeks a Director of Advising and Retention to oversee academic advising and retention services grounded in best practices and theory. This on-campus role leads change management in advising structures, develops staff capabilities, and drives continuous improvement across the university.

The position requires extensive experience in higher education, supervision, and collaboration with campus partners to boost student success and graduation outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.
• Eight years in higher education with three years in oversight.
• Strong supervisory experience and leadership capability.
• Experience with student information systems and analytics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead institution-wide academic advising and retention services.
• Direct change management for advising structures and workflows.
• Develop and report on KPIs supporting student success and graduation.
• Allocate resources and advocate for program needs.
• Collaborate with deans and Chairs to tailor services to programs.
• Oversee advisor professional development and reference materials.

Skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Banner

DegreeWorks

Civitas Learning

Student information systems

Job description

The Director of Advising and Retention, under general direction, oversees and coordinates academic advising and retention services grounded in best practices and appropriate advising and student development theories.

A Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on all new H‑1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, and Texas A&M University–Central Texas will not pay this fee. Additionally, a moratorium issued by Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026, restricts the filing of new H‑1B petitions 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. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer.

Job Description

• Responsible for leading institution-wide academic advising and retention services that are grounded in academic advising and student development theories and best practices.


• Leads change management efforts associated with advising structure, workflows, and technology adoption.


• Proactively adapts advising and retention services in response to students’ needs and assessment results.


• Establishes, monitors, and reports on key performance indicators for department staff in support of institutional goals for student success and graduation.


• Allocates fiscal and personnel resources and advocates for additional resources.


• Coordinates with campus partners to develop strategies that ameliorate conditions that inhibit student success and that amplify conditions that foster student success.


• Works collaboratively with deans and department chairs to ensure that academic advising services meet distinct needs of programs and students.


• Establishes a program of advisor professional development based in theory, best practices, and recent research.


• Develops reference materials for advisors that reflect common practices, policies, and guidelines.


• Leads the development of reporting and assessment strategies in support of continuous improvement.


• Leads strategic planning for advising unit(s).


• Conducts research and presents 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.


• Works with campus partners to implement and maintain applicable technology to support student advisement, learning mobility, and student success/retention.


• Identifies emerging trends and develops strategies for initiatives that 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. Identify and procure technology and applications that support advising and student success.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.


• Knowledge of budget management and strategic planning


• Knowledge of software applications used in higher education; including student information systems, degree audit systems, and student success/retention platforms. Experience with Banner, DegreeWorks, and Civitas Learning platforms preferred.


• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.


• Strong verbal and written communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Eight (8) years of related experience in higher education with three (3) years in academic advising.


• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Experience with student caseloads.

Hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional nights and weekends as needed to support related program activities.

Supervision of Others

This position supervises others.

Work Location

This is not a remote position. The selected candidate will be required to work on campus.

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.