Job Description

Senior Director of Advising and Career Development


Fort Hays State University, a regional public comprehensive university in Hays, Kansas, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of senior director of advising and career development. This is an on-site position. The anticipated start date is March 2027.


Fort Hays State University (FHSU), founded in 1902, is a regional comprehensive public university committed to accessible, high-quality education and personalized teaching and mentorship. FHSU serves students through on-campus, online, and international programs, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates that prepare students for professional and personal success. Located in Hays, Kansas, midway between Kansas City and Denver, the University is part of a vibrant regional center for education, health care, professional services, culture, and recreation. Hays offers an affordable, welcoming community with extensive recreational amenities and a high quality of life.

The senior director of advising and career development (senior director) will provide strategic leadership and direction for Fort Hays State University's transition to fully centralized undergraduate academic advising and the creation of the new Office of Advising and Career Development.

Reporting to the assistant provost for student success, the senior director will serve as a member of the assistant provost's leadership team and shape an integrated advising and career development model that advances holistic and developmental advising, academic planning, career exploration and readiness, and faculty mentoring as interconnected components of the University's student success strategy. The senior director will supervise four assistant directors, provide leadership for approximately 21 professional advisors, career development professionals, and administrative staff, and manage an annual budget that includes at least $60,000 in operating funds, additional funding for student labor each fiscal year, and fee-based funds.

The salary range is $90,000–$100,000.

Qualifications

A master's degree is required. The successful candidate will possess progressively responsible experience in academic advising, career development, student success, or a related area, including demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff. The senior director will possess a strong understanding of the principles and practices of holistic and developmental advising, student development theory, and current and emerging practices in academic advising and career development, as well as demonstrated engagement with relevant professional standards, organizations, and resources. The competitive candidates will possess experience leading organizational change and developing collaborative teams, and will demonstrate experience in developing and implementing staff onboarding, training, professional development, and performance management practices. Additional qualifications include experience with program assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement; demonstrated ability to effectively use data and technology to improve services and student outcomes; experience managing budgets and other resources, including grants, endowed funds, and/or corporate sponsorships; strong organizational and project management skills; and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate a student-centered approach to leadership, sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to develop productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, employers, and other internal and external partners.

Application and Nomination

Fort Hays State University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin November 6, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/senior-director-of-advising-and-career-development/

- Contact Anne-Marie Kenney at mailto:[email protected] for confidential inquiries.
- Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email mailto:[email protected].

Visit the Fort Hays State University website at http://www.fhsu.edu/

FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.

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