Director of Community Engagement

Employer: Tarleton State University

Location: Stephenville, Texas, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: May 8, 2026

Position Type: Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Community Relations & Institutional Outreach, Executive, Executive Directors, Other Executive

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Details

Job Title
Director of Community Engagement

Agency
Tarleton State University

Department
Global and Community Connections

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 Director of Community Engagement in the Division of Global, Community and First-Gen Initiatives. 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.

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.

The Director of Community Engagement provides multi-campus leadership to strengthen and expand the university’s relationships with surrounding communities across Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, and RELLIS. This position develops strategic partnerships that enhance community engagement, student access, and collaborative initiatives aligned with the Division of Global, Community and First-Gen Initiatives.

The Director serves as a key connector between the university and external stakeholders, including community organizations, school districts, workforce partners, and civic groups.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Global & Community Connections. The primary office location is on-site at the Stephenville campus; however, regular travel and visibility across instructional sites is required. Work hours are typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends required, particularly during peak periods such as the beginning of semesters, Homecoming, and major university events. This position serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Visibility on Tarleton’s off-campus instructional sites is required, and hours will vary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Relationship Development (25%)

• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with community organizations, school districts, workforce partners, and civic organizations to strengthen university–community connections.
• Builds collaborative relationships across all Tarleton State University instructional sites to enhance community engagement initiatives.
• Serves as a liaison between university leadership, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders to support community-based programs and initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities for collaboration that support student success, access, and engagement across campus communities.
• Participates in community initiatives, advisory boards, and local committees to represent the university and advance institutional priorities.
• Develops communication strategies and infrastructure to promote community partnerships, including newsletters, web content, and outreach materials.

Branding and Promotion of Community Engagement (25%)

• Collaborates with division leadership and campus partners to develop communication strategies that highlight community partnerships and engagement efforts.
• Promotes the mission, vision, and impact of the Division of Global, Community and First-Gen Initiatives through outreach and partnership development.
• Advises stakeholders on best practices for building sustainable community partnerships.
• Utilizes communication platforms and emerging outreach strategies to increase awareness of community engagement initiatives.
• Supports initiatives that promote service, leadership development, and workforce readiness.

Strategic Community Partnerships (25%)

• Develops and evaluates partnerships that support student success and community engagement initiatives.
• Coordinates signature community engagement events and programs in collaboration with campus and community partners.
• Tracks and reports partnership outcomes and engagement metrics.
• Builds sustainable partnerships that expand university visibility and strengthen community impact.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement across campuses and community partners.

Secondary to Postsecondary Transition & Accessibility Partnerships (15%)

• Builds relationships with high school transition counselors, school districts, and community organizations to support student transition to higher education.
• Educates students, families, and school partners about differences between secondary and postsecondary education, including accommodation processes, student responsibilities, and support services.
• Represents the Division of Global, Community and First-Gen Initiatives in university accessibility and transition-related initiatives.
• Participates in recruitment and outreach events with community and educational partners.
• Collaborates with campus partners to support outreach efforts focused on access, transition, and student success.
• Serves as a representative of the Division of Global, Community and First-Gen Initiatives on the University 504/ADA Committee, collaborating with campus stakeholders to advance accessibility efforts and support institutional compliance.
• Attends community events to represent Tarleton State University and strengthen relationships with external partners.

Operations and Leadership (5%)

• Participates in leadership meetings, committees, and task forces aligned with division and university priorities.
• Maintains professional memberships in organizations that support community engagement and outreach.
• Supports division-wide initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Provides updates to leadership regarding community engagement efforts and partnerships.

Other Duties (5%)

• Performs other related duties as assigned to support division and university goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of related experience in management.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills
• Knowledge of secondary to postsecondary transition and student success initiatives
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders
• Experience working across diverse communities and campus environments
• Strategic thinking and program development skills

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $83,000 up to $85,000 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.