Job Description
Application must be completely filled out.
General Description:
The Director of Application Services provides strategic leadership and oversight for the agency's statewide application services that support student access to higher education, institutional operations, and college advising. This position serves as the operational and strategic lead for the ApplyTexas portfolio, including the ApplyTexas Student Application, Counselor Suite, Admin Portal, and Help Desk. The Director leads a team of four functional managers responsible for these service areas and ensures the successful planning, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of statewide application services.
The Director develops and executes application services strategy, oversees annual application rollovers and production releases, manages policy implementation, and collaborates with internal divisions, technology partners, institutions of higher education, and external stakeholders to deliver highquality, customerfocused services. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment. This position reports to the Senior Director, Application and Advising Services.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
General duties and responsibilities encompass three main categories of focus: (1) leadership & team development; (2) application services strategy & operations, and (3) strategic planning & stakeholder engagement.
Leadership & Team Development
Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for four direct reports: ApplyTexas Student Application, Counselor Suite, Administrative Portal, and Help Desk.
Provide guidance and coaching to ensure team members have the tools, training, and opportunities to succeed and grow professionally.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration across projects and with internal/external stakeholders.
Application Services Strategy & Operations
Serve as the division's operational lead for the ApplyTexas portfolio, including the Student Application, Counselor Suite, Admin Portal, and Help Desk and ensure alignment with My Texas Future, Direct Admission, ADVi and other college advising initiatives.
Lead the annual ApplyTexas application rollover and oversee the planning, testing, deployment, and maintenance of application enhancements and production releases.
Develop and implement strategic plans, operational priorities, roadmaps, and performance metrics for the ApplyTexas portfolio.
Ensure application services comply with federal and state laws, legislative requirements, agency rules, admissions policies, accessibility standards, and data privacy requirements.
Oversee statewide Help Desk operations and the development of user guides, business processes, technical documentation, training materials, and operational procedures to support stakeholders.
Analyze legislation, administrative rules, and higher education policy, providing recommendations to agency leadership regarding operational and strategic impacts.
Provide oversight and program compliance of Advise TX initiative.
Develop and maintain agreements with participating institutions of higher education.
Coordinate crossfunctional planning with internal teams, technology partners, and external stakeholders while monitoring operational performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and system reliability to drive continuous improvement.
Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
Support the ApplyTexas Advisory Committee and provide strategic recommendations regarding future enhancements and statewide priorities.
Lead the statewide communication strategy for ApplyTexas, including stakeholder communications, release updates, training announcements, and website content.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with institutions of higher education, K12 districts, ICUT/private institutions, Education Service Centers, college access organizations, state agencies, vendors, and other strategic partners.
Oversee onboarding and support for participating institutions, including private institutions, ensuring successful implementation, policy compliance, system integration, and customer support.
Represent the agency in statewide meetings, conferences, presentations, advisory committees, and professional organizations.
Anticipate emerging trends in higher education admissions, technology, artificial intelligence, digital services, and customer experience to recommend strategic enhancements that improve statewide application services.
Collaborate with executive leadership to develop longterm strategies that enhance student access, streamline institutional processes, and improve statewide application services.
Performs other related duties as assigned to support the goals of the College and Career Advising Division and agency priorities.
Knowledge Skills or Abilities:
Knowledge of Texas public and higher education systems, policies, and advising/counseling practices.
Knowledge of ApplyTexas or comparable application systems and related processes.
Strong understanding of state and federal policy related to residency, admissions, and financial aid.
Ability to lead and motivate teams; provide effective feedback and professional development opportunities.
Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple priorities under deadlines.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, institutions, and external partners.
Skills in data analysis, problem solving, and policy interpretation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools.
Required InOffice Days:
This position requires onsite work. This position requires you to report to the office three days per week. Specific inoffice days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.
Military Crosswalk: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf
Qualifications
Required Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Six years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a related sector, including:
At least five years of experience in college readiness, advising, or program administration.
At least three years of fulltime supervisory or management experience.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred:
Master's degree in education, public policy, higher education administration, or related field.
Experience with statewide advising or application systems (e.g., ApplyTexas, Common App).
Experience interpreting and implementing statutes, rules, and educational policies.
Five to seven years of supervisory experience, including oversight of multiple programs or largescale initiatives.
Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;
Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers and telephones;
Frequent sitting;
Frequently works under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
If/when working from home, a strong, reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace are required.
Workforce:
Must be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.
Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.
Adhere to the organization's internal management policies and procedures.
Contribute to the agency's performance measures and mission.
Application Requirements:
A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board's employment opportunities website at: https://www.highered.texas.gov/careers/ .
Notes to Applicant:
If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.
Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.
Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran's Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.
Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
