The Director of Early College Programs is responsible for oversight of the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) and the Academy of Mathematics and Science (AMS) operations including program leadership, culture, budget, and staff. The position collaborates on student development, academic programs and curriculum development, student recruitment, housing, and student counseling. Coordinates the building of support and rapport with all Academy stakeholders including students, parents, school districts, international partners and agents, future employers; and securing external support.
Early College Programs at Fort Hays State University include the Kansas Academy of Mathematics & Science (KAMS) and the Academy of Mathematics & Science (AMS). KAMS provides academically talented students from around the state of Kansas an opportunity to live and study college courses during their final two years of high school. AMS provides academically talented students from around the world an opportunity to live and study college courses during their final two years of high school. KAMS and AMS students live in the same residence hall and often take similar courses. Both academies are STEM-focused and provide rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and the ability for students to engage in campus clubs and activities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A master’s degree or 6 years of experience in lieu of degree
- Three years of professional experience working in higher education or K-12 education/administration in Kansas
- Ability to travel both domestically and internationally
Preferred Qualifications:
- A master’s degree in a related field including education, counseling, business, public administration, science, mathematics, or equivalent discipline
- Five or more years of progressive experience working in higher education or as an administrator in the K-12 setting in Kansas
- Experience in supervision of full-time staff
- Proven experience working and collaborating in teams
- Understanding of recruitment and marketing techniques with both domestic and international student populations
- Demonstrated leadership skills including program development, professional staff supervision, and budgetary experience
- Familiarity with early college success organizations such as Kansas Gifted, Talented, and Creative, National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools, Coalition for Leaders of Advanced Student Success, & National Consortium of Early College Entrance Programs
- Demonstrated experience working on curriculum development
Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership for KAMS and AMS
- Supervise and review staff including Assistant Director for Student Services, Financial Administrator, Coordinator for Marketing & Recruitment, Administrative Specialist, Activities Coordinator, and the KAMS/AMS Graduate Assistant
- Provide appropriate professional development opportunities for staff
- Serve as guardian to all students in KAMS and AMS
- Rotate “on call” duties including escorting students to any appointment where a guardian is required including emergency appointments such as visit to Hays Medical Center, Pharmacies, and other health related appointments
- Develop and facilitate international partnerships involving student recruitment, study abroad, student exchange, and research collaboration
- Lead international recruitment initiatives
- Oversee relationships with key organizations like Kansas Gifted, National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools, Coalition for Leaders of Advanced Student Success, & National Consortium of Early College Entrance Programs
- Develop the yearly Colloquia plan and the fall Junior Research Seminar course with help of the Assistant Director
- Provide liaison with Kansas State High School Activities Association, Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, Hays High School, and other government agencies
- Gain external support through grants and gifting opportunities
- Oversee student disciplinary hearing officer on KAMS and AMS specific discipline issues
- Serve on the KAMS/AMS Behavioral Intervention Team (KAMS/AMS BIT)
- Developing, monitoring and coordinating the KAMS and AMS curriculum:
- Work with faculty, staff, and deans on curriculum issues
- Work with academic departments to schedule courses
- Facilitating the development of new courses and course materials
- Develop and implement KAMS Summer STEM Summit
- Responsible for implementation of procedures and policies as they relate to academic affairs
- Develop research opportunities for students
- Responsible for organizing KAMS and AMS completion ceremony
- Approval of graduation requirements in conjunction with Assistant Directors
- Organize and arrange for students to participate in academic, social, and scholastic competitions.
- Collaborate with the university organizations and departments for student development opportunities
- Provide leadership in the direction for policy development
- Support and consult with Residential Life staff
- Assist with issues regarding student life, student programming designed to enhance student learning and development, student housing and the physical environment
- Participate in seminars to address KAMS and AMS students’ needs on an as-needed basis
- Assure the KAMS and AMS Student-Parent Handbooks are updated
- Work within the enrollment management structure of FHSU
- Other duties as assigned
Appointment Date: July 2026
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Application Deadline: Priority deadline is March 26, 2026. Review of applications will begin after the priority deadline and continue until the position is filled.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit
FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, a resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
785-628-4276
About the Department:
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: 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.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
