The Assistant Director for Early College Programs at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a full-time, 12-month position that reports to the Director of Early College Programs. 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.
The Assistant Director position is responsible for advising KAMS and AMS students with enrollment, registration, scheduling courses, and monitoring academic projects. The position regularly communicates with parents regarding academic performance or other student related issues. The position also assists students with the college search, selection process, and college prep activities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong collaboration and communication skills, along with the ability to effectively engage with high-achieving teenage students, their parents, teachers, and university staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A master’s degree in a related field including Counseling, Social Work, Education, or six years of experience in lieu of degree.
- Three to five years of experience, preferably in an academic advising setting.
- Valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Five or more years of experience advising and working with high school students
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- K-12 counseling license and relevant experience
- Professional School Counseling license
Responsibilities:
- Work individually with students to support academic success.
- Provide guidance on course selection and approve course schedules.
- Maintains credit check system to ensure student completion of KAMS/AMS curriculum requirements.
- Provides small and large group presentations for the college search/selection process, career exploration, and social/emotional wellness.
- Actively supports senior KAMS/AMS students through the college application process.
- Coordinates orientation programs, JR/SR Leadership, and JR Research.
- Coordinates referrals for career services, tutoring, counseling, and other campus support services.
- Monitor and maintain confidential student records on academic performance, attendance, and social/emotional behavior.
- Updates key staff members regularly (and when appropriate) to discuss action plans for each student who may be experiencing difficulties.
- Provides information regarding national standardized testing (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, etc.).
- Coordinate academic competitions, clubs, and academy activities.
- Provides assistance with scholarship and financial aid applications.
- Communicates openly and effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, administration, international partners, and other academy stakeholders.
- Communicates openly and effectively with school districts and high schools located throughout the state.
- Interprets and aligns KAMS/AMS curriculum with Kansas high school graduation requirements.
- Assists with the recruitment of Kansas students and international students.
- Represents KAMS/AMS on various academy, university, state, and national committees.
- Delivers KAMS/AMS on-call responsibilities for current students (sometimes outside of regular office hours)
- Performs duties as assigned by the Director for Early College Programs.
Appointment Date: June 2026
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Application Deadline: Priority deadline is April 1, 2026. The 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, 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.
