Director of Online Innovation & Workforce Development

Job Title

Director of Online Innovation & Workforce Development

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Division of External Operations

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Fort Worth, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Director of Online Innovation & Workforce Development in the Division of External Operations. 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.

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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. 

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The Director of Online Innovation and Workforce Development, housed in the Division of External Operations, provides strategic, operational, and visionary leadership for three primary areas: 1) the university’s non-credit continuing education programs; 2) connections strengthening and supporting workforce development, and; 3) oversight of Tarleton State Online operations. Tasked with advancing lifelong learning, industry partnerships, and flexible digital educational access, this role collaborates extensively across academic and administrative units to design, implement, and assess high-impact programs with a focus on upskilling, reskilling, and extended education. The Director strengthens the university’s mission to meet evolving community, professional, and student needs, while championing innovation, growth, and industry-responsive solutions. From enrollment to completion, the Director also supports online learners across varying program areas.

This innovative role is pivotal in advancing the university’s commitment to accessible, industry-informed, and workforce-driven education, serving employer needs and preparing learners for success in evolving professional landscapes.

This position will work on-site from the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus in downtown Fort Worth, Texas with work hours of Monday to Friday; 8AM-5PM or as work requirements indicate which may include afterhours as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for extended education, workforce development, and online learning initiatives aligned with university priorities.

• Conduct market research and needs assessments to identify and develop new program opportunities in high-demand, sustainable fields.

• Design, launch, and continuously improve online, hybrid, and in-person non-credit and certificate offerings, ensuring they meet industry, community, and student needs.

• Guide and expand Tarleton State Online related initiatives focusing on access, flexibility, and student success for virtual learners.

Innovation & Engagement

• Drive student and workforce success through innovative educational technologies and specialized digital engagement platforms.

• Initiate and manage supportive online and virtual initiatives including advising the Omega Nu Lambda online honor society, virtual student resources, and engagement activities.

• Foster a culture of creativity, continuous assessment, and improvement within extended education and online programs.

Industry & Campus Integration

• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with industry partners to develop customized workforce training solutions.

• Lead integration and cooperation between online, extended education, and physical campuses to ensure collaboration and student-centered learning experiences.

• Represent the division and university at community, corporate, and professional events to advance institution outreach.

Operations & Collaboration

• Oversee all operational aspects of extended education and online programs, including budget management, course scheduling, marketing, and compliance as applicable.

• Partner with academic leadership, admissions, and student services to achieve enrollment and retention goals and align programming with institutional mission and market needs.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and university policy requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree

• Ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in continuing education, workforce development, distance/online education, and/or instructional design.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, program development, market research, and partnership cultivation.

• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and trends in online and continuing education.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree

• Experience developing and managing online/blended learning and non-credit programs.

• Proven track record of building and sustaining partnerships with businesses, industry, and community organizations.

• Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning, workforce advancement, and equity in education.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range: The target base annual salary range is $80,370 up to $100,000 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.