Process Improvement Specialist - Continuous Improvement

Job Title

Process Improvement Specialist

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Continuous Improvement

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 Process Improvement Specialist in the Department of Continuous Improvement. 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 Process Improvement Specialist supports operational improvement initiatives across the institution by analyzing business processes, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, service quality, automation, and responsible AI enablement, and collaborating with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions. This role partners with academic, administrative, research, and IT departments to improve workflows, reduce operational friction, and enhance the overall user experience.

Position is located on the Tarleton State main campus with normal work hours of Monday to Friday; 8am to 5pm or as work requirements indicate. Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support process improvement initiatives across functional areas including Finance, HR, Student Services, Admissions, Registration, and IT operations.

• Facilitate process discovery sessions to document workflows, identify pain points, and recommend improvements.

• Develop process maps, workflow diagrams, standard operating procedures, and related documentation.

• Apply continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, process mapping, root cause analysis, or related approaches.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to design future-state processes that improve efficiency, service delivery, operational consistency, and appropriate use of automation or AI-enabled tools.

• Assist with implementation planning, stakeholder communication, and operational transition activities.

• Track project outcomes and support reporting on efficiency gains, service improvements, and operational metrics.

• Identify and evaluate process improvement opportunities where automation or approved AI-enabled tools may reduce manual effort, improve consistency, or enhance stakeholder experience.

• Support training, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement best practices across the institution.

• Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Public Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.
• Fiveyears of experience in process improvement, business analysis, operations, project coordination, or related areas.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, process mapping, or business analysis techniques.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Experience with process mapping and collaboration tools such as Visio, Lucidchart, Miro, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to gather, organize, and interpret operational data to support recommendations.
• Familiarity with responsible AI use concepts, including human oversight, data sensitivity, transparency, and appropriate escalation to IT, data governance, or compliance partners.
• Comfortable working in evolving environments with a service-oriented mindset focused on student and institutional success.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communication systems, computer networks and systems,  and/or cybersecurity systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or related certification
• Experience supporting organizational change management or process adoption activities.
• Experience working in higher education, healthcare, government, or other complex organizations
• Experience in workflow automation, reporting tools, or low-code/no-code platforms
• Experience supporting responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including automation or AI-enabled tools.

Position Growth Opportunity

This position offers opportunities to develop expertise in process improvement, facilitation, operational strategy, and institutional collaboration within a complex higher education environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $59,370 up to $65,000 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.