Academic Specialist

Seattle University

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description
Reporting to the Senior Academic Specialist and Policy Analyst, this role serves as an academic policy and degree requirements resource for faculty and students regarding all undergraduate and graduate degrees, specializations, certificates, and minors; is the main Office of the Registrar contact for all professional and faculty academic advisors throughout the University; is the official graduation evaluator and program-related forms processor for all of the student body; and serves as backup to the Athletics and Veterans Affairs certification officers. Academic Specialists work as a team of three sharing the student body by alphabet.
This position is designated to support the Workday planning and implementation team by assisting with operational responsibilities, allowing project team members to focus on project-related activities. Please note that this position is tied to the duration of the Workday Project. Continued employment is contingent upon the ongoing needs of the project, which is currently anticipated to conclude on or around June 30, 2027.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of one (1) years of experience in an educational environment in the areas of general academic advising, transfer evaluation, or records; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job.
• Demonstrated experience with interpretation and application of formally regulated policy.
• Demonstrated experience with enterprise resource planning software.
• Ability to manage multiple electronic inboxes including email and eform platforms.

Nice To Haves

• Customer service experience.
• Experience with Ellucian’s Colleague ERP.
• Experience using degree audit software.
• Prior work in a university Registrar’s and/or Admissions Office.
• Microsoft Excel query and/or SQL report building skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an expert-level knowledge of academic resources, policies, precedents, and processes to liaise among university Deans, Associate Deans, faculty, staff, and advising offices to discern and interpret university policy.
• Communicate progress toward degree completion to students and their faculty and professional advisors, conduct graduation evaluations, and post degrees for all students. Train and educate advisors and students how to use resources for auditing progress toward degree. Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to resolve outstanding issues related to progress towards degree.
• Evaluate transcripts from other institutions and recognized testing programs and appropriately transfer academic work toward degree requirements through application of academic policy and individual degree requirements. Clearly communicate to students, faculty, and staff how transfer courses relate to SU requirements and policy. Along with partners in admissions, maintain the online transfer equivalency database (TES).
• Evaluate and process student academic forms and documents, including all program changes, transfer verification requests, and evaluation of education abroad plans. Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to ensure accuracy of student records. Audit student files, as necessary.
• Develop and maintain fluency across integrated software platforms including Seattle University’s ERPs, Colleague Student and Student Self-Service and Slate, and Softdocs eforms; manage multiple email inboxes.
• Regularly respond to general email, live chat, and virtual office hour requests. Occasionally required to cover front desk phone and in-person client service.
• Assists the Athletics and Veteran’s Affairs certification officers with student certification and eligibility and related tasks as needed.
• Attend relevant training and networking events through professional organizations.
• Facilitate training and round table discussions as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Three different medical plans
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits (5% nonelective employer contribution and dollar-for-dollar match of voluntary contributions up to 5%)
• 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents
• Subsidized transportation benefit
• Wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility
• Generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December
• Vacation leave
• Paid sick leave
• Paid community service leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level