Communications Specialist

East Texas A&M University • Commerce, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Specialist, under general supervision, serves as a primary communications and administrative resource for the Graduate School. The position independently interprets and communicates graduate admissions requirements, policies, and procedures; evaluates international academic credentials; coordinates communications with students, faculty, and staff; and maintains Graduate School informational resources. The specialist exercises independent judgment in resolving routine and moderately complex issues and provides guidance to student employees and graduate assistants.

The role supports Graduate School operations, admissions, student services, and communications. It coordinates front-office processes and document handling, maintains webpages and informational materials, supports projects and events, and serves as a liaison among applicants, academic departments, and Graduate School staff. The position also reviews international academic credentials and coordinates the associated document review process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• No prior experience required.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Banner and Laserfiche.
• Knowledge of foreign degree requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary communications resource, responding to inquiries from prospective and current students, faculty, and staff and determining when issues require escalation or specialized review.
• Coordinate the receipt, distribution, and routing of departmental correspondence, admissions materials, and official documents, ensuring timely processing and compliance with Graduate School procedures.
• Coordinate front-office operations, monitor supply inventories and equipment needs, and facilitate procurement, maintenance, and service requests.
• Review and maintain Graduate School communications, webpages, electronic forms, and informational materials for policy compliance, accuracy, and effective communication.
• Assist with Graduate School projects, events, and special initiatives supporting departmental operations and student engagement.
• Develop and maintain cross-functional knowledge of Graduate School operations, admissions processes, and student services to support continuity, workflow coordination, and issue resolution.
• Interpret and communicate admissions requirements, policies, procedures, and deadlines, applying established guidelines and determining appropriate responses to unique situations.
• Serve as a liaison between applicants, academic departments, and Graduate School staff to resolve admissions- and enrollment-related issues.
• Review admissions documentation for completeness and compliance, identify discrepancies, determine follow-up actions, and communicate requirements to applicants and academic departments.
• Develop, coordinate, and distribute Graduate School communications and marketing materials, including newsletters and informational campaigns.
• Coordinate international admissions document review, assess submitted materials for completeness, explain requirements and deficiencies, and facilitate collection of information for credential evaluation and admissions review.
• Evaluate international academic credentials by researching foreign educational systems, interpreting institutional documentation, determining degree equivalencies, and applying university admission standards and established credential evaluation guidelines.
• Respond to international applicants’ questions about credential evaluation, documentation requirements, admission standards, and application status in accordance with university policies and guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of foreign educational systems, international credential evaluation practices, and admissions standards through professional development and training.
• Coordinate, train, assign, and monitor student employees and graduate assistants, providing guidance on office procedures, work prioritization, and customer service expectations.

Benefits

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer contributions toward employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
• Access to research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

What This Job Offers

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