Continuing Graduate Student Specialist - (Student Services Professional II, Range 1) - Division of Graduate Studies and Career Development

San Francisco State University • San Francisco, CA

29d

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Associate Dean and Associate Director of Graduate Student Success, Retention & Systems, the Graduate Continuing Student Specialist performs moderately complex student services professional work that advances graduate student success from matriculation through degree completion and post-graduation outcomes. This position provides advising, analytical, and program coordination functions to support graduate student enrollment, retention, advancement to candidacy, degree completion, career readiness, and serves a critical role in the success of the 2026-2028 Graduate Stratefic Enrollment Management Plan. The incumbent works both independently and collaboratively with faculty, department staff, and university offices to ensure equitable and timely progress for all graduate students.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the program to which assigned; general knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management.
• General knowledge of research and interview techniques; and of the principles of individual and group behavior.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations; use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in implementing long-range program improvements; obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews; reason logically; collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data; advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required; recognize multicultural, multisexed and multi‑aged value systems and work accordingly; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts; and, rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and carry through actions having implications with regard to other program or service areas Services Office.
• Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth.
• A master’s degree in a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.
• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job‑related field.
• Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, or related field.
• Experience working in graduate education or student success within a large, urban university.
• Knowledge of the California State University student information systems, enrollment data analysis, and CRM software.

Responsibilities

• Graduate Advising, Enrollment, and Academic Progress Provide individualized and group advising to graduate students on academic policies, degree requirements, registration, leaves, and advancement to candidacy.
• Guide students through university and program milestones, ensuring compliance with policies governing thesis/dissertation completion, time limits, and continuous enrollment.
• Review, analyze, and process petitions (e.g., substitutions, leaves of absence, time extensions, excess unit petitions, and waivers of regulations).
• Evaluate and update student records, including degree audits, transfer credit, advancement approvals, and award of degree in the student information system (Campus Solutions).
• Serve as a liaison between graduate programs, the Registrar, and other academic units to maintain data accuracy and timely progression to degree.
• Processes diploma orders each semester and diploma reissues throughout the year in collaboration with relevant university offices and vendors.
• Develop early alert and outreach systems to identify students experiencing academic, financial, or personal barriers; coordinate targeted interventions with advisors, counselors, and faculty.
• Conduct post–first-year outreach and re-enrollment campaigns for students who pause enrollment, providing individualized re-entry guidance.
• Host graduate student workshops and orientation events (e.g., Steps to Graduation, Advancement to Candidacy, Culminating Experience Preparation, and Thesis Formatting Q&A).
• Manage communication campaigns —including targeted emails and text messages—to improve registration, re-enrollment, and degree completion.
• Collect, analyze, and report student progression and retention data; recommend policy and process improvements based on findings .
• Serve as a liaison for graduate program coordinators (faculty) on issues related to graduate enrollment, student progress, and degree completion.
• Collaborate with departments to improve program processes (e.g., electronic forms, Advancement to Candidacy, petitions, and culminating experience submissions).
• Represent Graduate Studies on work groups related to student success, retention, and degree completion.
• Partner with the Career Center to develop specialized professional development opportunities for graduate students, such as workshops on academic and industry career pathways.
• Support faculty and programs in tracking and reporting alumni career outcomes.
• Plan alumni and professional networking events, such as the Distinguished Lecture Series, to connect current students with successful graduates and employers.
• Integrate career readiness discussions into advising to help students align academic planning with long-term professional goals.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions.
• SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
• We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees