Graduate Student Success, Retention & Systems Analyst (Administrative Analyst/Specialist - Exempt II, Range 3) - The Division of Graduate Studies and Career Development

San Francisco State University•San Francisco, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Graduate Student Success, Retention & Systems Analyst works in the Division of Graduate Studies and Career Development at San Francisco State University and reports to the Associate Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies & Career Pathways. Under general direction, the analyst leads systems planning, business-process development and improvement, process assessment, and analysis of policies affecting graduate education and campus stakeholders. The role develops and improves workflows and operations to support positive student and faculty experiences, continuing graduate student enrollment and retention, progress toward degree, and career services for undergraduate and graduate students. The analyst serves as the unit lead for continuing graduate student services and provides program and process leadership, policy interpretation, compliance oversight, and coordination with graduate faculty and campus partners. The position independently handles complex continuing-student cases, provides expertise and problem-solving, supports technology projects and statistical reporting, and trains graduate coordinator partners in policies and systems. The analyst leads the Division’s uAchieve implementation, planned for Fall 2028, and manages the transition from the legacy CS Degree Progress Report system, including redesigning dependent processes for advancement to candidacy, degree progress and awards, student communications, retention interventions, and related policies and procedures. The position collaborates with Enrollment Management, Academic Technology, Information Technology Services, the Library, graduate faculty, CSU groups, and external institutions to support graduate student success and enrollment and retention goals. It provides lead work direction and supervision to professional staff, oversees continuing-student services and processing, and represents the Division in system and campus planning and coordination activities. The appointment is a one-year probationary position, full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. The position is assigned to on-campus operations in California, with occasional telework potentially available.

Requirements

Ability to assess, formulate, and evaluate the strategic and operational impact of policies.
Ability to participate in planning and development and independently determine methods to meet programmatic or administrative goals.
Ability to independently determine approaches to projects and priorities and be accountable for results.
Judgment and ingenuity in developing policies, procedures, and solutions to complex issues, including matters not covered by existing policies or procedures.
Working knowledge of and ability to apply theories, principles, practices, and techniques relevant to the program or administrative specialty.
Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and external regulations pertaining to CSU graduate education.
Ability to independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work amid numerous and diverse demands.
Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with broad administrative impact and anticipating and addressing problems proactively.
Ability to interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in writing or presentations.
Ability to train others on new skills and procedures and provide lead work direction.
Ability to understand problems from a broad, interactive perspective and develop strategic solutions.
Demonstrated consultative skills with internal and external constituent groups.
Ability to present ideas and concepts effectively and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus.
Successful completion of a background check.
Ability to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three business days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in academic program management and development.
At least 5 years of experience working in an educational or training setting.
Experience developing and implementing promotional and outreach strategies.
Experience managing or supervising staff, or providing lead work direction.
Knowledge of CSU graduate education policies, procedures, and practices.
Ability to represent the Division at the CSU system level.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively.
Project and program management skills.
Analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work in a diverse work environment.
Valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Lead systems planning, workflow design, business-process development, implementation, and assessment for systems and programs supporting graduate student enrollment and success.
Provide lead work direction for division staff and projects involving graduate student services, business processes, and graduate education policy.
Lead the Division’s uAchieve implementation and the migration from the CS Degree Progress Report system, redesigning related processes and policies.
Coordinate with campus partners, graduate faculty, library staff, CSU groups, and external institutions on graduate student services and systems.
Analyze and recommend improvements to policies, processes, strategies, and student information systems and platforms.
Oversee continuing graduate student services, including retention initiatives, progress toward degree, graduate faculty support, and systemwide reporting.
Research, analyze, and implement new systems and enhancements, and advocate for student-success technologies across the University.
Develop graduate student communication plans and coordinate related publications and website content.
Serve as an internal and external resource on graduate education policy and procedures.
Provide strategic and operational planning and assess the effectiveness of business processes and procedures.
Independently resolve complex graduate student issues escalated by students, faculty, or staff.
Direct day-to-day division operations related to graduate student success, supervise or provide direction to professional staff, and report on results and effectiveness.
Oversee the workflow and accuracy of continuing graduate student processing and evaluations, including degree milestones and benchmarks such as advancement to candidacy, thesis submissions, degree progress, and graduation.
Interpret and apply policies to outlier or unprecedented cases; review petitions for waiver of graduate regulations, consult with departments and the dean, and make recommendations to the dean.
Evaluate student petitions related to graduate student lifecycle and progress to degree; track submissions and outcomes, analyze data, and recommend policy or procedure updates.
Serve as the Division’s prime contact for graduate student enrollment, retention, and student-services issues for faculty and campus partners.
Generate statistical reports and handle sensitive and complex continuing-student cases.
Perform other duties as assigned.