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

7d•$76,584 - $80,004•Onsite

About The Position

The Graduate Student Success, Retention & Systems Analyst works under the general direction of the Associate Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and Career Pathways. The role provides lead work direction in systems planning, business process development and improvement, cyclical assessment of processes, and analysis of policies affecting graduate education and campus stakeholders. The analyst develops processes for campus and CSU graduate education and graduate program quality standards, with an emphasis on workflows that support positive student and faculty experiences. The position leads continuing graduate student services and supports student enrollment, retention, progress toward degree, and career services. It interprets and applies policy, supports compliance, recommends and implements process improvements, collaborates with campus partners on student information systems and platforms, and handles sensitive or complex student cases. The analyst provides guidance to graduate faculty and staff on academic-service policies and procedures, supports graduate coordinator training, generates statistical reports, and coordinates graduate academic services in accordance with California Title 5, CSU, and university requirements. A major responsibility is leading the Division’s uAchieve implementation, planned for Fall 2028, including transition from the legacy CS Degree Progress Report system and redesign of related graduate processes such as Advancement to Candidacy, degree progress and award, student communications, retention interventions, and associated policies and procedures. The analyst represents the Division in collaboration with campus offices, CSU groups, and external institutions to support seamless academic services and improve graduate enrollment and retention. This is a one-year probationary, full-time position assigned to on-campus operations in California, with occasional telework potentially available. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. The position requires a successful background check.

Requirements

Demonstrated administrative or program leadership in a large or complex organizational unit with broad impact, including assessing and evaluating policies strategically and operationally.
Ability to participate in planning and development and independently determine methods to meet programmatic or administrative goals.
Ability to influence key objectives and longer-term goals for a visible or broadly impactful unit or program, with accountability for results.
Ability to independently determine project approaches and priorities and use judgment to develop policies and procedures for issues not covered by existing guidance.
Ingenuity and innovation in developing solutions to complex problems.
Ability to serve as a primary program or unit contact, manage relationships with external entities, and handle sensitive information and situations.
Working knowledge of standard theories, principles, practices, and techniques applicable 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, anticipating problems, and addressing them proactively.
Ability to interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in writing or presentations.
Ability to train others in 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 when working with internal and external constituent groups.
Ability to present ideas effectively and use consultation and facilitation to gain consensus.
Ability to oversee day-to-day program or unit operations and provide lead work direction to professional or administrative staff, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
At least five years of experience in academic program management and development.
At least five 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 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

Analyze, design, implement, and assess workflows and business processes for systems and programs supporting graduate student enrollment.
Provide lead work direction for division staff and projects, grounded in graduate education policies and program goals.
Lead the uAchieve implementation and migration from the legacy CS Degree Progress Report system, including redesign of dependent graduate business processes.
Collaborate with graduate faculty, Library staff, Information Technology Services, Academic Technology, Enrollment Management, Chancellor’s Office and CSU groups, and other campus partners on systems development and student-success initiatives.
Oversee continuing graduate student services, retention initiatives, progress toward degree, graduate faculty support, and systemwide reporting.
Research, analyze, and implement new systems and system enhancements, and advocate for student-success technologies and integration across university units.
Develop graduate student communication plans and coordinate related publications and website content.
Serve as an internal and external resource on graduate education policy and procedural matters.
Provide strategic and operational planning and assess graduate student service processes and procedures.
Resolve complex graduate student issues escalated by students, faculty, or staff, using independent judgment where policies lack precedent.
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 workflow and accuracy of continuing graduate student processing and evaluations, including approval and timely review of degree milestones, thesis submissions, degree progress, and graduation processes.
Review petitions for waiver of graduate regulations and other graduate student petitions; consult with departments and the dean, make recommendations, track outcomes, analyze data, and recommend policy or procedure updates.
Act as the Division’s prime contact for graduate student enrollment, retention, and student-services matters involving faculty and campus partners.
Perform other duties as assigned.