*SFSU INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY*
Working Title
Continuing Graduate Student Specialist
SF State University
San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department
Division of Graduate Studies and Career Development
Appointment Type
This is a one-year probationary position.
Time Base
Full-time
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday; from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Anticipated Hiring Range
$5,083.00 - $5,138.00 Per Month ($60,996.00 - $61,656.00 Annually)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
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.
Position Information
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.
Retention and Student Success
- 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 .
Collaboration with Faculty/Department Support
- 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.
Career and Post-Graduation Outcomes
- 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
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities:
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.
Experience:
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.
Education:
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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Environmental/Physical/Special
The incumbent must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty and staff. The incumbent is a student advocate for the Division of Graduate Studies & Career Development , and Academic Affairs cabinet area. Some work on weekends and evenings may be required. Extended periods of the day may be spent in an office, seated at a desk on a computer keyboarding, or at meetings. The incumbent facilitates presentations on a regular basis.
Pre-Employment Requirements
This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work
Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
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.
Additional Information
*SFSU INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY*
SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).
Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.
CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.
Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
