Specialist IV

Come and join the Bearkat community

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition

S

Title

Specialist IV - Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention Specialist

FLSA status

Non-Exempt

Hiring Salary

This position is a pay grade 9. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-

Occupational Category

Technical/Para-Professional

Department

Graduate Studies Office

Division

Division of Academic Affairs

Open Date

12/17/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement

Bachelor's degree in related field. Master's degree preferred. Two years relevant specialist experience or experience in a related field. Experience in Higher Education admissions, student services, and specialized work is desirable. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position

The Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the university's graduate programs by leading recruitment efforts, guiding prospective students through the admissions process, and assisting enrolled students with registration and enrollment. This position serves as a key liaison between prospective and current graduate students, academic departments, and administrative offices to ensure a seamless and supportive experience from inquiry to enrollment.

Primary Responsibilities

Graduate Recruitment: Develops and implement strategic recruitment plans to attract prospective graduate students. Implements, coordinates and participates in lead generation events and activities at internal SHSU graduate fairs and open houses, external conferences, and outreach events. Collaborates to develop and execute recruitment and communication plans specific to targeted audiences.

Admissions Support: Provides personalized guidance to prospective graduate students regarding application requirements, deadlines, and program options. Maintains accurate records of applicant communications and progress through the graduate admissions pipeline, including work with external vendors.

Enrollment Assistance: Assists admitted graduate students with course registration, orientation, and onboarding processes. Serves as a resource for graduate students and graduate faculty navigating enrollment systems and university policies. Works closely with the registrar, financial aid, and academic advising offices to resolve graduate student enrollment issues.

Data and Reporting: Tracks and analyzes recruitment and enrollment data to inform strategic planning. Prepares regular reports to identify application trends, enrollment statistics, and to measure the effectiveness of recruitment activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Specifications

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively. Familiarity with student information systems and CRM platforms is a plus. Ability to work with university administrators, faculty and staff and also with prospective students, alumni, and friends of the graduate community.

Full Time Part Time

Full Time

Position Number

Quicklink

EEO Statement

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report