Graduate Services Specialist (Contingent II)

Job Posting: JR101705 Graduate Services Specialist (Contingent II) (Open) Department: BSU Provost Office Position Type: Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Open Date: 03-10-2026 Close Date: $48,138 - $55,146 Job Description: The Graduate Services Specialist provides essential academic advising, student support, and administrative coordination to graduate students throughout their academic journey at Bowie State University. This role serves as a frontline resource for graduate students, offering guidance on academic policies, program requirements, and degree progression while connecting students with campus resources that promote persistence and success. The Specialist works collaboratively with faculty program coordinators, academic departments, the Office of Admissions, and recruitment partners to support enrollment and retention goals. The ideal candidate is a strong team player who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to delivering high-quality, student-centered service. Responsibilities: Graduate Student Advising & Support Provide comprehensive advising to graduate students and applicants regarding program requirements, academic policies, degree milestones, and graduation processes. Assist students with course planning, registration concerns, petitions, and interpretation of academic regulations. Monitor student progress toward degree completion and proactively support students experiencing academic challenges. Respond to inquiries in a timely, professional, and student-focused manner across multiple communication channels. Partner with faculty program coordinators to ensure accurate advising and alignment with curriculum requirements. Help organize and facilitate orientations, workshops, and engagement initiatives that promote student success. Admissions Coordination & Liaison Duties Serve as a primary departmental contact with the Office of Admissions to coordinate application review and communicate requirements and timelines. Collaborate with faculty and admissions staff to support efficient and holistic application evaluations. Monitor applicant status and assist with documentation tracking to facilitate timely admissions decisions. Conduct outreach to admitted students and provide guidance through enrollment steps. Graduate Recruitment Support Participate in recruitment initiatives such as information sessions, open houses, and graduate fairs. Communicate effectively with prospective students regarding academic programs, admissions requirements, and university resources. Work collaboratively with recruitment teams, academic leadership, and campus partners to support enrollment strategies. Assist in developing recruitment communications and materials aligned with university priorities. Operational & Collaborative Activities Maintain accurate student records within the student information system in compliance with university policies and FERPA. Work closely with faculty program coordinators, academic departments, and administrative offices to ensure coordinated service delivery. Contribute to initiatives that enhance graduate student services, retention, and the overall student experience. Support special projects and operational needs as assigned. Foster a collaborative office culture by actively contributing as a reliable and supportive team member. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education, or a related field. 1–3 years of professional experience in academic advising, student services, admissions, or higher education administration. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with faculty program coordinators and partnering with multiple departments. Proven ability to function effectively as a team player in a professional environment. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills. Ability to interpret and apply academic policies accurately and consistently. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting graduate student populations. Knowledge of admissions processes and student information systems (e.g., Slate, Banner, PeopleSoft). Familiarity with recruitment and retention practices in higher education. Student-centered approach with a commitment to service excellence. Collaborative mindset with strong teamwork skills. Excellent written and verbal communication. Attention to detail and strong organizational ability. Sound judgment and problem-solving skills. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Conditions of Employment: Additional Job Information: Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year, tuition remission and supplemental retirement. Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students. Equal opportunity of access to academic and related programs shall be extended to all persons. Bowie State University shall have as its firm objective equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, rate of pay, all other promotions, training, retention and dismissals, for all employees and applicants for employment. The University will stress equal access for employees and applicants for employment to all programs and services provided by the University both on and off campus. The University will also provide equal opportunity and an atmosphere of nondiscrimination with respect to women and members of minority groups in all its operations. In addition, the University shall promote equal opportunity and equal treatment through a positive and continuing Affirmative Action Program. The University makes, and will continue to make, reasonable accommodations to promote the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the University's business. In addition, employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have engaged in, or may have engaged in, activities such as filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance review or hearing, or opposing any act or practice made unlawful, or exercising any other right protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended or the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended. Founded in 1865, Bowie State University (BSU) is Maryland’s oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and is one of 12 constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland. One of the nation's Top 20 HBCUs, and top 10 among public HBCUs. BSU provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities for students with ambitions to achieve and succeed. BSU offers 27 undergraduate majors, as well as 18 master’s, 2 doctoral programs, along with doctoral and advanced certification programs, with special focus on science, technology, business, education and related disciplines. BSU is the among the nation's top graduate school programs in Nursing (MSN), Computer Science, Education and Public Affairs (U.S. News & World Report). With an enrollment of more than 6,000, BSU is a diverse university whose students, faculty and staff represent many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. BSU is centrally located in one of the nation’s most exciting metropolitan areas within easy reach of Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis, and boasts a serene campus on a 300-acre suburban wooden tract.