Administrative Associate III - Graduate Retention Associate

Sam Houston State University

Posted: 12-Oct-25

Location: Huntsville, Texas

Categories:

• Administrative/Support
• Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 45131

Requisition: 202500315S

Occupational Category (Staff Positions Only): Technical/Para-Professional

Hiring Salary: Monthly-Staff

Department: Office of the Dean - College of Education

General Requirements:

Associates degree in related field. Bachelor's degree preferred. Four years of experience in student support, academic advising, or retention-focused roles in higher education or in a related field. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with all students. Experience using student information systems and data to inform decision-making. Commitment to student success in graduate education. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position/Usual Duties:

The College of Education seeks a dedicated and student-centered Graduate Retention Specialist to support the academic success and persistence of graduate students. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing strategies that promote student retention, engagement, and timely program completion. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with faculty, advisors, and student services to provide proactive outreach, individualized support, and resource coordination for graduate students.

Primary Responsibilities (Staff Positions Only):

Serves as a primary point of contact for graduate students needing academic support, guidance, or intervention. Monitors student progress and identify at-risk students using data and early alert systems. Develops and implements retention initiatives, includes workshops, peer mentoring, and academic success programming. Collaborates with faculty and advisors to support students facing academic or personal challenges. Provides one-on-one coaching and support to help students navigate academic requirements, institutional policies, and available resources. Maintains accurate records of student interactions and outcomes to inform continuous improvement. Assists with orientation and onboarding for new graduate students. Contribute to the development of a supportive graduate student experience. Performs other related duties as assigned.

About Sam Houston State University

For more than 140 years, Sam Houston State University has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service," resonates among its 22,000 students, eight colleges and well beyond its historical roots through research, creative endeavors, service learning, volunteering and more.

SHSU is an inclusive institution whose mission is to provide high quality education, scholarship, and service to students. With over 90 bachelor degrees, 50 master’s, and 11 doctoral programs—including the nation’s first Ph.D. in forensic science, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student: traditional or non-traditional; first generation; international; or online.

Service to self and others is paramount at SHSU and reflected in all university organizations and programs. In fact, the university was named to USA Today’s Top 50 in the U.S. for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness,” in addition to being classified a "Community Engaged Campus" by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. This honor, bestowed to only 311 public institutions nationwide, acknowledges the university's significant commitment to service.

Sam Houston State University has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging, although just an hour drive north of Houston.

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. 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 § 51.215.

Member The Texas State University System