Communications Specialist

East Texas A&M University; Commerce (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance for graduate study

Comprehensive benefits package

TRS retirement benefits

Wellness program

Job summary

East Texas A&M University is seeking a Communications Specialist for the Graduate School. The role handles communications, admissions guidance, credential evaluation, and coordination of graduate student services.

You will interpret policies, respond to inquiries, and maintain informational resources for applicants and scholars. Responsibilities include front-office coordination, document reviews, and collaboration with departments to ensure accurate communications and smooth admissions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries from prospective and current students, faculty and staff.
• Coordinate admissions materials and official documents for timely processing.
• Oversee front office operations, inventories, and procurement requests.
• Review and update Graduate School communications and webpages for accuracy.
• Support graduate school projects, events, and student engagement.
• Develop expertise in Graduate School operations and admissions processes.
• Interpret and communicate admissions requirements and deadlines to stakeholders.
• Liaise between applicants, departments, and Graduate School staff to resolve issues.
• Review admissions documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Develop and distribute Graduate School communications and marketing materials.
• Coordinate international admissions document reviews and credential evaluation processes.
• Evaluate international credentials and apply university admission standards.
• Respond to international applicants regarding credential evaluation and status.
• Maintain knowledge of foreign education systems and admissions standards.
• Coordinate and supervise student employees and graduate assistants.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Word processing & spreadsheets

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Banner

Laserfiche

Job description

Job Title

Communications Specialist Agency East Texas A&M University Department Dean Grad Studies & Research

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist, under general supervision, serves as a primary communications and administrative resource for the Graduate School. The position independently interprets and communicates graduate admissions requirements, policies, and procedures; evaluates international academic credentials; coordinates communications with students, faculty, and staff; and maintains Graduate School informational resources. The position exercises independent judgment in resolving routine and moderately complex issues and provides guidance to student employees and graduate assistants.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a primary communications resource for the Graduate School, independently responding to inquiries from prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff and determining when issues require escalation or specialized review.
• Coordinates the receipt, distribution, and routing of departmental correspondence, admissions materials, and official documents, ensuring timely processing and compliance with Graduate School procedures.
• Coordinates front office operations by monitoring supply inventories and equipment needs, identifying operational requirements, and facilitating procurement, maintenance, and service requests to support departmental activities.
• Reviews and maintains Graduate School communications, webpages, electronic forms, and informational materials to ensure compliance with university policies, accuracy of information, and effective communication with stakeholders.
• Assists with Graduate School projects, events, and special initiatives that support departmental operations and student engagement.
• Develops and maintains cross-functional expertise in Graduate School operations, admissions processes, and student services to support operational continuity, workflow coordination, and resolution of service-related issues.
• Interprets and communicates graduate admissions requirements, policies, procedures, and deadlines to students, faculty, and staff, exercising judgment in applying established guidelines and determining appropriate responses to unique situations.
• Serves as a liaison between applicants, academic departments, and Graduate School staff to resolve admissions and enrollment-related issues.
• Reviews admissions-related documentation for completeness and compliance with university requirements; identifies discrepancies, determines necessary follow-up actions, and communicates requirements to applicants and academic departments.
• Develops, coordinates, and distributes Graduate School communications and marketing materials, including newsletters and informational campaigns, to support student engagement, recruitment efforts, and program awareness.
• Coordinates the international admissions document review process by assessing submitted materials for completeness, communicating document requirements and deficiencies to applicants, and facilitating the collection of information necessary for credential evaluation and admissions review.
• Evaluates international academic credentials by researching foreign educational systems, interpreting institutional documentation, determining degree equivalencies, and applying university admission standards and established credential evaluation guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries from international applicants regarding credential evaluation procedures, documentation requirements, admission standards, and application status in accordance with established university policies and guidelines.
• Maintains current knowledge of foreign educational systems, international credential evaluation practices, and admissions standards through ongoing professional development and training.
• Coordinates, trains, assigns, and monitors the work of student employees and graduate assistants; provides guidance on office procedures, prioritization of work, and customer service expectations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience / Knowledge / Skills: No prior experience required.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: None.
• Physical Requirements: None.
• Other Requirements: None.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of Banner and Laserfiche.
• Knowledge of foreign degree requirements.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

Student Workers and Graduate Assistants

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums. 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month. Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP). Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development: Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence: ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs. Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options. First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life: Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth: Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

Visit us on our social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and ETAMU News

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. Welcome to East Texas A&M University, where we transform lives! At our university, we are committed to fostering an environment that ensures students are prepared for success in an ever-evolving world. Our faculty and staff work collaboratively to elevate research, drive innovation, and address global challenges, all while creating a welcoming community where academic excellence can thrive. We strive to align initiatives with the university's unique rural-urban identity, embracing both the opportunities of city life and the richness of rural traditions. Additionally, we are dedicated to modernizing university operations and business practices to enhance efficiency, support sustainable growth, and improve the student experience.

East Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Discover more about our sites: East Texas A&M University (Main Campus) East Texas A&M at Dallas East Texas A&M at Navarro College Texas A&M-Rellis