Education Support Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Radford (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Radford University is seeking an Education Support Specialist in the Office of Graduate Affairs to provide comprehensive student services and operational support for about 2,000 active graduate students across 47 programs, campuses, and online offerings.

This role serves as the primary liaison between graduate students and offices including the Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Graduate Admissions, Student Accounts and academic departments; ensuring effective communication, issue resolution, and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing customer service in a university, business, or student-support environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a student-centered approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn institutional systems such as Banner, Slate, and DegreeWorks.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between graduate students and university offices to ensure effective communication and issue resolution.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and student-centered communication while complying with university and state policies.
• Support graduate student retention and success through proactive coordination and service delivery.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner

Slate

DegreeWorks

Job description

Title: Education Support Specialist

Application Review Date:11/11/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Education Support Specialist in the Office of Graduate Affairs provides comprehensive student services and operational support for approximately 2,000 active graduate students enrolled in more than 47 graduate programs across all Radford University campuses and online offerings. This position serves as the primary liaison between graduate students and university offices including the Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Graduate Admissions, Student Accounts, and academic departments; ensuring effective communication, issue resolution, and proactive coordination that supports graduate student retention and success.

The specialist ensures timely, accurate, and student-centered communication while maintaining compliance with university and state policies. A strong commitment to professionalism, student advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving is essential for this role.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing customer service in a university, business, or student-support environment.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a student-centered approach.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn institutional systems such as Banner, Slate, and DegreeWorks.


• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.


• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, preferably in graduate studies, student services, or registrar environments.


• Familiarity with FERPA regulations and university academic policies and procedures.


• Proficiency in Banner, Slate, and DegreeWorks.

Is this position Grant Funded:

No

Is this position restricted:

No

Is this position 100% telework:

No

Hours Per Week:

40

Months per Year:

12

Statement of Economic Interest Required:

No

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Classification:

Classified Staff

Employee Classification:

Education Support Spec II

Department:

Graduate Affairs, Office of

Salary:

$38,000-$43,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Department Contact Name:

Emily Close

Department Contact Phone:

540-831-6344

Department Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.