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American University

Graduate Admissions Specialist

American University, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Graduate Admissions Specialist

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American University

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Department School of Public Affairs

Work Modality Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

Summary The Graduate Admissions Specialist will serve a vital processing, tracking, and front‑line role within the Office of Graduate Admission (OGA) in the School of Public Affairs. The Graduate Admissions Specialist will primarily provide support for the timely and thorough processing of prospective graduate student applications, including direct interface with applicants (written, online, and in person), extensive use of the campus’ CRM, Salesforce, and the management and update of an array of tracking spreadsheets. This position will also provide support with admissions, enrollment, and assessment reports; merit aid (Graduate Financial Aid (GFA)) notifications, tracking, and auditing; international student immigration paperwork; admissions marketing collateral; and relevant event preparation, delivery and follow‑up.

Essential Functions

Application & Admissions Support Primarily responsible for supporting the Associate Director of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Analytics. Duties include processing applications, entering, and maintaining relevant admissions data in various University systems. Reviews official and unofficial college transcripts to verify GPA, degree conferral, and sends international transcripts for evaluation. Assists graduate applicants, admitted students, faculty members, and staff with their questions and concerns regarding the application/admissions process utilizing various mediums (written, online, in‑person, and over the phone), including bi‑monthly Application Coaching Session virtual presentations. Supports the merit aid (Graduate Financial Aid) notification, tracking, and auditing processes of the School. Supports the edit and release of communications related to application, admission and/or merit aid processes. Collects and submits international student immigration paperwork for processing and tracks international student visa status. May supervise one to two graduate student staff in support of the OGA process.

Spreadsheet Management & Data Reporting Creates and manages an array of application, admission, and merit aid spreadsheets requiring regular updates. Contributes to enrollment and assessment reports including the monthly Graduate Enrollment Report as well as the annual Assessment Report. Completes ad hoc data requests related to recruitment, yield, and international student statuses.

Events Planning & Logistics Intermittently supports OGA’s efforts to plan, execute, and follow‑up on recruitment/admission/onboarding events for prospective and admitted graduate students. Periodically extracts targeted distribution lists from the CRM to support graduate enrollment initiatives.

Other Duties Occasional other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility Supervises one to two hourly graduate student staff who support the application and data entry/management processes for the SPA Office of Graduate Admissions.

Position Type / Expected Hours

Full‑time

35 hours per week

Hybrid 1 work modality (3–4 days in office)

Salary Range

$27.50 – $30.75 per hour

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Advanced training in MS Office software applications or equivalent in education, training, and experience

1 – 3 years of relevant experience

Minimum of one (1) year of full‑time professional experience (post‑degree) in a higher education environment or other relevant high‑traffic, customer‑contact position within a complex organization

Experience with databases and acute attention to detail

Proficiency in MS Office software applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web‑based research

Experience managing sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality

Preferred Education and Experience

Master’s degree or equivalent

Familiarity with Salesforce, CRM or other customer relationship management software and/or Colleague a plus

Experience in a front‑line customer service role

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Must be able to work some evening and weekend hours as required

Ability to gather and analyze data using basic research methods and databases

Comfort and experience with computer technology and willingness to learn new computer programs

Ability to manage a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment; proactive self‑starter; adapt and operate at a high level of efficiency with moderate direction and supervision; complete multiple assigned tasks independently and on schedule

Excellent administrative and organizational skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), with a customer‑service orientation and ability to communicate; effectively interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds

Team‑oriented with an ability to foster positive and productive working relationships in a professional and courteous manner with students, staff, and faculty

Work Authorization / Security Clearance Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Benefits American University offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full‑time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit‑friendly worksite.

Other Details This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities. American University is an E‑Verify employer.

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