Communications Specialist

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

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents.

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.

Please provide the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required at time of verbal offer).
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document. If you need assistance with this or any other matter, please contact us at HR.Hiring@etamu.edu.

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

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: 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.