Specialist, Graduate Student Advising and Retention, Teacher Education

Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Wed Aug 26 2026 Job Description:

The School of Teacher Education (STE) within the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is seeking applications for the position of Specialist for Graduate Student Advising and Retention. The Specialist is responsible for supporting graduate students and the graduate programs within STE. This position reports to the Director of the School of Teacher Education. Duties include:

• Student Services and Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective and current graduate students

• Advise prospective students through the admissions process, answering questions about program requirements, certification options, and application procedures

• Monitor student progress and communicate with at risk students to provide support and resources

• Address student concerns and questions regarding WKU and Graduate School policies, procedures, registration, and academic requirements

• Maintain regular communication with online students to foster engagement and connection to the college

• Collaborate with the Graduate School and Office of Professional Educator Services to create a streamlined pathway to graduation and teacher certification

• Recruitment and Marketing Services

• Assist with recruitment initiatives and marketing efforts for graduate programs in the School of Teacher Education

• Represent the programs at virtual recruitment events, information sessions, and webinars

• Coordinate with the admissions office to analyze enrollment trends, track application pipelines, and follow up with prospective students

• Program Administration

• Assist with graduate processes and new initiatives within the School of Teacher Education

• Maintain graduate records

• Support alternate certification options including CEO and Proficiency candidates

• Support the STE Director and Assistant Director as needed for graduate programming

• Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

• This is NOT a remote position

• Standard working hours from 8:00-4:30pm

• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events or student support

• May require periodic travel for conferences or recruitment events

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)

• Strong customer service orientation

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to FERPA regulations

Job Requirements:

• Master's Degree

Additional Information:

Salary: $45,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU's Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WesternKentuckyUniv&layout\_id=95) . Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options, is available on WKU's Title IX website (https://www.wku.edu/titleix/) .

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: https://www.wku.edu/academics/

For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email [email protected].