What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist III - Study Abroad Specialist position at Sam Houston State University?
Come and join the Bearkat community!
Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
Posting Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Requisition
202500093S
Title
Specialist III - Study Abroad Specialist
FLSA status
Non-Exempt
Hiring Salary
This position is a pay grade 06. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/550174.pdf.
Occupational Category
Technical/Para-Professional
Department
Global Engagement Center
Division
Division of Academic Affairs
Open Date
03/27/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Educational and Experience Requirement
Associates degree in related field. Three years related experience in international education, international travel, studying, working, or living abroad, or academic advisement or in a related field. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.
Nature & Purpose of Position
Performs advanced specialist duties supporting study abroad at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) to include scaffolded advising across experiential learning programs and courses, and strategically identified curricular and co-curricular benchmarks in students’ journey from orientation to graduation. Cultivates partnerships that yield internship/career-based experiences, study-away, community-based learning, research, and other experiential opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Supports students in their academic and co-curricular journeys through study abroad opportunities.
Primary Responsibilities
Serves as the first point-of-contact for study abroad engagement at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), which comprises a comprehensive study abroad portfolio that includes bilateral exchanges, third-party provider programs, short-term programs mobility to partner universities/Third-party providers, and faculty-led programs taught by SHSU faculty. Provides support in the following areas: student advising and recruitment, faculty and staff collaboration, portfolio management, risk and safety, campus policy and procedure compliance, program development, management, and evaluation. Builds and maintains SHSU’s strong portfolio of international and domestic study abroad programs. Provides guidance for SHSU’s strategic international initiatives. Assists in developing and executing a strategy that aligns study abroad offerings with faculty and staff needs and SHSU’s global learning strategy. Contributes to policy, process, and systems development to support study abroad operations, including student recruitment, advising, application, and enrollment; budgets and accounting; global program operations; data analytics; grant writing and fundraising; and marketing and outreach. Leads assessment and evaluation of program and global learning goals. Advises students and manages advising, including organization of study away fair, public information sessions, and individual advising. Collaborates with SHSU departments (academic and administrative) to ensure compliance, quality, and promotion of study abroad. Monitors risk management policy and communication for all programs under SHSU’s portfolio. Monitors specific funds and budget for students to study abroad. Application of software technology. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Specifications
Requires a general knowledge of standard office functions. Requires good knowledge of procedures and practices. Must be able to use standard office software. Must be able to apply policies and procedures and solve routine problems of a repetitive nature.
Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.
Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.
Full Time Part Time
Full Time
Position Number
Quicklink
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/42981
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
