Student Services Specialist Jobs
Student services specialist jobs are open across higher education, K-12 school districts, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations, from entry-level advisor roles to senior coordinator and program manager positions, with specializations in academic advising, enrollment services, and financial aid counseling. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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INTRODUCTION
The Assistant Director is part of the Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS) team at Boston University, which is a unit within the Office of the Provost – Graduate Affairs, which is led by the Assistant Provost for Graduate & Postdoctoral Development and also includes two Directors. Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Graduate and Postdoctoral Development, the Assistant Director, Professional Development Services is responsible for organizing and managing, in cooperation with the Director of PhD Resources, doctoral and postdoctoral professional development programming, events, and services. The Assistant Director will work with the Director, GPS colleagues, and other University partners to (co-)design, (co-)develop, and implement programming, events, and services to improve both the current experience of doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars through professional and career development. While the Assistant Director will assist as needed across GPS work areas, the Assistant Director will also focus on professional development related to academic professional development, including: preparation for academic career paths, development of research and teaching skills, and development of mentoring skills. The Assistant Director will do this both through original programs and services and in collaboration with university partners (ex. Schools/colleges, Research, Graduate Writing Services). Additionally, the Assistant Director will partner with the Director on providing 1:1 and small group support for students and postdocs across all education/training areas GPS serves and as needed, and be a primary resource for discussions related to academic career paths and skills. The Director works collaboratively with the Assistant Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Development and BU faculty and staff to develop and facilitate new workshops and short courses.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral Degree required and 3-5 years of work experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
INTRODUCTION
The Assistant Director is part of the Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS) team at Boston University, which is a unit within the Office of the Provost – Graduate Affairs, which is led by the Assistant Provost for Graduate & Postdoctoral Development and also includes two Directors. Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Graduate and Postdoctoral Development, the Assistant Director, Professional Development Services is responsible for organizing and managing, in cooperation with the Director of PhD Resources, doctoral and postdoctoral professional development programming, events, and services. The Assistant Director will work with the Director, GPS colleagues, and other University partners to (co-)design, (co-)develop, and implement programming, events, and services to improve both the current experience of doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars through professional and career development. While the Assistant Director will assist as needed across GPS work areas, the Assistant Director will also focus on professional development related to academic professional development, including: preparation for academic career paths, development of research and teaching skills, and development of mentoring skills. The Assistant Director will do this both through original programs and services and in collaboration with university partners (ex. Schools/colleges, Research, Graduate Writing Services). Additionally, the Assistant Director will partner with the Director on providing 1:1 and small group support for students and postdocs across all education/training areas GPS serves and as needed, and be a primary resource for discussions related to academic career paths and skills. The Director works collaboratively with the Assistant Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Development and BU faculty and staff to develop and facilitate new workshops and short courses.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral Degree required and 3-5 years of work experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Student Services Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsStudent Services Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- San Diego State University16
- Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians7
- Michigan Association of School Boards5
- KIPP Texas Public Schools4
- University Enterprises4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in student services specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field
- Experience advising or supporting students in an educational or nonprofit setting
- Familiarity with student information systems such as Banner, PeopleSoft, or Ellucian
- Knowledge of FERPA regulations and student records confidentiality requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for student-facing and cross-departmental work
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and prioritize competing student needs
Tips for Your Student Services Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to student populations
Highlight the specific student populations you've served, whether first-generation, transfer, graduate, or adult learners. Hiring managers in student services look for demonstrated experience with the demographic their institution prioritizes, so generic advising language won't stand out.
Quantify caseload and program outcomes
List the number of students you advised per term, programs you coordinated, or retention improvements tied to your work. Student services roles attract applicants with similar degrees, and concrete outcomes make your resume reviewable in seconds rather than minutes.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists student services specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by institution type carefully
Community college student services roles often require knowledge of transfer pathways and workforce programs, while university positions may expect familiarity with degree audit systems or accreditation reporting. Match your experience to the institutional context before applying.
Prepare scenario answers around difficult student situations
Interviewers for student services roles consistently ask about handling students in academic distress, navigating confidentiality under FERPA, or resolving conflicts between a student's goals and institutional policy. Practice specific examples before your interview, not abstract principles.
Negotiate start date and professional development funding
Many student services roles in higher education offer limited base salary flexibility but do have room on start dates and professional development budgets. Ask about conference attendance reimbursement or tuition remission, which can significantly offset total compensation.
Student Services Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most student services specialists?
The companies hiring the most student services specialists right now include San Diego State University, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and Michigan Association of School Boards, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Community colleges and large public university systems consistently post the highest volume of these roles.
How many student services specialist jobs are remote?
About 48% of student services specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote work most common in roles centered on virtual advising, online program enrollment support, and financial aid processing. Roles requiring in-person student interaction, such as crisis support or new student orientation, are almost exclusively on-site.
How do you become a student services specialist?
Most student services specialist positions require a bachelor's degree in a field like counseling, education, psychology, or social work, followed by direct experience working with students in an advising, tutoring, or program coordination capacity. Building familiarity with student information systems and understanding FERPA compliance strengthens your candidacy. Many professionals enter through graduate assistantships, AmeriCorps placements, or entry-level coordinator roles at community colleges before moving into specialist positions.
Can I get a student services specialist job with little experience?
Yes, entry-level student services specialist roles exist, particularly at community colleges and nonprofit educational organizations that prioritize transferable skills over direct advising experience. Volunteer work with youth programs, peer mentoring roles, tutoring, or administrative work in an educational setting can substitute for formal advising experience. Emphasize your communication skills, familiarity with the student population, and any exposure to case management or academic support in your application materials.
What does the student services specialist interview process look like?
The typical interview process for a student services specialist role includes an initial phone or video screen with HR, followed by a panel interview with student affairs staff and sometimes a department director. Many institutions add a scenario or role-play component where you respond to a mock student situation, such as an academic dismissal case or a student disclosing a personal crisis. References from supervisors in educational settings are almost always required before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to student services specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to student services specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and institutional preference, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and goals.
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