Graduate Advisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations (GAPE) Office at San Jose State University advances the academic mission of the university by collaborating with campus and external partners to support graduate student success. Under general supervision of the Director and receiving lead direction from the area lead, the Graduate Programs Evaluator independently performs complex student services work related to graduate admissions, advancement to candidacy, and degree completion. This includes the evaluation, verification, and processing of academic records and requirements across all graduate programs, including combined programs, SAGE Scholars, and SJSU Online. The incumbent applies comprehensive knowledge of university policies, procedures, and graduate education requirements to ensure accurate and timely evaluations. The role requires the ability to interpret and communicate policies clearly, analyze student records, and exercise sound judgment in resolving issues and determining appropriate actions. In all interactions, the Graduate Programs Evaluator provides accurate information, advises students and stakeholders on procedural and academic matters, and recommends solutions to support student progress. The position requires establishing and maintaining effective, collegial relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external constituents, while delivering services that are responsive, equitable, and aligned with institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement business processes for each application and graduation cycle, and relay appropriate feedback about processes to efficiently meet demands and specified timelines, including, but not limited to: acting as primary role with admissions, candidacy, and graduation processing for graduate, certificate, and credential students.
• Assess domestic and international students' academic documents to determine eligibility and clearance for admissions, assist students and support department advisors in appropriate appeal processes, provide workshops, and advise applicants on requirements via one-on-one meetings, phone and e-mail communications, and outreach activities with on and off campus constituents.
• Follow business processes for each application cycle, and relay appropriate feedback on processes to meet demands and specified timelines, including, but not limited to: the admission application evaluation processing for graduate, certificate, and/or credential students.
• Assess domestic and international student's academic documents to determine admission eligibility for graduate programs and advancement to candidacy.
• Assess and evaluate for all graduate programs including combined programs, SAGE, and SJSU Online.
• Interpret and explain policies to students and their families as well as provide clarification on policies and procedures to other SJSU offices and representatives from other institutions that have questions.
• Evaluate and process, in a timely manner, applications for graduation for graduate students. Verify and evaluate documents for admission, advancement to candidacy and graduation for the GAPE Office.
• Provide feedback for testing new data systems and contribute to processing efficiency through team engagement meetings and special project implementation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• General knowledge of research and interview techniques, and of the principles underlying individual and group behavior
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules, regulations, and policies; demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness in planning, prioritizing, and implementing both short- and long-range program activities and improvements
• Ability to interact and communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner at all times
• Ability to advise and assist students, individually and in group settings, on routine academic, administrative, and student service matters
• Demonstrated ability to learn, adapt to, and effectively apply artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to enhance student services, program delivery, and operational efficiency
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive and complex communications with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Ability to reason logically and analyze data; collect, compile, and evaluate information; and present findings clearly through written reports and oral presentations
• Ability to identify, assess, and resolve student concerns and conflicts using sound judgment, problem-solving, and referral skills

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field; Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
• Two years of relevant experience; An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 terms of additional post-secondary coursework after completion of a bachelor's degree
• Experience directly working in a higher education enrollment services, admissions, records, and/or evaluations environment with high exposure to graduate students

Compensation

Classification: Student Service Professional II
Anticipated Hiring Salary: $5,083/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,083/month - $7,228/month
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: April 29, 2026 through May 14, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.