Student Support Specialist- First Year Semester Abroad

Overview
Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work-life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers.

About Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values
Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:
1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

First Year Semester Abroad (FYSA)

This position will provide student support for Georgia Tech's First-Year Semester Abroad (FYSA) Program. In FYSA, Georgia Tech first-year undergraduate students begin their college career by participating in an international experience in their first year. The current structure of the program involves students beginning their first year in the late summer session on Georgia Tech's Atlanta campus; spending their fall semester abroad at one of Georgia Tech's global campuses or another international location; and returning to the Atlanta campus for spring semester. As the program evolves, plans for a fall semester in Atlanta and spring semester abroad may also be considered.

Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success

Under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success (VPUESS), the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) enriches undergraduate education and empowers students to succeed. We engage in collaborative development and delivery of transformative learning experiences, and we continuously pursue initiatives to foster success for all students. We do this through the efforts of our faculty, staff, and students. Visit https://ouess.gatech.edu.

Note on Working Time

This position must be available to work standard GT business hours M-F, 8-5 (or 7-4 or 9-6), as well as some evenings as weekends based on student programs and with advanced notice. We are looking for hardworking professionals who are dedicated to undergraduate education and make students the top priority to join our organization of talented, energetic, and creative team members.

This position reports to the FYSA Program and Operations Manager.

The Student Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical, administrative, and logistical support to ensure that student programs, services, and initiatives are delivered effectively. This role also aims to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive campus environment by assisting with program operations, engaging in student outreach, and maintaining essential support systems.

Job Duty 1 - Contribute to the strategic direction, leadership, and daily operations of the unit.

Job Duty 2 - Plan and implement events and activities that foster connection, engagement, and community among all students and student organizations at Georgia Tech.

Job Duty 3 - Promote events using a variety of communication channels, including email, video, print materials, social media, in-person outreach, and campus displays.

Job Duty 4 - Assist with identifying student needs and evaluating programs and activities, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.

Job Duty 5 - Provide guidance and support to students on both academic and co-curricular matters, connecting them with appropriate resources and opportunities.

Job Duty 6 - Partner with faculty, staff, and campus offices to develop programs and services that support holistic student success.

Job Duty 7 - Advise, mentor, and coach students and student organizations; support the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of student assistants and volunteers.

Job Duty 8 - Coordinate logistics for education and training programs, including preparing training materials, reserving space, and managing program registration.

Job Duty 9 - Ensure all activities and operations align with institute policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.

Job Duty 10 - Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements
Associate's Degree in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Experience
Two or more years of relevant experience.

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree in related discipline or equivalent

Job Grade: A7
Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000.00 Annually
Salary will be commensurate with experience and education.
Location: Atlanta, GA

Applications will be accepted immediately and through the application deadline of Sunday, October 13, 2025. The application packet must include the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume / Curriculum Vita
• List of three professional references, including names, titles, and contact information (email, phone). References will not be contacted without prior notification.

ABILITIES
o Ability to work with and respect all students from a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints
o Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends in support of student events and activities
o Proven ability to apply a range of concepts, techniques, and practices to follow through with
program objectives

KNOWLEDGE
o Experience with social media management
o Comprehensive knowledge of issues that impact college students

SKILLS
o Well-developed computer skills
o Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
o Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

More information on these policies can be found here: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/c2714 Board of Regents Policy Manual | University System of Georgia (usg.edu).

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel
This position does not require security clearance.

The Student Support Specialist will support all aspects of the FYSA program operations, including student recruitment, admission, enrollment, orientation, advising, marketing and communication, event planning, program assessment/evaluation, and reporting. During summer session, the position will teach section(s) of GT1000 First-Year Seminar course and design and implement curricular and co-curricular programs for students. In spring, the position will assist with spring re-entry/re-orientation.

The position will work closely with campus partners, including International Initiatives (GT-Europe (GTE), Office of International Education (OIE); Housing/Residence Life; OUE (Advising and Transition, Living Learning Communities); Student Life/FASET; Undergraduate Admission and Enrollment Management; and iGniTe.

Additional Responsibilities and Skills related to the position:

• Support FYSA recruitment, admissions, communications, and overall student support from application through matriculation.
• Manage student applications through Terra Dotta and Slate, including FYSA Admissions tracking, running reports, ensuring insurance is ordered, and using program data/assessment to inform planning.
• Lead the coordination of Global@Home events/social opportunities and teach GT1000 section(s), spring re-entry, and assist with programming for students returning to Atlanta.
• Assign and oversee tasks for student assistants to support program operations.
• Develop program marketing materials and communications (letters, emails, presentations) and manage content for social media and websites.
• Deliver engaging presentations to prospective students and families.
• Utilize MS Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams, and other tools effectively for project management and collaboration.
• Travel may be required to international campuses/programs to support students and assist with excursions or programming.

Preferred Skills, abilities, and qualifications related to the position:

• Knowledge of higher education administrative processes, especially those of the USG and Georgia Tech;
• Knowledge of international programs in undergraduate education;
• Experience with Slate or similar CRM;
• Experience with first-year experience and first-year programs;
• Experience teaching student success/transition courses to undergraduates; experience designing and implementing co-curricular student programs.
• International experience (work/internship, study, or living outside of United States and its territories)

Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check which will include a credit check. To obtain Georgia Tech's background check policy, please visit: https://policylibrary.gatech.edu/employment/pre-employment-screening