Certification Specialist

Anticipated Start Date: October 5, 2026

Job Summary:

The Certification Specialist is responsible for providing operational leadership and general supervision coordinating certification for university commencements each semester. Communicates with all departments associated with graduation and with vendors for required services, athletic eligibility, or major changes. Responsible for the maintenance of commencement records, for personal contacts with students or general public in furnishing routine information, and interpreting policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides effective customer service by having a thorough understanding of applicable academic regulations, rules, laws, policies, and procedures related to the registrar functions and applying that knowledge to the situation.
• Reviews, updates and certifies applications for degrees for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
• Assists with the certification of student athlete eligibility.
• Identifies, defines, and troubleshoots problems related to the commencement process.
• Creates correspondence and continued communication with various departments on campus regarding commencement.
• Manages the commencement database, ensuring the data is accurate and up-to-date for producing commencement lists for schools.
• Coordinates with Information Technology for graduation related updates in university database and insures accurate data is available for reporting. Serves as a liaison when new technology is implemented for graduation.
• Proofreads the Commencement bulletin, ensuring all name, honors designations, etc., are accurate.
• Submits diploma mailing following commencement ceremony.
• Coordinates production and dissemination of various office mailings.
• Corresponds with vendors, as appropriate, for graduation and graduation fair.
• Composes and prepares letters, memos, and reports for various constituents.
• Changes students’ majors when requested, as appropriate.
• Assists with the daily functions of the Office of the Registrar.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of two (2) years’ related experience
• Experience in higher education administration working with students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education administration working with students
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts required upon hire)

Employee Benefits:

JSU strives to provide great quality of life to our employees through an attractive, competitive benefits package for our full-time faculty and staff. These benefits enhance your salary as a JSU employee and are part of your total compensation package. Benefits include:

• Retirement Plans
  • Alabama Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS)
  • RSA-1 Deferred Compensation
  • 403-B Retirement Annuity (TIAA)
• Health Insurance
  • Medical (PEEHIP)
  • Optional plans: vision, dental, flexible spending plan, dependent care, cancer, and hospital indemnity
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid and unpaid leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Prescription assistance

For additional information regarding benefits, please visit our website.

Clery Notice:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, https://clerycenter.org/policy-resources/the-clery-act/ the Jacksonville State University Police provide information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three calendar years. The JSU Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available online at: https://www.jsu.edu/police/docs/cleryannualreport.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Organization

Located in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jacksonville State University is home to more than 9,900 students representing 63 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment, meeting their educational, career and personal goals. As an academic institution, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement. As a public, comprehensive university, it promotes excellence in scholarly and service activities consistent with its academic and professional strengths. For a complete list of Goals, Core Values and Strategies to fulfill this Mission, go to the JSU Strategic Plan home page.

Academically Jax State offers 113 academic programs and concentrations, including bachelor's, master's, post-baccalaureate, doctoral and advanced certificate programs in a variety of disciplines that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and ongoing education. More than 40 online programs are offered. The University features six colleges on its 459-acre campus – Arts, Humanities and Sciences; Business and Industry; Education and Professional Studies; Health Professions and Wellness; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Library. Most academic programs have discipline-specific accreditations, a reflection of their quality and JSU’s commitment to excellence.