Academic Advisor and Student Engagement Coordinator

Department: College of Science

Classification: Education Support Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of Academic and Student Affairs in the College of Science (COS) is responsible for enhancing and strengthening all aspects of the student experience (pre-admission through graduation). The Office is the primary physical space to welcome current and prospective students, as well as other visitors to the college, and provides guidance and support through recruitment, admissions, advising, assessment, retention, and student engagement.

George Mason University College of Science is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At the College of Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes anti-racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Academic Advisor and Student Engagement Coordinator plays a critical role in helping undergraduate students choose an appropriate course of study and to pursue that academic program in an efficient manner. The Academic Advisor and Student Engagement Coordinator is a full-time, 12-month classified staff member who meets regularly with students, helping them to meet their educational and career goals. The position works closely with faculty and professional advisors, as well as COS Academic and Student Affairs staff. The position also works closely with admissions, performing outreach duties to connect with new and prospective students. This position engages students through COS-specific events and communications; planning and promoting events and encouraging participation (includes promoting and coordinating COS undergraduate academic related announcements, surveys, etc. with students). The position is an essential part of the COS team that will contribute to event and strategy development.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising Related Duties:

• Advises COS undergraduate students throughout their undergraduate matriculation (initial experience at new student orientation through graduation) via face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings, phone and email communication;
• Develops, implements, and evaluates academic support programs and services designed to enhance student success, including, but not limited to, conducting workshops on study skills and providing insight on campus resources for tutoring, academic coaching, supplemental instruction, and other pathways to academic success;
• Participates in all university sponsored orientation events, both virtual and in-person;
• Coordinates with faculty advisors and other dean’s office staff to develop and implement holistic, individualized success plans for students to lead a path towards retention and degree completion;
• Maintains advising records for each student;
• Connects students to campus resources and co-curricular opportunities;
• Works with students who have been placed on academic warning or probation and those students returning from academic suspension on their academic success;
• In addition, identifies at-risk students, and develops targeted intervention strategies to support their academic success to remain in good standing; and
• Develops and maintains relationships with COS faculty, staff, and academic program coordinators, advising collaboratively to resolve student issues.

Student Engagement Activities:

• Attends all university sponsored admissions events where the college’s presence is required. This will include some weekends and evenings;
• Develops a communication plan for prospective and admitted students in conjunction with the university’s integrated enrollment marketing office within enrollment services;
• Participates and leads all university sponsored orientation events, both virtual and in-person;
• Creates a communication initiative for current second- and third-year students to keep them engaged in all COS student centric events; and
• Serves as a liaison/stakeholder to university committees focused on admissions, orientation, advising and retention, student development and engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience (typically three years) in academic advising/higher education setting;
• Knowledge of academic advising principles and practices;
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills;
• Adept organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups;
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs and events;
• Familiarity with student development theory and best practices;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer applications;
• Experience with student information systems; and
• May require some driving to local community colleges and high schools:
  • Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience in advising students STEM majors/minors;
• Familiarity with COS majors, course scheduling, prerequisites, and GPA requirements;
• Comprehensive understanding of working with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, which will aid in personalizing advising strategies and academic planning;
• Awareness of unique challenges and goals of undergraduate students, allowing for tailored support through all academic stages (recruitment, retention, graduation);
• Knowledge of the university's academic and co-curricular offerings in order to advise students on program options that match their skills and interests; and
• Experience with student information systems (i.e., Banner, Navigate, Salesforce, among other Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Academic Advisor and Student Engagement Coordinator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  December 3, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  December 17, 2024

Open Until Filled:  Yes