Academic Advisor

Department: Costello College of Business

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

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University is one of the largest business schools in Virginia, and is located near Washington, D.C., in Arlington and Fairfax, and at George Mason’s global campus in Incheon, South Korea. The college’s AACSB-accredited business and accounting curricula prepare undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. and across the globe for career success in business and government. Its research-based faculty and focus on multi-disciplinary academic programs, inclusive entrepreneurship, modular education, experiential learning, and corporate partner engagement are transforming the landscape of business education and workforce development. Learn more at business.gmu.edu.

About the Position:

The Academic Advisor engages students in interpreting and applying George Mason University and the Costello College of Business programs and services, requirements, policies and procedures. Evaluates students' academic progress, provides guidance in determining students' academic interests and objectives and aids them to develop long-range academic and career plans. Provides academic advising for a large population of undergraduate business students. Develops quality programs to identify and support students' academic problems and career choice difficulties. Plans innovative and high-quality programs and events to enhance students' academic development and interests and to prepare students to meet today's job market demands.

Responsibilities:

Student Interaction

• Provides academic advising during the day and limited evening in individual consultations, group events or presentations, and tabling, for current and aspiring business students on such topics as major or minor choice, curriculum selection, study skills, scholarship and club opportunities, and other academic-related areas;
• Plans and implements academic-related events and performs outreach to business students for retention efforts;
• Develops programs and workshops on academic planning, orientation, and academic status for academic development;
• Develops, disseminates and maintains resources to assist students with academic planning and development of academic/career/professional knowledge and skills;
• Coordinates complex activities to support student academic planning;
• Understands and implements proper use of rules and procedures concerning confidentiality;
• Provide accurate interpretations of policies and procedures for students, families, and faculty; and
• Assist with the processing of graduation audits, notify students of discrepancies and follow up with them on options.

Educational Program Development and Planning

• Develops and manages student services program operations, establish goals, develop and implement methods to evaluate and assess program effectiveness, and modify policies and procedures to enhance the overall efficiency of the office;
• Represents the Costello College of Business as a liaison to academic areas and as asked on various committees across the university to support Costello initiatives;
• Supports the supervising Director with the creation and implementation of designated services for the Costello undergraduate populations; and 
• Provides feedback for updates to Costello College of Business online materials to reflect changes in policies and programs.

Database Management

• Maintains accurate and timely student records in Patriot Connect, including advising notes, tags, email communications, and appointment availability;
• Utilizes Patriot Connect database to create and/or participate in campaigns for targeted outreach to select students;
• Utilizes Banner INB student information system to review student transcripts, records, course registration history, and entering course overrides; and
• Manages program-specific inboxes, listservs, and learning management system organizations.

Special Events and Projects

• Creates and manages special events and projects as assigned by leadership in the Office of Student Success and Academic Services;
• Actively participates in a minimum of two professional development experiences each year to stay current with best practices and enhance effectiveness in the role; and
• Executes special projects and duties assigned to support the department.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Generally, 1–2 years of professional, internship, or student-leadership experience involving direct customer service, client relations, or student-facing interaction;
• Experience interpreting and explaining complex policies, rules, or guidelines to a diverse audience;
• Experience managing data entry, tracking records, or maintaining email inboxes using professional software or database tools;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and the ability to effectively engage with students from a wide diversity of backgrounds;
• Excellent presentation skills;
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills;
• Relationship skills: teamwork, collaboration, networking, development;
• Technology Skills: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, data/reporting tools, AI tools, use of internet;
• Ability to develop, implement and manage academic programs and services;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently;
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team both within and outside the department; and
• Demonstrated ability to organize workshops, events, or small-scale programs while balancing multiple administrative tasks independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Generally, 1+ years of direct experience in higher education, specifically within academic advising, student affairs, registrar services, or admissions;
• Experience managing a large caseload of students or clients in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment;
• Experience evaluating program effectiveness or developing administrative workflows to improve student support services;
• Knowledge and technical proficiency utilizing higher education platforms such as student information systems (SIS)/student record databases (e.g., Banner) and CRMs; and
• Ability to manage a large, diverse caseload of students independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, detail-oriented environment.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Academic Advisor 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 for review.

Posting Open Date: July 2, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  July 16, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes