Academic and Life Skills (Patriot Pathways) Coordinator

Department: Intercollegiate Athletics

Classification: Professional Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at George Mason University proudly supports more than 500 student-athletes across 22 NCAA Division I programs. As a distinguished member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, our teams have earned 17 conference championships, captured NCAA titles in Women’s Soccer and Men’s Indoor Track, and achieved national recognition with a Men’s Basketball Final Four appearance. We also celebrate more than 30 individual national champions who exemplify excellence in competition. We are a student-centered, education-driven department committed to providing transformational experiences for our student-athletes and staff. 

About the Position:

The Academic and Life Skills (Patriot Pathways) Coordinator supports the academic success, retention, and holistic development of student-athletes by providing academic advising, monitoring progress toward degree completion, and collaborating with university faculty and staff. This role also leads and supports life skills programming through Patriot Pathways, fostering personal growth, career readiness, leadership development, and overall well-being. The position ensures compliance with NCAA academic standards while promoting an environment that advances both academic achievement and comprehensive student-athlete development.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary academic advisor for assigned athletic teams;
• Monitors academic progress and eligibility in accordance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies;
• Coordinates course registration, class scheduling, and degree planning for student-athletes;
• Meets regularly with student-athletes to review academic performance and develop individualized academic success strategies;
• Maintains accurate academic records and prepares progress reports for coaches and administrators;
• Refers student-athletes to appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, counseling, and career services;
• Communicates consistently with coaching staff regarding academic concerns, progress, and milestones;
• Works closely with the Compliance Office to project and monitor NCAA academic eligibility for assigned student-athletes;
• Participates in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and campus committees, as needed;
• Meets with prospective student-athletes for assigned sports, as requested;
• Assists the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development with the planning and implementation of programming aligned with the Patriot Pathways Program holistic student-athlete development model, which includes career readiness, personal development, leadership development, holistic wellness, and civic and community engagement;
• Assists in coordinating workshops, guest speakers, and events that promote personal growth and career readiness;
• Collaborates with campus departments (e.g., Career Services, Counseling Center) to connect student-athletes with relevant resources;
• Provides administrative support for assigned teams, including, but not limited to, course registration, textbook orders, tutor requests, and study hall monitoring;
• Collaborates with the department’s Education Specialist to identify at-risk and underprepared student-athletes;
• Recommends and coordinates appropriate academic support services, including tutoring and referrals to other University resources;
• Assists student-athletes with time management and academic skill development, partnering with staff members and tutors to provide a holistic approach to academic support and engagement;
• Demonstrates understanding of best practices that promote academic integrity and adhere to all FERPA guidelines, NCAA and Atlantic 10 Conference rules, and George Mason University policies and procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Associate Athletic Director for student-athlete development.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, with experience (generally 2 to 4 years) in higher education, athletic administration, counseling, or related student support services;
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA eligibility standards and academic progress requirements;
• Experience monitoring academic progress and identifying at-risk student-athletes using appropriate academic support systems and tools;
• Knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility requirements, progress-toward-degree standards, and Division I compliance guidelines;
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to proactively address academic challenges and support student success;
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey information to student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff;
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive academic and personal information;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships with a diverse student population, academic personnel, and athletic staff;
• Ability to coordinate with the Educational Specialist to assess individual academic needs, guide students, and develop tailored academic success plans for student-athletes; and
• 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 and experience (generally, at least 3 years) in academic advising, student support services, or a related field;
• Demonstrated experience applying NCAA eligibility rules for student-athletes, including Progress Toward Degree, Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Graduation Success Rate (GSR);
• Working knowledge of FERPA guidelines and the ability to comply with institutional policies regarding student records and privacy;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; and
• Proficiency in using academic software platforms (e.g., Teamworks, Banner) to track, monitor, and report student progress.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Academic and Life Skills (Patriot Pathways) Coordinator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  March 30, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  April 13, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes