Executive Director, Early Identification Program

Department: University Life

Classification: Administrative 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: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary range starting low $120k; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

Improve Early Identification Program (EIP) participants’ access to higher education and quality of life by providing academic enrichment, personal development, and community engagement programs that produce global citizens, prepared for college and the world. Actualize George Mason University’s goal to grow EIP to serve more than 1,600 students in Northern Virginia each year.

About the Position:

The Executive Director of the Early Identification Program is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and administration of the Early Identification Program, a key initiative at George Mason University and a unit within University Life (UL). Providing effective direct supervision to two Associate Directors, and indirect supervision and leadership to other team members, the Executive Director fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and retention. Responsibilities include developing, executing, and assessing program components, managing student services, and ensuring student success. The role involves collaboration with internal and external partners, grant writing, and fundraising in partnership with UL Advancement. The Executive Director is a key leader in UL and will contribute to the execution, reporting, and delivery of the University and UL’s strategic goals.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities:

Personnel Management and Staff Development Supervision and Leadership:

Provide effective direct supervision to the Associate Director for Operations and the Associate Director for Programs, Assessment, and College Success. Indirectly supervise Assistant Directors for College Success (Leadership, Family & Alumni Engagement, Career Readiness & STEM Engagement), and the Budget Specialist and Operations Specialist.

• Performance Management:
  • Set clear performance expectations, goals, and deadlines aligned with the unit, divisional, and university strategic plans.
  • Communicate expectations effectively and provide continuous feedback to support staff growth and accountability.
• Evaluation and Compliance:
  • Prepare and submit timely performance evaluations. Ensure all supervisory practices adhere to university policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Workplace Culture:
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and retention.
• Professional Development:
  • Encourage and support ongoing professional development opportunities for all staff, ensuring they have the tools and training needed to succeed in their roles.
• Communication and Engagement:
  • Maintain open lines of communication, encourage staff involvement in decision-making, and promote a shared commitment to the program’s mission and values.

Program Management and Student Services Program Oversight:

Lead the planning, execution, and continuous assessment of all EIP program components, including academic year and summer programming, ensuring alignment with the program’s mission and goals.

• Core Program Delivery:
  • Ensure the effective implementation of EIP’s Core Programs—academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, familial support, and leadership training—fostering a supportive environment where first-generation students can thrive.
• Student Services Management:
  • Oversee all student services in collaboration with Associate Directors, including monitoring academic progress, program participation, and enrollment decisions to support student success.
• Budget and Operations:
  • Provide strategic direction for the Associate Director for Operations in managing the program’s annual budget, operational policies, procedures, and assessment processes.
• Family Engagement:
  • Communicate regularly with families and oversee initiatives that support student participation, engagement, and academic achievement.
• Innovation and Responsiveness:
  • Collaborate with staff to design and implement innovative initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of students and their families.
• K–12 and Higher Ed Alignment:
  • Leverage expertise in K–12 public school systems and higher education to ensure programming is developmentally appropriate and aligned with best practices in first-generation student success.
• Outcome Evaluation:
  • Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to ensure measurable impact and continuous improvement in student achievement and engagement.

Partnership and Community Engagement Cultivate Strategic Partnerships:

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal university departments, school districts, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to support the mission and growth of EIP.

• Liaison and Representation:
  • Serve as the primary liaison between EIP and external partners, including school division personnel, ensuring alignment of goals, clear communication, and shared accountability.
  • Responsible for awareness, accountability, and compliance with public school policies and procedures.
• Program Alignment and Negotiation:
  • Engage with partner school districts to negotiate enrollment targets, pricing structures, and memorandums of understanding (MOUs), ensuring mutual benefit and program sustainability.
• Community Presence and Advocacy:
  • Represent EIP at community events, conferences, and meetings to promote the program’s mission, advocate for first-generation students, and strengthen community ties.
• Resource Enhancement:
  • Facilitate partnerships that expand access to academic, socio-emotional, and leadership resources for EIP students and their families.
• Family and Student Engagement:
  • Develop and implement strategies to actively involve families in the educational journey of their students, ensuring they are informed, supported, and empowered.
• Comprehensive Support Services:
  • Oversee the delivery of academic advising, counseling, and mentorship services, addressing barriers to access and ensuring students and families receive holistic support. 

Fundraising and Resource Development Strategic Fundraising Leadership:

Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the sustainability and growth of the EIP, aligning efforts with university-wide advancement goals.

• Grant Development and Management:
  • Identify, write, and administer grants to fund program initiatives.
  • Oversee the preparation, submission, and reporting of grant proposals to ensure compliance and maximize funding opportunities.
• Donor and Partner Engagement:
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, philanthropic organizations, and other funding sources to build long-term support for EIP.
• Collaborative Advancement Efforts:
  • Partner with the UL Advancement team and other university stakeholders on high-level fundraising initiatives, campaign planning, and donor stewardship.
• Diversified Funding Strategy:
  • Pursue funding from a variety of sources—including public, private, corporate, and foundation partners—to meet and exceed annual fundraising targets. 

Strategic Leadership and Program Administration Vision and Direction:

Provide overall leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the EIP, ensuring its growth, sustainability, and alignment with the mission of George Mason University and University Life.

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
  • Develop and implement long-term strategic plans and annual goals that advance EIP’s mission and support institutional priorities.
  • Ensure program initiatives are data-informed and outcome-driven.
• Institutional Alignment:
  • Contribute to the execution and reporting of University and UL strategic goals, ensuring EIP’s work complements broader institutional objectives.
• Culture of Excellence:
  • Foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the program, promoting high standards in service delivery and student outcomes.
• Program Oversight:
  • Oversee the development and management of program budgets, operations, and infrastructure to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  • Maintain accurate records of program activities, student progress, and outcomes. Use data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Reporting and Accountability:
  • Prepare and present regular reports to university leadership, community partners, and funders, demonstrating program impact and accountability.
• Advocacy and Outreach:
  • Advocate for policies and practices that support first-generation student success. Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase program visibility, student participation, and community engagement.
• Public Representation:
  • Serve as the public spokesperson for EIP, articulating its mission, vision, and impact to diverse audiences including stakeholders, partners, and the broader community.

Unit and Division Support/Service Division Engagement:

Actively participate in University Life divisional meetings, initiatives, and events to stay connected with institutional priorities and foster cross-unit collaboration.

• Service and Volunteerism:
  • Support and volunteer at divisional programs and events, contributing to a culture of service and community within the division.
• Professional Awareness:
  • Stay informed about best practices, research, and emerging trends in higher education and student support services to ensure EIP remains innovative and responsive.
  • Participate in professional development workshops and training sessions for staff across the division to promote continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Implement ongoing evaluation and improvement processes to enhance program effectiveness, efficiency, and student outcomes.
• Feedback Integration:
  • Encourage and incorporate feedback from students, families, staff, and partners to inform program enhancements and ensure services remain relevant and impactful.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Counseling, K-12 and/or Higher Education Administration or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience typically obtained in 5 years in educational administration, program management, or related field;
• Experience in strategic planning, program development, and evaluation;
• Demonstrated experience in effective grant writing;
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals from diverse experience levels and backgrounds;
• Knowledge of best practices in student support services, academic enrichment, and socio-emotional development;
• Knowledge of effective grant proposal writing and fundraising;
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and individual differences among students;
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills;
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of audiences;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex challenges;
• Ability to build relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners;
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to inform decision making and demonstrate program impact;
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of empowering first-generation students and closing opportunity gaps; and
• An innovative and forward-thinking approach to program development and improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• Experience with the use of technology to accomplish academic or administrative tasks, specifically student information systems;
• Demonstrated experience collaborating through leadership of cross-organization projects;
• Knowledge of first-generation populations, specifically in Northern Virginia;
• Knowledge of Student Information Systems (SIS) and other relevant technology; and
• Bilingual speaker in Spanish.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Executive Director, Early Identification Program 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:  June 30, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  July 14, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes