Assistant Director for Contemporary Student Services

The George Mason University Division of University Life invites applicants for the position of Assistant Director for Contemporary Student Services. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

George Mason University is an innovative, public, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in the heart of northern Virginia’s technology corridor near Washington, D.C., the university attracts a diverse and talented student body of over 37,000. The university—its enrollment, academic programs, facilities and services—is expanding, as is its reputation. George Mason is an institution providing tremendous opportunity for students, faculty and staff.

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director is responsible for implementing initiatives to support the contemporary college student by providing resources, advocating throughout the university, and implementing innovative strategies for contemporary college student success. This position will work with both university stakeholders and students to ensure that special populations are represented in various ways around Mason.

Reporting to the Director, this position will:

• Develop and implement key initiatives through collaborative relationships, intended to serve a variety of contemporary student populations, including but not limited to: off-campus students, students who are expecting/parenting, adult learners (25+), transfer students, veterans, students from the foster system, working adults, and online learners.
• Actively engage in benchmarking, assessment, and advocacy regarding special contemporary student populations.
• Chair the Vice President’s Transfer Student Advisory Board, intended to bring in varying student experiences for program improvement.
• Provide oversight for the Gowns 4 Grads program.
• Provide collaborative leadership to transfer-related programming across the institution, including serving as Welcome2Mason transfer committee, orientation liaison, and student care network liaison.
• Oversee expansion of efforts related to serving students who are expecting/parenting in collaboration with other UL and campus units, and the parenting students’ coalition.
• Participate in development and implementation of new departmental and university initiatives, including but not limited to the Student Experience Redesign projects.
• Serve on university committees as determined by Director
• Working together with the Director, two Assistant Directors, and a dynamic team of student leaders, this position will provide important leadership in the retention and student success of Mason’s 27,000 off-campus students and other special populations. As a professional staff member, the incumbent will have administrative responsibilities, such as budget management, professional development, and collaborating with campus partners. Additionally, it is important that the individual maintains active participation in key professional organizations relevant to the position.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in higher education, management, student development or a related field and/or equivalent professional work experience in a university setting; strong working knowledge of the current students trends; and experience working with students in transitions. It is vital that candidates possess exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and have experience in assessment.  A qualified candidate will have highly developed organizational management and problem-solving skills and must work accurately and efficiently in order to meet a multitude of deadlines and responsibilities. Candidates will have demonstrated leadership abilities and must have a commitment to diversity and be comfortable working within diverse populations. All candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to benchmarking and knowledge of the current college student trends.

Preferred Qualifications:

1-3  years of related professional experience related to college student success and retention

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position FA05BZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu; complete the online application, cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references with contact information.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.