Academic Coordinator

About the role

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at George Mason University 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.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary Academic Advisor for assigned athletic teams;
• Maintains accurate academic records and prepares progress reports for coaches and administrators;
• 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;
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with experience (typically 1 to 2 years) in higher education, athletic administration, counseling, or related student support services;
• Experience providing academic support to adolescents and young adults;
• Familiarity with NCAA eligibility and academic progress standards;
• 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 written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey information to student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff;
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills;
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to proactively address academic challenges and support student success;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships with a diverse student population, academic personnel, and athletic 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;
• 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/.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field in higher education, athletic administration, counseling, or related student support services;
• Working knowledge of FERPA guidelines and the ability to comply with institutional policies regarding student records and privacy;
• Ability to learn and use academic software platforms (e.g., Teamworks, Banner) to track, monitor, and report student progress;
• Basic understanding of applying NCAA eligibility rules for student-athletes, including Progress Toward Degree, Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Graduation Success Rate (GSR).