Senior Academic Advisor

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science 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 Works with Minors check: Yes About The Department The School of Integrative Studies is committed to integrating interdisciplinary knowledge with lifelong learning by offering experiential, hands-on learning that connects the classroom to the world. Our community encourages students to engage in active learning, independent inquiry, and research that responds to the needs and opportunities of a diverse society while preparing them for responsible leadership and citizenship. The School of Integrative Studies includes four Undergraduate Majors (Integrative Studies, Bachelor of Individualized Study, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Human Development & Family Science) and graduate programs in Higher Education (Certificate, Master's and PhD options). We also support the Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Program. About The Position The Senior Academic Advisor provides leadership to the undergraduate advising team on academic issues toward degree completion, providing administrative support for student services activities in the areas of academic advising, recruitment and orientation, student services program development, and contributing to campus and community outreach. Responsibilities Academic Advising Directs student interaction focused on degree-planning and academic progress;Advises undergraduate SIS students on academic issues toward degree completion;Establishes and maintains set advising hours each week; meets with students to discuss issues related to degree completion including avenue of study, course registration, and university policies and procedures;Delivers high-quality, responsive customer service by leveraging university systems to stay organized and efficient;Provides timely and accurate responses to student inquiries via official GM email; andSupervision of all part-time advisors. Recruitment & Orientation Oversees the planning and execution of Recruitment & Orientation activities. Provide leadership to the SIS advising team;Manages SIS recruitment and orientation activities and initiatives;Trains advisors, faculty, staff, and students in preparation for recruitment and orientation activities;Ensures adequate advisor, faculty, staff and student participation in all recruitment and orientation events;Serves as the SIS point of contact for Admissions, the CHSS dean's office, and New Student & Family Services for all recruitment and orientation collaboration; andAssists with the creation of marketing and recruitment materials specific to SIS majors/programs. Program Development & Other Related Duties Participates in program development, assessments, and special projects, to include selection of scholarship recipients and serving on ad hoc committees; andPerforms other related duties as assigned. System/Record Maintenance Effectively uses the official university CRM to document advising interactions, schedule appointments, and initiate referrals, ensuring consistent and personalized support;Utilizes the university’s degree audit system to guide students through academic planning, and accesses Banner to review and verify student records;Completes university forms, procedures, and processes on behalf of students; Participates in policy review; andCompletes required training as needed. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;Experience in a position requiring individual initiative and the ability to work independently;Experience in a professional, mid-level administrative environment;Experience dealing with confidential records or information;Knowledge of student services, especially in working with students to provide information, guidance, and advising, answering questions and providing effective customer service;Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;Demonstrated skills in program and activity coordination in academic setting;Skill in the use of related technology;Ability to exercise a high-level of professionalism and confidentiality, along with initiative and good judgment; andIndependent self-starter with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to perform efficiently in an active, priority-changing atmosphere. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in related field;Experience in student services, including recruitment, outreach, and referral services to enable retention and completion;Previous experience in higher education;Experience supervising full time or part time staff; andExcellent knowledge of MS Office. Instructions To Applicants For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior 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/Letter of Intent with Resume for review. Posting Open Date: September 11, 2026 Posting Close Date: September 16, 2026 Open Until Filled: No Mason Ad Statement George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials. George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought. Equity Statement 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. 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