Department: Col of Engineering and Computing
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 range staring upper $50k, commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:The primary purpose of GMU's Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) program is to develop leaders who can solve complex, real-world problems by integrating systems thinking with advanced analytical and computational skills, preparing them for roles in government, industry, and academia. It focuses on designing, analyzing, and improving large systems in diverse fields like defense, healthcare, and finance, emphasizing practical application, data-driven solutions, and ethical decision-making for societal impact.
About the Position:The Academic Advisor supports the mission of the SEOR Department by providing comprehensive academic advising services to current and prospective undergraduate and master's students. The position guides students through curriculum planning, degree progression, academic policies, and university procedures, while supporting student transitions, including bachelor's-to-accelerated master's (BAM) pathways. The Advisor serves as a central resource for student success, retention, and timely graduation.
Please note that this is not a 100% remote/virtual position, but it is telework friendly. Depending upon your department/office, you may have the ability to telework 1-3 days per week.
Responsibilities:Student Advising- Advises undergraduate and master's students on curriculum planning, degree requirements, prerequisites, and academic policies;
- Assists students with registration, overrides, transfer credit evaluation, and schedule planning;
- Provides advising and transition support for bachelor's-to-accelerated master's (BAM) students;
- Tracks current and prospective students and maintains accurate advising records;
- Serves as a knowledgeable resource and troubleshooter for academic issues (e.g., registration errors, late adds/drops, retroactive withdrawals);
- Conducts outreach to students, particularly those considered at-risk;
- Escalates complex or policy-related cases to supervisors as appropriate; and
- Participates in advising committees and networks, including the Mason Academic Advisor Network (MAAN).
Student Affairs and Program Support- Acts as liaison between students, faculty, and administrative offices;
- Assists with student records, graduation processes, and recruitment activities. Tracks and supports potential graduate students from undergraduate and BAM populations;
- Responds to prospective student inquiries regarding application procedures;
- Updates advising materials, sample schedules, degree worksheets, and transfer guides;
- Participates in university-wide events such as orientations, admissions, advising sessions, and graduation; and
- Attends departmental, college-level, and university-level meetings related to advising, curriculum, and policy updates.
Performs other departmental duties as assigned- Provides administrative support to students and faculty as needed;
- Participates in advising training and professional development activities;
- Utilizes university systems for tracking student interactions and referrals;
- Supports program review and accreditation processes (e.g., ABET, Nuventive, Academic Program Review);
- Develops and distributes student-facing communication and marketing materials; and
- Travels to local high schools and Northern Virginia Community College campuses for outreach and recruitment.
Required Qualifications:- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Experience setting and meeting deadlines;
- Knowledge of general office practices and equipment;
- Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple tasks and deadlines;
- Skill in verbal and written communication with diverse audiences;
- Skill in using Microsoft Office