Department: Intercollegiate Athletics
Classification: Professional 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: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Background Check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at George Mason University proudly 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.
About the Position:
The Academic Coordinator supports the academic success and retention of student-athletes by providing academic advising, monitoring progress toward degree completion, and collaborating with University faculty and staff. This role ensures compliance with NCAA academic standards while fostering an environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal development.
Responsibilities:
- Serves as the primary Academic Advisor for assigned athletic teams;
- Monitors academic progress and eligibility in accordance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies;
- Coordinates course registration, class scheduling, and degree planning for student-athletes;
- Meets regularly with student-athletes to review academic performance and develop individualized academic success strategies;
- Maintains accurate academic records and prepares progress reports for coaches and administrators;
- Refers student-athletes to appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, counseling, and career services;
- 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.
Required 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;
- Stro