Admissions Counselor, Honors College

Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Education Support Spec 2

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

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Starting in the low-$40,000s; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

In collaboration with the George Mason University community, and as a part of the Office of the Provost, the Division for Enrollment Management optimizes student recruitment and retention by developing and implementing strategic enrollment plans, overseeing the admissions process, providing financial aid services, and managing the Mason Student Services Center—a centralized student services resource. The Division’s activities support the achievement of institutional enrollment goals by placing the student (and family) at the center of our work, supporting a culture of transparency, and leveraging data to inform decision-making.

The Office of Admissions facilitates the recruitment and enrollment of freshmen, transfer, graduate, and non-degree students in alignment with the University's strategic plan, ensuring a diverse and successful student body that contributes to the institution's excellence and global impact.

About the Position:

The Honors College Admissions Counselor actively recruits and enrolls new undergraduate students to Mason's Honors College by planning and executing recruitment activities in assigned locations. Reviews applicant files and makes appropriate admission decisions. Serves as the on-call person to meet with prospective students and families that walk into the office and as the contact person for any escalations from the front-line service team, as scheduled. Conducts information sessions presented to prospective students and their families on academics, campus life and how to apply to George Mason University. Serves as a lead in presenting and training on Honors College-specific information session. Assists in recruitment and marketing functions relating to Honors College admissions.

This position requires frequent evening and weekend work and extensive travel.

Responsibilities:

Actively recruits new undergraduate students to Mason's Honors College by conducting recruitment activities in assigned territories

• Contacts and travels to schools or community colleges;
• Meets and corresponds with prospective students and their families;
• Conducts presentations that highlight George Mason University;
• Schedules and conducts high school visits and college fairs;
• Manages university funds responsibly;
• Engages in appropriate follow-up activities with prospective students and Honors College applicants encountered during recruitment cycle;
• Provides leadership and organization to Honors College Recruitment Team (HCRT) student group;
  • Keeps the student-run recruitment and training process organized;
  • Facilitates the class shadow process in conjunction with the Ambassadors;
  • Orders necessary supplies for the program;
  • Maintains member database;
  • Attends HCRT meetings and runs them when needed;
• Supports internal and external college access partnerships between the Honors College, the Admissions Office, and partner organizations;
• Stays up to date on all relevant information and policies about the Honors College and the broader institution; and
• Serves as a leader in training other professional staff for Honors College recruitment.

Reviews undergraduate applicant files and independently makes appropriate admissions decisions following established policies and procedures

• Handles a caseload of several hundred freshman applicant files and serves as second reader for approximately 4,400 Honors College applications in Early Action;
• Reviews additional general applications in Regular Decision;
• First reviewer of transfer Honors College applicants;
• Enters decisions in student database;
• Contributes to end of cycle reporting to be shared with unit partners;
• Leverages understanding of university's customer relationship management (CRM) software and student information system (SIS) to improve processes and efficiency; and
• Serves as an active and committed member of the admissions committee. 

Serves as the Counselor of the Day (COD), the on-call person to meet with prospective students and families that walk into the office and as the contact person for any escalations from the front-line service team as scheduled:

• Serves as the Informational Officer of the Day (IOD), conducting information sessions presented to prospective students and their families on academics, campus life and how to apply to George Mason University;
• Actively participates in admissions events;
• Conducts freshman and Honors College sessions several times per month, or as assigned;
• Actively participates in admissions-sponsored and Honors-led events, including University Scholars Program selection events; Assists with planning and logistics, as assigned; and
• Serves on Honors College Communication Committee;

Participates in marketing related activities in conjunction with the office of Integrated Enrollment Marketing, the Honors College, and the Office of Admissions:

• Reviews, edits, and contributes content related to prospective and admitted undergraduate students; 
• Provides Honors College-specific information and customer service through involvement with day-to-day marketing activities;
• Performs other related duties as assigned; and
• Efficiently and conscientiously perform specific tasks as directed. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated experience providing customer service;
• Demonstrated analytical skills;
• Skill in making independent decisions;
• Skill in public speaking in large and small group situations;
• Ability to perform work with substantial attention to detail;
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations;
• Demonstrated ability to work positively as a member of a team;
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information and situations;
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a deadline-driven environment;
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems;
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills; and
• Valid driver's license: 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/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education with knowledge of the admissions process;
• Experience in an Honors College setting;
• Experience with Ellucian Banner;
• Experience with Salesforce CRM;
• Demonstrated experience in holistic selective application review;
• Demonstrated experience in creating and editing digital marketing materials;
• Familiarity with Mason's physical campus and surrounding area;
• Familiarity with Mason's diverse population, admissions processes, campus offerings for students, and campus events; and
• Bilingual.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Admissions Counselor, Honors College at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: July 18, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  August 1, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes