Academic Advisor

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, Manassas, and Arlington, VA (as needed)

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary range starting upper $50k; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose of the Department of Information Sciences and Technology is to prepare individuals of competence and character for a successful career in academia, industry, or government in the areas related to information technology through their coursework, research, and professional development activities.

About the Position:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive academic advising to students in the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Department. The advisor supports student success by guiding course selection, degree planning, and university policies, while fostering engagement and retention. This role also involves collaborating with faculty, staff, and university offices to ensure a high-quality advising experience aligned with the department’s academic goals and student support mission.

Some evening hours will be required for certain recruitment events.
The work schedule is subject to be conducive to office needs and position holder availability.

*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 students in all academic matters, including academic policies, and course selection for the undergraduate and graduate IST department programs;
• As students progress through their academic program, provides support with any transfer concerns, pre- and co-requisite enforcement, necessary overrides, and graduation audits;
• Provides responses to admission, transfer and graduation inquiries;
• Provides outreach to all students, particularly those considered at-risk;
• Maintains communication with students via email and social media;
• Supports IST faculty by maintaining current information available for student advising;
• Manages multiple mailboxes and corresponding mailing lists;
• Participates in department, school, and university committees related to undergraduate academic advising, including Mason Academic Advisor Network (MAAN); and
• Supports tracking and reporting for all activities including: overrides, at-risk students, terminated students, and graduation requirements. 

Student Affairs

• Assists the associate chairs in overseeing the program function and delivery;
• Participates in university wide programs and events such as admissions, orientations, advising, graduation, and other social and networking events; and
• Generates correspondence in communicating with students, faculty, and other administrators in writing and via email or other communication means in response to students and other constituents' inquiries in fostering student success as needed. 

Program Evaluation, Credentialing & Accreditation

• Assists the associate chairs in planning, developing, improving, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures governing admissions, orientation, and registration processes, including enrollment management and graduation activities;
• Assists the associate chairs in collaboration, coordination, research and providing student data and statistics to perform data analysis towards improving the quality of the program and the student services function and departmental performances; and
• Provides support for program review, including ABET, Nuventive, and Academic Program Review. 

Other Duties as Assigned

• Administers and processes surveys for students;
• Oversees and manages the IST PhD Qualifying Exams;
• Supports the faculty with organizing IST Research symposium, research events, and special events;
• Develops and maintains social media presence of IST; and
• Other departmental needs that arise shall be met as appropriate. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience in setting and meeting deadlines;
• Knowledge of general office practices and equipment;
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, as well as be able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize accordingly;
• Customer service attitude that projects a competent and positive image of the department; and
• Self-sufficient ability to use word processing, spreadsheets, database, PowerPoint/Prezi presentations, internet, and other current PC tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Combination of education and experience is highly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience (typically 5 years) working at a university or in an administrative position;
• Extensive experience with Integrative Banner, DegreeWorks, Stellic, and MicroStrategy (ERP, BI, Report Writing);
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous academic advising experience; and 
• Familiarity with GMU policies and procedures.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for 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, resume, and DARS certificate of disability (optional).

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Open Date: October 7, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  October 21, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes