Admissions Counselor

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

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Starting salary low $40k; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The Division for Enrollment Management, as part of the Office of the Provost at George Mason University, supports student recruitment, retention, and success. We develop and implement strategic enrollment management plans, create and facilitate processes, and inform policies that guide students through their academic journey from recruitment to post-matriculation. Driven by a commitment to transparent, data-informed decision-making, the Division advances institutional enrollment goals through collaboration, innovation, and a student-centered approach.

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 Admissions Counselor actively recruits new freshmen and transfer students 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 services 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.

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

Responsibilities:

• Actively recruits new undergraduate students by conducting recruitment activities in assigned territories:
  • Contacts and travels to schools or community colleges;
  • Meets 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 applicants encountered during recruitment cycle;
  • Remains up to date on all relevant information/policies about the institution;
• Reviews freshmen undergraduate applicant files and makes appropriate admissions decisions in the student database following established policies and procedures;
  • Handles a caseload of approximately 3,000 freshmen applicant files;
  • Supports review of transfer and/or non-degree applicants, as needed;
  • 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;
• Conducts prospective student information sessions several times per month, or as assigned;
• Actively participates in admissions events and assists with planning and logistics, as assigned;
• Participates in marketing related activities in conjunction with the Office of Integrated Enrollment Marketing and the Office of Admissions, as needed;
• Reviews, edits, and contributes content related to prospective and admitted undergraduate students;
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned; and
• Efficiently and conscientiously performs specific tasks as directed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in related field;
• Demonstrated customer service experience;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated analytical skills;
• Ability to speak effectively in front of large and small groups;
• Ability to perform work with substantial attention to detail;
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse populations;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team;
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information and situations;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, often working on multiple projects concurrently and adhering to tight deadlines; 
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems; and
• 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:

• Previous experience working in an office environment;
• Experience working in higher education with knowledge of the admissions process;
• Experience with Ellucian Banner;
• Experience with Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) software;
• Familiar with George Mason's physical campus and surrounding area;
• Familiar with George 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 the Admissions Counselor 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:  April 13, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  April 24, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes