Associate Director of Student and Academic Affairs

Department: Col of Ed and Human Development

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 commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is an inclusive community of scholars, educators, and practitioners dedicated to the lifelong pursuit of learning, development, and well-being. Through transdisciplinary collaboration, we innovate and produce research that positively impacts the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

The CEHD Office of Student and Academic Affairs (SAA) is a collaborative leader, partnering with faculty, staff, and the broader community to prepare our students to thrive as lifelong learners and agents of change. The SAA Student Success team strives to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every CEHD student is valued, empowered, and equipped to achieve their academic and personal goals. We advocate for the success of CEHD students from orientation to graduation by providing academic support, opportunities for student engagement, and resources to promote retention, belonging, and overall well-being.

About the Position:

The Associate Director of Student and Academic Affairs, reporting to the Assistant Dean for Student Success, leads and executes activities key to ensuring CEHD student academic success and retention. This position serves as the primary resource and college expert on university and CEHD policies and procedures; advises and consults students, faculty, and staff through the process for requesting academic actions and exceptions; liaises with university partners to enhance systems of support and resolve student issues; assists the Assistant Dean for Student Success with managing complex student cases; represents the College on relevant, key university committees; and assumes responsibility for management of daily operations of the CEHD Student Success team in the absence of the Assistant Dean.

The Associate Director of Student and Academic Affairs coordinates front-line support and initial outreach to students of concern, triages staff/faculty reports via SAA’s Student Referral System, makes appropriate referrals to partner offices (e.g., Student Support and Advocacy Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Services, Title IX, Timely Care), escalates cases for further intervention, and engages in systematic follow-up and tracking of students of concern throughout CEHD. This position also serves as the primary point of contact for students seeking withdrawals, exceptions, and appeals, particularly for those navigating extenuating circumstances such as personal, medical, mental health, or financial barriers to their success.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the CEHD expert on Mason and CEHD policy and procedure; facilitates student success and retention while maintaining an in-depth knowledge of CEHD program requirements, college and university protocols, and high level of confidentiality and discretion. Oversees academic termination appeals, grade appeals, grievances/complaints, course withdrawals and course drop requests; provides collaborative and consultative support to CEHD staff, faculty, academic advisors, and university partners. Collects and prepares all materials for student cases for Assistant Dean's review and serves as primary point of contact and communicator for students submitting appeals or exceptions. Holds signatory authority for select academic actions; resolves students' registration, enrollment and academic concerns, and refers students to appropriate CEHD and Mason staff, services, and resources as necessary. Manages CEHD SAA generic email account.
• Monitors SAA Student Referral System to triage attendance, engagement, and academic progress concerns and risk factors, and facilitates appropriate outreach or referrals to on-campus and off-campus resources. Collaborates with CEHD faculty and staff and university partners to track students of concern, provides holistic support, and monitors their continued progress. Refers students to SAA protocols for withdrawals, appeals, and exceptions as needed.
• Liaises with student support services, resources, and campus partners such as SSAC, CAPS, Student Health, TimelyCare, Student Conduct, Residence Life, Disability Services, Learning Services, Undergraduate Education, and the Graduate Division to facilitate collaboration across campus, while representing CEHD and serving on key university-wide committees.
• Assumes leadership of key operations and functions of the CEHD Student Success Team in the absence of the Assistant Dean. Attends key and relevant CEHD and university committee and work group meetings as designated. Engages in strategic planning and special projects for CEHD SAA leadership.
• Provides support to, and works collaboratively with, the Student Affairs Specialist. Supervises and mentors administrative support staff and student worker(s).
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the CEHD Student Success team and as determined by CEHD SAA leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment;
• Experience with delivering effective, timely, responsive and accurate communication to multiple stakeholders;
• Experience maintaining confidentiality of sensitive records and personal information;
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising, student support, and student development theories and principles;
• Understanding of effective strategies and best practices for student retention and persistence, along with student well-being and belonging;
• Broad knowledge of current trends and issues within higher education;
• Familiarity with FERPA guidelines and best practices regarding student confidentiality;
• Demonstrated verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to analyze and resolve complex student circumstances and provide holistic support for diverse student populations;
• Ability to provide support and guidance to students, faculty, staff, and campus partners, by responding thoughtfully and accurately to outreach and requests; and
• Proficiency in multi-tasking and prioritization of individual and collaborative projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Prior experience working in a student/academic affairs office or an educational setting (K-12, higher education), providing direct student support services;
• Background in mental health/counseling or other related student support area;
• Prior background working with students experiencing academic, personal, or professional challenges or barriers to success or degree completion;
• Experience with analyzing and resolving complex student cases with an eye towards enhancing student well-being, belonging, and success;
• Experience conducting outreach, triaging student concerns, making appropriate referrals, and following-up and tracking students of concern, escalating high-level cases appropriately;
• Knowledge of Banner, DegreeWorks/Stellic, Navigate/Salesforce, Blackboard/Canvas, MicroStrategy, and other university or student information systems;
• Knowledge of Commonwealth, University, and CEHD policies and procedures;
• Ability to liaise effectively on behalf of SAA and serve as a strong advocate for students with campus partners and support services throughout the institution (e.g., CAPS, Student Support and Advocacy Center, Dean of Students Office, Title IX, Student Conduct, Academic Integrity);
• Familiarity with academic programs offered by the CEHD; and
• Commitment to improving CEHD and university systems and policies in support of student persistence, retention, well-being, and success.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Associate Director of Student and Academic Affairs 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 CV for review.

Posting Open Date:  1/14/2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  1/28/2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes