Graduate Admissions Specialist

Department: College of Public Health

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: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Public Health (CPH) Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is responsible for enhancing and strengthening all aspects of the student experience in the College (pre-admission through graduation). The office is the primary physical space to welcome current and prospective students and other visitors to the college, and provides guidance and support to students through recruitment, admissions, advising, assessment, and student engagement.

About the Position:

The Graduate Admissions Specialist supports prospective and admitted graduate students through recruitment, review of applicants, and orientation support for CPH graduate programs. Although this role supports recruitment and admissions efforts across all programs, there is particular focus on the programs offered in our Central Application Systems (CAS) with Liaison CAS. The Graduate Admissions Specialist receives and processes all applications in our CAS systems and/or Salesforce TargetX, ensures that all required documentation is received to complete a graduate application; including sending a link for a supplemental TargetX application, forwards file to the department for review, and ensures consistent communication with applicants throughout the application process. This individual works closely with Risepoint and the Central Office of Graduate Admissions to ensure admission decisions are updated in Salesforce TargetX to have decision letters sent out. The Graduate Admissions Specialist serves as a point of contact regarding applicant inquiries via the CPH Graduate Admissions email and main phone line.

Responsibilities:

Graduate Program Support

• Manages and implements the daily operations related to the processing of applications in the Graduate Admissions Office for the College of Public Health.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Application Reports – Saves and shares weekly reports reflecting the status of new incoming graduate applications;
• Provides admissions data for accreditation reports;
• Supplemental Applications – Ensures applicants in CAS systems are receiving and assists if needed in completion of the application;
• Works closely with colleagues on the CPH Graduate Admissions team to ensure decision/letters are updated in a timely manner;
• Research Files – Prepares applicant file folders by researching and checking for transcripts, letters of recommendations, goals statements, test scores, and other supporting documents in the holding file, web extender, and AY system;
• Data Entry – Enters information that has was not originally submitted online into the student record (e.g. paper transcripts);
• CPH Grad Email/phone –Responds to student inquiries;
• Develops and revises templates for commonly asked questions, and provides other relevant information to prospective students;
• Ensures away messages are updated when the office is closed;
• Prepares Files for Faculty Review – Performs the necessary steps in the student information system to complete applicant files for faculty review; sends appropriate emails based on applicant file needs;
• Enters Decisions – Inputs admission decision into Salesforce for each applicant and ensures the letter is posted for the student in a timely fashion;
• Creates Notification Letters – Creates and loads letters into the CAS systems and/or TargetX to direct applicants to their official admission decision letters;
• Close Cycle – Wraps up the end of the admissions cycle by sending the appropriate emails to each applicant. Audits and verifies enrolled student files prior to sending them to the Registrar’s Office; and
• Assess Process - Assesses reasons for incomplete applications, and develops approaches to improve application completion rates.

Customer Service

• Works collaboratively with various university departments including but not limited to CPH internal departments, Registrar’s Office, Central Admissions Office, International Credential Evaluation Office, Student Accounts and Office of International Programs and Services; and
• Assists prospective students, students, faculty, advisors and administrators in person, by phone, and via e-mail in the CPH Graduate Admissions Office.

Communication with Prospective and Admitted Students

• Hosts Information Sessions with CPH Department Chairs, faculty and other CPH Graduate Admissions staff;
• Creates, formats, edits, tests, and launches email campaigns through Target X;
• Develops reports and campaigns to effectively communicate with prospective students at each stage of the admissions cycle;
• Represents the College at graduate fairs and other recruitment events;
• Assists in the planning and implementation of graduate orientations for newly admitted students; and
• Supports the development of web marketing and inbound recruitment efforts with CPH Graduate Admissions and CPH Marketing and Communication.

Office Support

• Provides general support for the Office of Student Affairs; assists with CPH Degree Celebration and other CPH events; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience;
• Experience serving diverse populations;
• Demonstrated experience in customer service or student-facing roles;
• Proven administrative or clerical experience;
• Working knowledge of computer software including MS Teams, MS Office Suite applications, and MS Forms;
• Proven organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to multi-task in a high volume, fast-paced environment;
• Ability to make decisions, prioritize multi-level tasks, and work independently;
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced workplace;
• Strong written and oral communication;
• Strong attention to detail with a track record of maintaining accuracy in high-volume or deadline-driven environments; and
• Microsoft Office Suite – Access, Excel, Word, Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Progressively responsible experience (typically one year or more) related to enrollment or admissions in a college/university setting, or in student services or an administrative position;
• Experience using Student Information Systems – e.g. Banner, Salesforce TargetX, MicroStrategy and PatriotWeb;
• Experience with managing Student Information Systems – e.g. creating programs, configuring settings, running reports strongly preferred;
• Knowledge of graduate admissions processes, policies and procedures; and
• Knowledge of and/or work experience in higher education.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Graduate Admissions Specialist (Req #10003242 ) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information (one of which is a most recent supervisor), and provide a cover letter, and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: September 26, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  October 10, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes