Graduate Admissions Specialist

Department: Office of Admissions

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: Salary starting in the mid-$40,000s, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background 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 Graduate Admissions Specialist processes graduate applications from the point of submission to the time of enrollment.

Responsibilities:

• • Processes graduate admissions applications using customer relationship management (CRM) software, Banner, and other systems, according to processing guidelines outlined by administration;
  • Serves as a graduate admission point of contact regarding applicants and newly admitted students for in-state tuition or domicile eligibility, including answering extensive questions regarding graduate admissions applications for in-state tuition and domicile eligibility through phone, e-mail, and in-person interactions;
  • Serves as primary graduate admissions point of contact and back-up contact to specific graduate units/programs, as assigned;
  • Stays up to date on all new admissions initiatives and processes;
  • Provides basic admissions data request responses for assigned graduate units contacts;
  • Researches incomplete applications for missing documentation for student's application;
  • Contacts applicants on a regular basis via multiple communication channels regarding their applications;
  • Enters and updates demographic information in systems, as needed;
  • Ensures that all applications meet official university record management requirements;
  • Reviews and forwards applications to appropriate graduate units, ensures that applications meet minimum admission requirements;
  • Reviews and makes domicile decisions in a quick, efficient manner, providing timely responses to questions related to in-state tuition applications;
  • Helps create processing documents and lead trainings; and
  • Attends and actively participates in all admissions-sponsored events, assists with planning and logistics, as assigned. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience working in a university environment, customer service, or administrative position;
• General knowledge of office workflow and project management procedures;
• Ability to prioritize projects often working on multiple projects concurrently and adhering to tight deadlines;
• Ability to perform work effectively with minimal supervision;
• Ability to learn procedures quickly and communicate learned procedures to train others;
• Effective customer service skills;
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively document policies and procedures; and 
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Ellucian Banner;
• Experience with basic customer relationship management (CRM) software, especially Salesforce/TargetX; 
• Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills with strong process-oriented thinking; 
• Working knowledge of the process for application for in-state tuition eligibility pursuant to the State Code of Virginia (* 23-7.4); 
• Knowledge of the graduate application process; and
• Bilingual.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Graduate Admissions Specialist 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.

Posting Open Date: June 28, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 15, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes