Graduate Programs Assistant

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science

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 Department of Economics at George Mason University is globally recognized for research excellence and for its vibrant graduate programs at the PhD and MA levels. We are committed to fostering a collaborative academic environment that supports student success and institutional innovation.

About the Position:

The Graduate Programs Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of the Economics Graduate Studies Office (GSO). Working closely with the Graduate Coordinator (GC) and Director of Graduate Programs (DGP), the Assistant helps execute a wide range of functions including admissions, academic advising support, exam logistics, student communications, and graduate program marketing. This is a team-oriented role requiring strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities:

Academic Affairs and Student Support

• Assists GC and DGP in advising graduate students on university policies, degree progress, course registration, and deadlines;
• Attends relevant college meetings to stay informed of academic policy changes and help implement them Examinations;
• Helps coordinate logistics for graduate exams, proctoring, preparation of exam materials, and results processing;
• Maintains confidentiality and security of exam content and records Communications;
• Assists in maintaining graduate program webpages, Canvas sites, and other online resources; and
• Helps manage listservs, email communications, and advising schedules.

Admissions

• Responds to inquiries from prospective students and guide them through the application process;
• Supports the preparation and review of application files;
• Assists with compiling admissions reports and work with admissions committee to submit admission decisions; and
• Assists with coordination of communications for admitted students to share first year plans, and respond to their inquiries to facilitate initial enrollment.

Program Assessment and Marketing

• Supports data collection and reporting for enrollment trends and program assessment;
• Assists in the development and implementation of digital and print marketing strategies; and
• With the DGP and GC, works with CHSS marketing staff and university units to update outreach materials and refine program branding.

Administrative Support and Records

• Helps implement and improve operational policies and procedures in collaboration with GC and DGP;
• Helps maintain student and program records, including admissions, and academic progress, grade audits, and funding information; and
• Other duties may be assigned to support the overall mission and function of the Economics Graduate Programs Office.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Proficient in PC-based or Mac software packages to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, webpage maintenance;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team environment, as well as independently; and
• Ability to handle confidential student data with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or substantial experience in an academic setting;
• Working in a fast-paced environment;
• Proficient knowledge of Ellucian Banner, Patriot Web, Canvas, Salesforce, or similar university systems;
• Proficient knowledge of data collection and reporting tools (e.g. MicroStrategy, Slate);
• Knowledge of web content management tools and social media platforms;
• Knowledge of academic communications, marketing, or student services;
• Strong creativity skills;
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies; and
• Ability to handle the responsible management of data.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Graduate Programs Assistant 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: March 6, 2026

Posting Close Date: March 20, 2026

Open Until Filled:  No