George Mason University

Assistant Director, Graduate Programs

Department: Costello College of Business

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

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About The Department

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University is one of the largest business schools in Virginia, and is located near Washington, D.C., in Arlington and Fairfax, and at George Mason’s global campus in Incheon, South Korea. The college’s AACSB-accredited business and accounting curricula prepare undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. and across the globe for career success in business and government. Its research-based faculty and focus on multi-disciplinary academic programs, inclusive entrepreneurship, modular education, experiential learning, and corporate partner engagement are transforming the landscape of business education and workforce development. Learn more at business.gmu.edu.

About The Position

The Assistant Director for Graduate Programs is primarily responsible for executing the day-to-day operations of graduate programs including: student services, event planning, program logistics, and being a liaison with the faculty. Depending on current level of student enrollments and programmatic needs, this position could be assigned to support any one of our graduate programs. This position reports directly to and works under the supervision of the Senior Director of Specialized Master's Programs. The Assistant Director for Graduate Programs works collaboratively with the Academic Directors to fulfill the needs of the programs and students. The Academic Directors will provide input to the direct supervisor on establishing goals/duties for the position as well as provide input on performance to be incorporated in the yearly annual evaluation. This position also assists the other graduate programs advising team, Director for Graduate Enrollment, and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, providing student data and information, as needed.

Responsibilities

Student Liaison and Advising:

  • Serves as the main point of contact for students in the assigned graduate programs regarding academic advising for new and current graduate students. Answers questions from students regarding scheduling, registration, program requirements, graduation, and policy compliance;
  • Manages student listservs and Salesforce campaigns. Communicates general announcements on behalf of the graduate program and other constituents;
  • Organizes and runs modular cohort representative meetings to solicit student feedback and share program updates and announcements;
  • Monitors students' degree progression and communicates registration requirements to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Academic Services. Provides advising to pathway students into degree program (e.g., INTO Mason, Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's, graduate certificates). Works with INTO advisors to plan appropriate orientation and advising for the program; and
  • Serves as staff advisor to student groups and organizations.

Program Operations

  • Manages the day-to-day operations of the assigned graduate programs including program logistics, global residency logistics if applicable, and monitoring of budget;
  • Coordinates and runs mid-module cohort representative meetings to solicit feedback and share program updates;
  • Provides input on budget planning and provides support and reports as needed for budget execution;
  • Develops and enhances processes to enable the program to operate more efficiently and in a more successful manner; and
  • Assists other graduate programs Assistant Directors and Program Managers as needed.

Procurement

  • Manages program vendors (residency [if applicable], promotional items, catering, speakers, etc.) including developing requests for proposals and managing vendor selection; and
  • Utilizes the eVA system, Catering System, and other procurement systems to process purchases for programs.

Event Planning And Support

  • Manages event planning for program events (e.g., Program Immersion, graduation events, advising events, networking events, and industry events);
  • Ensures all events are properly planned, scheduled, and communicated;
  • Supports the planning and execution of recruitment events in support of the assigned graduate programs. Recruits at the undergraduate campus and regional fairs as needed; and
  • Represents graduate admissions at Accelerated Master’s campus events.

Recruitment Support And Enrollment Planning

  • Schedules and arranges prospective student class visits. Maintains records of multiple pathways into the assigned graduate programs and utilizes admissions databases to assist faculty and admissions staff in decisions about admissions and enrollment management for the graduate programs.

Strategic Planning And Development

  • Responsible for contributing to strategy development and implementation for the assigned graduate programs including program positioning, increasing competitive advantages, and partnering opportunities.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Demonstrated work experience in a related professional setting;
  • Ability to interact well and relate well to people including having a strong customer service orientation;
  • Ability to manage budgets;
  • Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent attention to detail with strong ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment;
  • Demonstrated ability to serve as part of a team and develop productive working relationships with multiple constituencies (i.e., student, faculty, staff, and alumni);
  • Familiarity with a university environment including an understanding of the organizational and governance structure of major colleges and universities; and
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the Microsoft office suite, and ability to produce reports and visuals using Microsoft applications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in related field;
  • Expertise and experience working with graduate-level students and online programs;
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of program administration and experience in a graduate program setting; and
  • Understanding the goals and objectives of the Costello College of Business graduate programs.

Instructions To Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Director, Graduate Programs 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 25, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 10, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/
  • Seniority level

    Entry level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Other
  • Industries

    Higher Education

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