Academic Advisor - CYSE

Plans and implements academic success, orientation, and student engagement programs that promote retention and student success;

Develops workshops and programs focused on academic planning, orientation, and student success;

Develops, disseminates and maintains resources to assist students with academic planning and development of academic/career/professional knowledge and skills;

Coordinates complex activities to support student academic planning;

Understands and implements proper use of rules and procedures concerning confidentiality;

Provides accurate interpretation of university and departmental policies and procedures to students, families, and faculty; and

Assists with graduation audits, communicates degree deficiencies to students, and discusses options for degree completion.

Database Management

• Maintains accurate and timely student records in Patriot Connect, including advising notes, tags, email communications, and appointment availability;
• Utilizes Patriot Connect database to create and/or participate in campaigns for targeted outreach to select students;
• Utilizes Banner INB student information system to review student transcripts, records, course registration history, and processing course overrides; and
• Manages program-specific inboxes, listservs, and learning management system organizations.

Special Events and Projects

• Coordinates departmental events, orientation activities, and special projects as assigned;
• Actively participates in professional development experiences when available to stay current with best practices and enhance effectiveness in the role; and
• Executes special projects and duties assigned to support the department.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience providing customer service, advising, student support, or client services in a professional, internship, or leadership setting;
• Experience interpreting and explaining complex policies, rules, or guidelines to a diverse audience;
• Experience managing data entry, tracking records, or maintaining email inboxes using professional software or database tools;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and the ability to effectively engage with students from a wide diversity of backgrounds;
• Excellent presentation skills;
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills;
• Relationship skills: teamwork, collaboration, networking, development;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, data management systems, internet-based applications, and emerging technologies such as AI tools;
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities while providing exceptional service to a diverse student population;
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team both within and outside the department; and
• Demonstrated ability to organize workshops, events, or small-scale programs while balancing multiple administrative tasks independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Generally, 1+ years of direct experience in higher education, specifically within academic advising, student affairs, registrar services, or admissions;
• Experience managing a large caseload of students or clients in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment;
• Experience developing administrative workflows to improve student support services;
• Knowledge and technical proficiency utilizing higher education platforms such as student information systems (SIS)/student record databases (e.g., Banner) and CRMs; and
• Ability to manage a large, diverse caseload of students independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, detail-oriented environment.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Academic Advisor - CYSE at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: August 27, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 10, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Engineering: The Future of Engineering is Here

About the College:

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC enrolled a record high of 11,296 students in fall 2024. The college has 34 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of its 309 full-time faculty, 100 are tenured, 58 are tenure-track, 96 are term faculty, and 55 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $83.7 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $68 million in awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunity for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About the University and the Region:

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students studying in over 200 degree programs. Mason is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About the Future:

In conjunction with Amazon’s decision to establish a second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing. As a result, Mason has committed to accelerate its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the university’s exciting initiatives are the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovation—a university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy—and the expansion of Mason Square home to its Arlington facilities. In 2025, Fuse a new 355,000 square foot building, will open to students, faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of the-art classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space, and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by Mason that will rapidly elevate the university’s already leading national position in computing and related areas.

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

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/