"Director of University Life"

The Director of University Life(UL) at George Mason University Korea (Mason Korea) provides strategic leadership for programs and services that foster student engagement, belonging, and well-being. The Director oversees Student Involvement, Student Housing & Residence Life, Student Conduct, and the Center for Well-Being, ensuring co-curricular initiatives align with Mason Korea’s educational mission and the University Life vision: Every Student Succeeds.

As a senior leader, the Director reports to the Associate Dean of UL and advances Mason Korea’s goals for academic excellence, global engagement, and community development by cultivating inclusive environments, empowering students, and supporting holistic student success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach UNIV 100: Introduction to George Mason course designed to assist first-year students with their transition from high school to college life at Mason.
• Provide vision and direction for UL areas in student involvement, student housing, and Well-Being
• Align programs and services with the UL mission to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment
• Advance Mason Korea’s mission of preparing globally minded, career-ready graduates through co-curricular learning
• Serve on the UL leadership team, contributing to divisional planning, assessment, and student success initiatives
• Lead new student orientation and transition programs to strengthen engagement and belonging
• Provide oversight of inclusive leadership opportunities and meaningful involvement pathways for students
• Support campus traditions that foster belonging, school pride, and global citizenship
• Provide strategic oversight of residential operations, including community development, education, and conduct
• Implement living-learning and transition-focused initiatives (e.g., First-Semester Experience) to support student adjustment and resource connection
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate academic support, wellness education, and leadership development into the residential experience
• Serve as a primary conduct officer; coordinate responses to behavior concerns with Title IX, Housing, faculty, and/or local law enforcement
• Participate in the on-call rotation to respond to student emergencies
• Provide strategic oversight of well-being initiatives promoting health, resilience, and social wellness
• Partner with stakeholders to deliver coordinated, student-centered care and crisis intervention
• Serve on the Mason Korea Student CARE Team
• Supervise professional staff and student employees, fostering accountability, innovation, and growth
• Lead recruitment, training, and evaluations of professional staff
• Manage departmental budgets with the Associate Dean; oversee expenditures and resource allocation
• Implement assessment and data-informed strategies for program improvement
• Ensure compliance with university, accreditation, and legal standards
• Represent the university in committees, meetings, and external partnerships
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies
• Exceptional administrative, management, and organization skills
• Ability to impart sometimes sensitive or controversial information with tact and sensitivity to diverse group with divergent interests
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance principles and practices
• Knowledge of business management and fiscal practices
• Skill in people leadership and supervision
• Ability to work through processes quickly and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to synthesize detailed, complex information into clear and compelling recommendations for problem
• Proficient with operating a computer and various supporting software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Canva)

REQUIREMENT

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, with demonstrated leadership in related areas such as student involvement, housing, conduct, well-being
• Minimum of five years of professional staff supervisory experience
• Strong skills in staff supervision, budget management, and program development and assessment
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centered practice
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
• High level of communication in English (both written and oral)

PREFERRED

• Experience working in an international or cross-cultural university setting
• Previous leadership role at the director or assistant/associate director level

Working Conditions

• Some evening and weekend work required supporting student events, conduct hearings, and emergency response
• Occasional travel for professional development or student programs

To Apply

For full consideration, applicants should do the following by October 09, 2025. Submit applications in our hiring site (click on "Apply for this Job" on the right)

• A cover letter that explains your interest in the position and any other relevant experience
• Current curriculum vitae
• At least three references with full contact information. References will not be contacted without consent from applicants

Expected Start Date: January 1, 2026

About George Mason Korea

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. It is among the 115 or so top “R1” ranked research universities in the US and in the top 200 of the Shanghai World Ranking of Universities. A public university located in Fairfax Virginia, George Mason is 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.

George Mason, Korea, is George Mason’s campus in Songdo, South Korea. Mason Korea was established as part of George Mason University’s commitment to education on a global scale and its belief in the power of international perspective and connection. Mason Korea is located on the Incheon Global Campus (IGC), which it shares with three other international branch campuses. Mason Korea students, staff, and faculty have access to modern facilities and resources on the IGC for a terrific living and work environment. Songdo, South Korea is a modern “smart” city designed from the start with large parks, plentiful walking and bike paths, and excellent public transportation. Songdo is convenient to Korea’s Incheon International Airport—around a half hour by car—as well as to the capital city of Seoul—around an hour by car. Further information on Mason Korea can be found at masonkorea.gmu.edu

Please note that while Mason Korea is an international campus of George Mason University, this position is specific to Mason Korea. The successful candidate will be required to work at the Mason Korea campus in Incheon Songdo, Korea. This role does not support remote work, and all teaching is at the undergraduate level.