For complex exception cases, manage the full exception to
policy process: review initial submissions using internal systems,
identify and request additional documentation, conduct critical
analysis based on policy criteria, and draft a comprehensive
summary with recommendations for supervisory review and discussion.
Prepare and deliver oral briefings, draft final decisions, and
ensure timely communication with student, faculty, and staff, and
maintain proper records of management;
Manage the graduate student appeals process involving faculty
review committees: conduct thorough review of student submissions,
prepare and distribute materials, brief committee members on key
issues, facilitate communication between stakeholders, and ensure
timely resolution and notification of outcomes to students and
stakeholders;
Serve as the primary resource for inquiries related to academic
exceptions and appeals, ensuring timely, accurate responses;
Oversee internal record management processes so they are
carried out in compliance with accreditation and university
procedures and lead any needed enhancements;
Manage graduate student leave of absence requests, including
review of submissions, follow-up for additional documentation,
eligibility evaluation based on academic policy, engagement with
students and stakeholders as needed, and communication of outcomes
using established workflows;
Maintain strict confidentiality of all student records and
sensitive information in accordance with university policy;
and
Utilize available data to support the supervisor in assessing
implementation of new policies and procedures, and in identifying
trends and gaps in policy exception requests.
Graduate Policy and Procedures:
- Contribute to the development of new and enhanced graduate
student academic and admissions policies through review, issue
identification, and assist in gathering input from
stakeholders;
- Collaborate with graduate partners to ensure creation,
implementation, and communication of procedures and processes that
enhance the graduate student experience and assist in ensuring
units’ compliance with existing graduate university, academic, and
admission policies through analysis of available data and
university engagement; and
- Work with the Graduate Division Operations team to identify and
provide information relating to requirements, updates, and
maintenance needs that ensure accurate graduate academic and
admissions policy and procedures information is presented on
relevant webpages.
Communication and Outreach:
- Assist with the development and implementation of relevant
policies and procedures and the management of communication with
all graduate policies and procedures;
- Contribute towards presentations and training related to
graduate education of new faculty and staff through written and
verbal communication;
- Serve as a primary liaison for academic units and
administration on the use of systems related to graduate academic
and admissions policies and procedures; and
- Chair college/school graduate academic affairs working
group.
Technology Support and Data Management:
- Help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing
academic affairs technology and data management tools for
operational efficiency;
- Collaborate with Graduate Division partners to support
innovations in graduate academic electronic workflows and other
related technologies to address graduate education needs across
academic units and elevate the graduate student experience;
and
- Help facilitate and participate in the testing of new
technologies and processes. Engage with schools and colleges to
gather feedback regarding impact.
Graduate Council Support:
- Support the planning and operations of the Graduate Council by
coordinating key administrative functions, including the
development and editing of policy documents, monitoring chat room
questions and discussions, and ensuring meeting minutes are
complete by assigned staff; and
- Ensure timely execution of follow-up actions, including catalog
entries, and assisting in the development of the Council’s annual
agenda in collaboration with the supervisor.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field, or the equivalent
combination of education and experience;
- Generally, 2-4 years experience as a professional in a
fast-paced office environment, and strong stakeholder or customer
service experience;
- Experience with policies, codes, regulations, rules or
laws;
- Knowledge of and familiarity with applying policies and
procedures to presented circumstances coupled with the ability to
facilitate the administration of related processes;
- Knowledge of effective communication and stakeholder management
techniques to professionally engage with a wide variety of
stakeholders;
- Skill in information gathering, analysis, and clear, concise
written and verbal presentation;
- Skill in operating applicable office equipment and software,
including MS Office and Adobe products, and the ability to learn
and utilize new technology;
- Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple tasks
concurrently in a professional setting to ensure timely completion
that meets deadlines;
- Ability to proactively identify needs and assist in development
and execution of solutions;
- Ability to produce high-quality, detail-oriented work
independently and collaboratively; and
- Ability to manage information and records while maintaining
confidentiality and compliance with requirements for student and
Graduate Division materials and discussions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in related field;
- Experience in higher education at the graduate student
level;
- Experience with George Mason higher education student
information and reporting tools;
- Knowledge of higher education academic processes and ability to
communicate them;
- Knowledge and interest in issues impacting graduate
education;
- Skill in data collection and assessment; and
- Demonstrated familiarity, skill, and interest in higher
education operations and technology.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the
Senior
Graduate Academic Affairs Coordinator 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: September 18, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 9, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
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.
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Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at
http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/
