Academic Advisor

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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

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

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 Academic Advisor engages students in interpreting and applying George Mason University and the Costello College of Business programs and services, requirements, policies and procedures. Evaluates students' academic progress, provides guidance in determining students' academic interests and objectives and aides them to develop long-range academic and career plans. Provides academic advising for a large population of undergraduate business students. Develops quality programs to identify and support students' academic problems and career choice difficulties. Plans innovative and high quality programs and events to enhance students' academic development and interests and to prepare students to meet today's job market demands.

Responsibilities:

Student Interaction

• Provides in-person and virtual academic advising during the day and limited evening in individual consultations, group events or presentations, and tabling, for current and aspiring business students on such topics as major or minor choice, curriculum selection, study skills, scholarship and club opportunities, and other academic-related areas;
• Plans and implements academic-related events and performs outreach to business students for retention efforts;
• Develops online programs and workshops on academic planning, orientation, and academic status for academic development;
• 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; and
• Understands and implements proper use of rules and procedures concerning confidentiality.

Educational Program Development and Planning

• Creates and manages student services program operations, establishes goals, develops and implements methods to evaluate and assess program effectiveness, and modifies policies and procedures to enhance the overall efficiency of the office;
• Creates and implements new initiatives, programs, and services to better enhance the overall experience of BUS students;
• Represents the Costello College of Business as a liaison to University offices or by serving on various committees across the University to maximize student retention programming efforts; and
• Supports the planning, coordination and implementation of new student orientations, Global Engagement Scholars Program, and engagement and belonging initiatives for a diverse student population.

Database Management

• Inputs individual student contact information into Patriot Connect (Salesforce) database to provide immediate access for other advisors and consistent advising information for students;
• Writes appropriate notes summarizing important information concerning the contact;
• Utilizes the Patriot Connect (Salesforce) database to create and/or participates in campaigns for targeted outreach to select students;
• Manages availability within the Student Scheduler in Patriot Connect and in Microsoft Outlook to enhance the student experience for scheduling appointments;
• Utilizes Patriot Connect database and the Mason Degree Audit to assist with Mason's retention efforts; Utilizes Banner INB student information system to review student transcripts, records, forms, course registration history, and entering course overrides; and
• Researches, responds to, and logs student inquiries by email.

Processes

• Provides feedback for updates to Costello College of Business online materials to reflect changes in policies and programs;
• Maintains student records utilizing Patriot Connect (Salesforce);
• Maintains open professional communication with faculty and administrators to share information and align academic services with the college's mission;
• Provides input on student request decisions and participates in appeals committee as asked;
• Provides accurate interpretations of policies and procedures for students, parents and faculty;
• Assists with processing of graduation audits, notifies students of discrepancies and follows up with them on options; and
• Assists with updates to orientation materials each semester.

Special Events and Projects

• Creates and manages special events and projects as assigned by leadership in the Office of Student Success and Academic Services;
• Assists the Director, Student Success & Academic Advising with programming initiatives for Global Engagement Scholars program and other new diverse programs within the Costello College of Business; and
• Executes special projects and additional duties as assigned to support the department.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills;
• Relationship skills: team work, collaboration, networking, development;
• Ability to develop, implement and manage academic programs and services;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently; and
• Technology skills: Word, Excel, Access, WordPress, PowerPoint, and internet usage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Academic advising experience or relevant higher education experience;
• Demonstrated full time work experience in academia; and
• Working knowledge of student record databases.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Academic Advisor 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: December 9, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 5, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes