Assistant Director, Student Development

Department: Cross Functional

Classification: Professional Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Honors College fosters inclusion as it provides challenge and support for Mason's most highly motivated undergraduates of every background and interest. In collaboration with every unit at the university, the Honors College facilitates student access to the most exceptional opportunities for academic achievement, professional development, and public service that the university and the region have to offer.

About the Position:

The Assistant Director, Student Development leads the Honors College in the ongoing work of developing effective, collaborative, and sustainable ways of providing University Scholars with the support they need to make the best possible use of the opportunities available to them through the Honors College, the university, and the region.

Responsibilities:

Develops and implements curricular and co-curricular programming that supports student development, provides access to high impact learning opportunities, and fosters student belonging:

• Existing programming includes: (a) UNIV 160 course for first-semester freshmen, supporting students through their transition into the university and helping them identify and navigate the relevant opportunities available to them; (b) the annual University Scholars Institute - a week of conversations and challenge-based learning experiences featuring experts from university faculty, state, local, federal agencies, and other organizations; (c) an annual off-site fall retreat, which aims to foster inclusion, belonging, and peer support networks; and (d) monthly community councils for the University Scholars cohort, which continue the work of the retreat. In addition, this will include (e) co-facilitation of the Honors College new Professional Development Fellows Program, which provides a structured semester-long career-exploration experience, and (f) in collaboration with the Honors College advising and student support staff, coordination of graduate school pathways and preparation workshops.

Fosters challenge, support, and access to opportunities by providing outstanding individual mentorship and guidance, as well as peer-led support:

• Supports students as they identify goals and explore pathways for academic and professional development;
• Ensures students are connected with relevant faculty, research opportunities, and other high impact learning opportunities that are well-matched with their goals and pathways;
• Establishes and maintains regular communication with students for the purpose of providing proactive outreach. Conducts proactive outreach to students who are not in regular communication to ensure engagement and support; and
• Provides referrals to help students connect with on-campus and off-campus services and resources, including academic support, mental health resources, and community services.

Liaises with relevant University offices:

• Administers and facilitates scholarship/aid coordination: communicates regularly with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure timely and accurate distribution of the University Scholars award. Collaborates with Financial Aid, George Mason University Foundation, and academic units to ensure timely, accurate use and distribution of any supplemental scholarships. These duties require the Assistant Director to track student credit hours and, when relevant, other approved uses of supplemental scholarship. In collaboration with Office of Financial Aid, ensures that all University Scholars have up-to-date information about university policies related to scholarships and financial aid;
• Maintains regular communication with the Global Education Office to ensure clarity that all parties (students and staff) have relevant and correct information about how the University Scholars scholarship relates to the specific and unique costs and billing cycles of specific study abroad programs and ensures timely, consistent and appropriate application of the scholarship for each student;
• Communicates with the Office of Housing to ensure co-location of new University Scholars within the Honors College First-Year Residential Learning Community;
• Communicates as necessary with the Registrar or Student Accounts Offices in cases where a student's scholarship may be impacted; and
• Collaborates with the Office of Fellowships, Career Services, and Graduate School liaisons to help identify and support student opportunities.

University Scholars recruitment and selection:

• Supports the Associate Director of Admissions and Honors College leadership throughout the process of recruiting new University Scholars. This includes working with current University Scholars to develop the collaborative challenge experience and coordinating participation of current Scholars during selection weekend. Manages the transition of accepted University Scholars into the program.

General duties of members of the Honors College staff:

• Works with the Honors College staff to develop the quality and reputation of all services and programs under its auspices;
• Demonstrates respect for a diversity of opinions and perspectives;
• In coordination with Admissions and the deans, supports the recruitment of students to the Honors College (including at Orientation and other recruitment events);
• Attends Honors College staff and committee meetings and participates in staff development; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Considerable experience working in advising or student success, student retention, or transition support programs in higher education;
• Effective communication skills, including active listening, public speaking, and written communication;
• Strong organizational and administrative skills required to manage multiple projects concurrently;
• Strong skills in maintaining relationships and effectively engaging with students, faculty, staff, and community partners;
• Ability to engage effectively with others from various cultural backgrounds and to foster experiences of community, belonging, and inclusion;
• Ability to provide support to students and make appropriate referrals; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Considerable demonstrated experience in program management;
• Prior experience in peer leadership or support roles, demonstrating ability to mentor and guide students;
• Some experience with university policies, financial aid processes, and community resources;
• Knowledge of relevant student development and/or pedagogical practices;
• Some knowledge of community resources in the Northern Virginia area to assist students with external needs;
• Knowledge of university policies, financial aid procedures, and advising processes;
• Demonstrated ability to empathize with students and address underlying issues with a deep understanding.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Assistant Director, Student Development 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: January 31, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: February 17, 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes