Senior Academic Advisor

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Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science

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

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The School of Integrative Studies is committed to integrating interdisciplinary knowledge with lifelong learning by offering experiential, hands-on learning that connects the classroom to the world. Our community encourages students to engage in active learning, independent inquiry, and research that responds to the needs and opportunities of a diverse society while preparing them for responsible leadership and citizenship. The School of Integrative Studies includes four Undergraduate Majors (Integrative Studies, Bachelor of Individualized Study, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Human Development & Family Science) and graduate programs in Higher Education (Certificate, Master's and PhD options). We also support the Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

About the Position:

The Senior Academic Advisor provides leadership to the undergraduate advising team on academic issues toward degree completion, providing administrative support for student services activities in the areas of academic advising, recruitment and orientation, student services program development, and contributing to campus and community outreach.

Responsibilities:

Academic Advising

• Directs student interaction focused on degree-planning and academic progress;
• Advises undergraduate SIS students on academic issues toward degree completion;
• Establishes and maintains set advising hours each week; meets with students to discuss issues related to degree completion including avenue of study, course registration, and university policies and procedures;
• Delivers high-quality, responsive customer service by leveraging university systems to stay organized and efficient;
• Provides timely and accurate responses to student inquiries via official GM email; and
• Supervision of all part-time advisors.

Recruitment & Orientation

• Oversees the planning and execution of Recruitment & Orientation activities. Provide leadership to the SIS advising team;
• Manages SIS recruitment and orientation activities and initiatives;
• Trains advisors, faculty, staff, and students in preparation for recruitment and orientation activities;
• Ensures adequate advisor, faculty, staff and student participation in all recruitment and orientation events;
• Serves as the SIS point of contact for Admissions, the CHSS dean's office, and New Student & Family Services for all recruitment and orientation collaboration; and
• Assists with the creation of marketing and recruitment materials specific to SIS majors/programs.

Program Development & Other Related Duties

• Participates in program development, assessments, and special projects, to include selection of scholarship recipients and serving on ad hoc committees; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

System/Record Maintenance

• Effectively uses the official university CRM to document advising interactions, schedule appointments, and initiate referrals, ensuring consistent and personalized support;
• Utilizes the university's degree audit system to guide students through academic planning, and accesses Banner to review and verify student records;
• Completes university forms, procedures, and processes on behalf of students;
• Participates in policy review; and
• Completes required training as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in a position requiring individual initiative and the ability to work independently;
• Experience in a professional, mid-level administrative environment;
• Experience dealing with confidential records or information;
• Knowledge of student services, especially in working with students to provide information, guidance, and advising, answering questions and providing effective customer service;
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated skills in program and activity coordination in academic setting;
• Skill in the use of related technology;
• Ability to exercise a high-level of professionalism and confidentiality, along with initiative and good judgment; and
• Independent self-starter with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to perform efficiently in an active, priority-changing atmosphere.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Experience in student services, including recruitment, outreach, and referral services to enable retention and completion;
• Previous experience in higher education;
• Experience supervising full time or part time staff; and
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior 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/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: September 11, 2026

Posting Close Date: September 16, 2026

Open Until Filled: No