ADVANCE Academic Coach

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking an ADVANCE Academic Coach to provide holistic support to NOVA and Mason transfer students, guiding them from community college through bachelor’s degree completion. This hybrid, two-position role based at Loudoun and Annandale campuses requires advising, outreach, data documentation, and collaboration with staff and partners to promote student success.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and experience in higher education, strong communication, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience serving and supporting diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising, student success practices, and/or student support services in higher education.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated student and customer service skills.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations, including first-generation, veteran, adult, low-income, and underrepresented students.
• Ability to interpret and apply academic policies, degree requirements, and course prerequisites.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team.
• Willing and able to travel to both Mason's Fairfax campus and NOVA campuses.

Responsibilities

• Provides academic advising and success coaching to support students throughout their enrollment at NOVA and George Mason University.
• Supports NOVA students exploring transfer options to Mason.
• Supports retention efforts and proactive outreach to monitor progress and implement interventions.
• Supports execution of holistic student support services for the ADVANCE program.
• Guides students through the NOVA experience into the ADVANCE program and Mason opportunities.
• Assists students in exploring academic and career goals using Mason and NOVA resources.
• Provides accurate information and referrals, identifying barriers and developing strategies to overcome challenges.
• Documents appointments and communications in CRM, Banner SIS, and other systems.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Team player

Attention to detail

Technology proficiency

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Banner

SIS (Student Information System)

CRM software

Job description

Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Education Support Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Location: Hybrid Eligible

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 Division for Enrollment Management, as part of the Office of the Provost at George Mason University, supports student recruitment, retention, and success. We develop and implement strategic enrollment management plans, create and facilitate processes, and inform policies that guide students through their academic journey from recruitment to post-matriculation. Driven by a commitment to transparent, data-informed decision-making, the Division advances institutional enrollment goals through collaboration, innovation, and a student-centered approach.

The Office of Admissions facilitates the recruitment and enrollment of freshmen, transfer, graduate, and non-degree students in alignment with the University's strategic plan, ensuring a diverse and successful student body that contributes to the institution's excellence and global impact.

About The Position

ADVANCE is an exciting dual-admission transfer partnership launched in 2018 between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University that gives participating students targeted, personalized support to complete their bachelor’s degrees in a timely manner and save money. Students also benefit from tailored coaching, aligned Academic Pathways, seamless credit transfer, and access to George Mason’s facilities and student life.

The ADVANCE Academic Coach provides multiple layers of holistic support for students pursuing higher education. Guides and encourages the growth and development of each student’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs about their ability to succeed in higher education as well as within their chosen field. Discusses all aspects of a student’s life that impact their academic performance.

This is a hybrid position. We are hiring for two positions. Both positions will support students at George Mason University, with one position based at the Loudoun campus and the other position based at the Annandale campus. While the Academic Coach position serves both NOVA and George Mason, the position is formally housed within the Division for Enrollment Management at George Mason University.

Responsibilities

• Provides academic advising and success coaching to support students throughout their enrollment at Northern Virginia Community College in preparation for and with their matriculation to George Mason University;
• Supports Northern Virginia Community College students who are exploring their options for transfer to George Mason University in support of the ADVANCE mission;
• Supports student retention-related efforts and initiatives that include meeting with students, monitoring student progress and performance, identifying areas of concern, conducting proactive outreach, and implementing appropriate interventions that support student enrollment, persistence, and completion;
• Supports the execution of holistic student support services for the ADVANCE program;
• Guides students navigating their Northern Virginia Community College experience into and through the ADVANCE program and maximizes the opportunities available through their participation;
• Supports students in their exploration of academic and career goals, by utilizing Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University resources, policies, and pathways to help them make informed decisions and progression towards their degrees; and
• Provides appropriate, accurate, and timely information and referrals for students by identifying barriers and developing strategies to overcome those challenges.

Leveraging Student Systems & Data

• Utilizes student systems, dashboards, reports, and data to make informed decisions that support student access and success; and
• Documents all appointments and communications in the customer relationship management (CRM) software, Banner, student information system (SIS), and other systems as appropriate.

Outreach, Engagement, & Relationship Building

• Represents ADVANCE at program events both on-and-off campus and virtually;
• Develops, conducts, and participates in multimodal outreach, events, and special initiatives that support program goals;
• Builds and enhances relationships with George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College stakeholders; and
• Provides outstanding service to prospective and current students, and George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College stakeholders.

Training & Professional Development

• Completes foundational coaching training and remains current on ADVANCE program updates, NOVA and George Mason University policies, procedures, resources, academic processes, and student support initiatives;
• Participates in ongoing professional development opportunities; and
• Engages in coaching development activities, including, but not limited to, appointment observations, feedback sessions, and other activities that support effective practice.

Additional Duties

• Assists with program efforts as needed to support the overall mission of ADVANCE;
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned; and
• Efficiently and conscientiously performs specific tasks as directed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in higher education;
• Experience serving and supporting diverse student populations;
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic advising, student success practices, and/or student support services in higher education;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated student and customer service skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, including, but not limited to, first-generation, veteran, adult, low-income, and underrepresented students;
• Ability to interpret and apply academic policies, degree requirements, and course prerequisites;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team;
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems;
• Ability to perform work with substantial attention to detail; and
• Willing and able to travel to both George Mason's Fairfax campus and your assigned Northern Virginia Community College campus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working with transfer students and/or community college students;
• Experience in student affairs or student service functional area such as academic advising, admissions counseling, career services, financial aid, leadership or program development, or success coaching;
• Familiarity with student, adult, and/or career development theory;
• Experience with event planning and/or program development and continuous improvement initiatives in areas pertaining to student success coaching, student access and retention initiatives, and/or academic success interventions;
• Familiarity with George Mason University and/or Northern Virginia Community College; and
• Bilingual.

Posting Open Date: October 8, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 22, 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.

Campus Safety Information

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