Dean of Admissions

George-Mason-University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University seeks a Dean of Admissions to serve as the chief strategic and operational leader of undergraduate and graduate admissions, accountable for recruiting, evaluating and enrolling a talented, diverse student body that reflects GMU's access and excellence mission.

The Dean will guide recruitment strategy, application review, enrollment outcomes, and lead a professional team, collaborating with graduate program directors and senior leadership to leverage data, CRM systems, and

Responsibilities

• Lead undergraduate and graduate admissions strategy and operations to meet enrollment targets.
• Recruit, evaluate, and enroll a diverse student body reflecting GMU's access and excellence.
• Oversee admissions policy, review standards, and applicant communications to ensure a seamless experience.

Job description

Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Administrative 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:Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility:Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary:Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check:Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

Important Eligibility Requirement

Employees in this position are required to operate university vehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle Use Policy 1411. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, valid driver’s license that satisfies university requirements. Final candidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, and successful completion of the review is a condition of employment.

Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility for employment. Applicants with prior driving infractions need to review the Eligibility & MVR Review Information (English / Spanish) before applying.

About the Department:

The Division for Enrollment and Student Achievement, 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:

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Achievement, the Dean of Admissions serves as the chief strategic and operational leader of undergraduate and graduate admissions, accountable for recruiting, evaluating and enrolling a talented, diverse and academically prepared student body that reflects George Mason’s distinctive mission of access and excellence.
The Dean of Admissions holds accountability for recruitment strategy, application review, enrollment outcomes, and the performance and culture of the Admissions team. The position also carries broad authority for the policies, people, and resources that shape each incoming class (starting fall, spring, or summer). The Dean partners closely with other members of the senior leadership of the Division of Enrollment and Student Achievement to advance shared goals, and provides enrollment data, analysis, and counsel to the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Achievement and University leadership. They also collaborate with George Mason’s graduate program directors to leverage university systems to make admissions decisions and scale new student enrollment activities to meet new student enrollment targets.
The Dean leads a professional team of recruiters, application reviewers, communication experts, event planners, and operations staff, supported by a sophisticated business intelligence function that turns enrollment data into insight to deliver a seamless, applicant-centered experience at scale.

Organization and Areas of Oversight

• Undergraduate Recruitment and Territory Management:
  • Recruitment strategy; and
  • Travel and territory management across Virginia, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, the nation, and key global markets.
• Application Review and Admissions Policy:
  • Application review standards, undergraduate decision processes, and admissions policy that are fair, defensible, and aligned with George Mason's access mission.
• Admissions Operations:
  • Application processing, communications automation, and the applicant experience, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and a seamless journey at scale.
• Data, Technology, and CRM:
  • The chief functional user of the CRM platform (Patriot Connect) and future artificial intelligence applications. In partnership with the division’s business intelligence function, develop and enhance reporting and predictive analytics that guide recruitment, financial aid leveraging, and yield.
• Transfer and Pathway Partnerships:
  • Transfer and dual-enrollment pathways with community colleges and high schools, and relationships with school counselors, community-based organizations, and the academic colleges.
• Pre-College Programs:
  • Summer high school pre-college programs, a significant and high-visibility component of the Admissions portfolio.
• Military Services:
  • The Office of Military Services, a significant and high-visibility component of the Admissions portfolio.
• Budget and Resources:
  • Budget oversight for the admissions operation, aligning resources, staffing, and travel with strategic priorities.

Priorities for the First Year

• Meet enrollment targets. Ach