Senior Graduate Academic Affairs Coordinator

Senior Graduate Academic Affairs Coordinator

The Senior Graduate Academic Affairs Coordinator provides high-level support to the Graduate Division and its key constituent groups by managing graduate academic policies and procedures, coordinating student exception and appeal processes, and contributing to the development and enhancement of graduate academic workflows. This position reports to Senior Director of Graduate Academic Affairs and Initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the review and processing of graduate student requests for exceptions to academic and admissions policies, as well as academic appeals, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and guidelines;
• Managing the full exception to policy process: review initial submissions using internal systems, identify and request additional documentation, conduct critical analysis based on policy criteria, and draft a comprehensive summary with recommendations for supervisory review and discussion. Prepare and deliver oral briefings, draft final decisions, and ensure timely communication with student, faculty, and staff, and maintain proper records of management;
• Managing the graduate student appeals process involving faculty review committees: conduct thorough review of student submissions, prepare and distribute materials, brief committee members on key issues, facilitate communication between stakeholders, and ensure timely resolution and notification of outcomes to students and stakeholders;
• Serving as the primary resource for inquiries related to academic exceptions and appeals, ensuring timely, accurate responses;
• Overseeing internal record management processes so they are carried out in compliance with accreditation and university procedures and lead any needed enhancements;
• Managing graduate student leave of absence requests, including review of submissions, follow-up for additional documentation, eligibility evaluation based on academic policy, engagement with students and stakeholders as needed, and communication of outcomes using established workflows;
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of all student records and sensitive information in accordance with university policy; and
• Utilizing available data to support the supervisor in assessing implementation of new policies and procedures, and in identifying trends and gaps in policy exception requests.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Generally, 2-4 years experience as a professional in a fast-paced office environment, and strong stakeholder or customer service experience;
• Experience with policies, codes, regulations, rules or laws;
• Knowledge of and familiarity with applying policies and procedures to presented circumstances coupled with the ability to facilitate the administration of related processes;
• Knowledge of effective communication and stakeholder management techniques to professionally engage with a wide variety of stakeholders;
• Skill in information gathering, analysis, and clear, concise written and verbal presentation;
• Skill in operating applicable office equipment and software, including MS Office and Adobe products, and the ability to learn and utilize new technology;
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple tasks concurrently in a professional setting to ensure timely completion that meets deadlines;
• Ability to proactively identify needs and assist in development and execution of solutions;
• Ability to produce high-quality, detail-oriented work independently and collaboratively; and
• Ability to manage information and records while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with requirements for student and Graduate Division materials and discussions.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Experience in higher education at the graduate student level;
• Experience with George Mason higher education student information and reporting tools;
• Knowledge of higher education academic processes and ability to communicate them;
• Knowledge and interest in issues impacting graduate education;
• Skill in data collection and assessment; and
• Demonstrated familiarity, skill, and interest in higher education operations and technology.

Instructions to applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Senior Graduate Academic Affairs Coordinator 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: September 18, 2026

For full consideration, apply by: October 9, 2026

Open until filled: Yes

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer