Communications and Student Relations Specialist

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Admin Office Specialist 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On-site required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Hiring range in the low to mid $50,000.

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About The Department

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) Office of Undergraduate Studies provides proactive CEC-wide leadership, supervision, guidance, and accountability for CEC undergraduate studies. The Office works as a bridge for undergraduate studies between CEC department-level responsibilities and university-level responsibilities with regard to academic policy, student recruitment and admissions, academic advising, oversight and conflict resolution, and program development and management.

About The Position

The Communications and Student Relations Specialist will be the main point of contact for students engaging with the Office of Undergraduate Studies. The Specialist communicates information to CEC students through the office newsletter and social media outlets, develops materials to publicize deadlines and events, and serves as the first point of contact for students interfacing with the office in person, via phone, or via email.

Responsibilities

Communication

• Creates and distributes a weekly CEC undergraduate newsletter;
• Designs, develops, and updates materials to promote CEC undergraduate programs and activities in collaboration with the Undergraduate Recruitment Coordinator;
• Manages and promotes events on the CEC website and other platforms, as needed;
• Works with CEC Communications and External Relations to maintain and update websites related to the CEC Undergraduate studies Office, CEC Undergraduate forms, and the CEC Peer Mentor Center;
• Coordinates and works strategically with the CEC Communications and External Relations team to deliver undergraduate announcements, recruitment content, and social media promotions to an expanded audience;
• Drafts communication pieces (e.g., memos, emails, letters, and fliers) for review and distribution by the Associate Dean;
• Coordinates the preparation of university-related publications; and
• Coordinates the distribution and collection of CEC surveys, questionnaires, etc.
  
  

Student Relations

• Serves as first point of contact for calls, visitors, and general email inquiries. Independently assess the reason for contact and manage requests from prospective and current students seeking information. Resolve and/or direct all inquiries appropriately;
• Stays up to date on university and CEC academic policy and processes for student requests;
• Maintains a positive and inviting atmosphere for all visitors to the CEC Undergraduate Studies Office; and
• Maintains bulletin boards, literature displays, and other repositories of materials related to undergraduate recruitment, programs, and advising.
  
  

Office Support

• Develops and maintains a working relationship with staff across campus offering services to undergraduate students (i.e., Registrar, Financial Aid, CAPS, SSAC, etc.);
• Coordinates committee meetings, including scheduling, invitations, reminders, and meeting logistics;
• Represents Undergraduate Studies Office in planning and execution of CEC Degree Celebrations;
• Coordinates the search for CEC Degree Celebration student speakers and assist in interviewing and selecting speakers;
• Supports recruiting, orientation, and advising efforts (e.g., University Orientation Sessions, CEC Research Celebration, CEC Visit Days, and Degree Celebrations) as needed. Coordinate staff coverage, and assist with event planning, communication, and day-of event activities;
• Provides oversight and mentoring for CEC Undergraduate Studies Office front office wage employees and student workers;
• Supports hiring and onboarding efforts in the CEC Undergraduate Studies Office, including coordinating searches and interviews, coordinating technology and space for new hires, etc.;
• Represents CEC Undergraduate Studies Office in planning and execution of Undergraduate Research Celebration; and
• Keeps an inventory of supplies and assist with ordering as needed.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Other related duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in higher education administration, communications, or a related field with relevant experience (typically two years) in a higher education student services setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Functional knowledge of federal student data privacy laws;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills and aptitude to learn new software;
• Demonstrated design, layout, editing, and proofreading skills;
• Demonstrated skill in creating engaging social media content and maintaining professional social media accounts;
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and problem solving skills;
• Skill in demonstrating flexibility when handling change or unexpected issues;
• Ability to handle data and personal issues with discretion and to maintain integrity in all communications;
• Ability to work with a diverse population; and
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrate initiative, and maintain attention to detail.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration, communications, or a related field with experience in a higher education student services setting;
• Evidence of increasing responsibilities shown in work history;
• Experience and skill with Banner, Patriot Web, and Sales Force (Patriot Connect);
• Knowledge of university resources;
• General knowledge of university policies and procedures;
• Ability to develop collaborative partnerships with staff across units; and
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff and student workers.
  
  

Instructions To Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Communications and Student Relations Specialist 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. Application review will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Open Date: July 17, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: August 10, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Engineering: A Force for Innovation in the Heart of Northern Virginia’s Technology Corridor!

About The College

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC will have more than 11,000 students in fall 2025. The college has 34 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs, including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of its 326 instructional faculty, 100 are tenured, 64 are tenure-track, 100 are term faculty, and 62 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $83.7 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $66.8 million in awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunity for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About The University And The Region

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students studying in over 200-degree programs. Mason is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About The Future

In conjunction with Amazon’s decision to establish a second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing. As a result, Mason has committed to accelerating its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the university’s exciting initiatives are the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovation—a university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy—and the expansion of Mason Square home to its Arlington facilities. In 2025, Fuse, a new 355,000 square foot building will open to students, faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space, and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by Mason that will rapidly elevate the university’s already leading national position in computing and related areas.

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

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/