Assistant Director

Department: Student Involvement and Intercollegiate Athletics 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 Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience Criminal Background Check: Yes Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes About the Departments Student Involvement creates a sense of belonging by providing memorable experiences for the Mason Community. Our values are Learning & Development, Experience & Engagement, Community & Inclusion, Student-Centered Service and University Pride & Excitement. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming space, connecting students to purposeful experiences, developing student leaders, nurturing personal, academic and professional growth and engaging students in self-discovery and self-authorship. George Mason Athletics unites communities by developing champions with a mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports. Mason Athletics serves 500 student-athletes in 22 NCAA Division I sports. We are a proud member of the Atlantic 10 Conference with over 20 Conference Championships, NCAA Championships in Women’s Soccer and Men’s Indoor Track, an NCAA Final Four appearance with Men’s Basketball, and over 30 individual National Champions. We are student-focused, education-centered, and committed to providing transformational experiences for our student-athletes and staff. Our five priorities are Student-Athlete Experience, Competition, Resources, Storytelling & Engagement, and Championship Culture. About the Position The Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Student Fan Engagement is a dynamic leader dedicated to enhancing student engagement at campus athletic events. This role focuses on fostering connections between students, student organizations, and athletic programs to build a vibrant, spirited campus culture. The ideal candidate creates innovative initiatives to increase student participation in athletic events and generate enthusiasm for campus athletic teams. This position will be reporting to Student Involvement with a dotted line to Intercollegiate Athletics. Responsibilities Supervision Recruits, hires, trains and supervises paid fan engagement interns who will serve as liaisons to areas including Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), GMU Esports and Contemporary Student Services, Student Government (SG), Patriot Activities Council (PAC) and Residence Life and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs); Co‑advises Mason Maniaks, departmental student organization with ICA; and Provides mentorship and professional development opportunities for interns to enhance their leadership and career‑readiness skills. Collaboration Collaborates with registered student organizations to foster participation and engagement at ancillary events such as tailgates, Gold Rush, and new initiatives such as watch parties, pep rallies, and themed athletic nights which aligns with the university's student experience strategy; Serves as a liaison between student organizations and athletic teams to ensure effective communication and collaboration; Responsible for ensuring shared marketing of respective unit's traditional programs and events; Provides resources, guidance, and support to student organizations planning athletic‑related events; and Works in partnership with Mason Maniaks to market new initiatives. Student Engagement Programming Works with Student Fan Engagement Interns and their respective areas to enhance or develop and implement programs and events designed to increase student attendance and participation at athletic events; Works in partnership with athletics marketing staff to develop pre‑game, in‑game, and post‑game activities to enhance the overall student experience at athletic events; Develops and manages a student rewards program that awards points for attendance at athletic events, including incentives and rewards as part of the Mason Maniaks; and Creates opportunities for students to get to know and interact with student‑athletes through community outreach and service events, appearances at traditional GMU student events, and meet and greets. Partnership Development Develops new partnerships both on and off campus. For example, including Parking and Transportation, to explore opportunities for free parking or shuttle stops at local off‑campus areas, improving student access to athletic events; and Identifies and cultivates additional collaborative opportunities that enhance student athletic engagement. Administrative Duties Data Analysis and Reporting Assesses the effectiveness of engagement initiatives through surveys, attendance tracking, and student feedback; Provides regular reports on engagement metrics and recommends improvements based on data; Tracks and analyzes the student experience in relation to athletics to identify trends, barriers, and opportunities for improvement that enhance student engagement and satisfaction; Budget Oversight Oversees a budget allocated to fund the enhancement of current programs and the creation of new partnership programs; Ensures financial resources are effectively utilized to maximize impact and engagement; and Performs other related duties as requested by the department's leadership. Required Qualifications Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; A minimum of two years of professional work experience, or one year of professional work experience plus two years of paraprofessional/graduate assistant work; Proven ability to plan and execute events that drive student engagement; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Experience collaborating across departments and with diverse student populations; Demonstrated experience working both independently and collaboratively with team members; Demonstrated experience working with a team to accomplish collective goals; Demonstrated experience managing conflict; Demonstrated experience developing and implementing programs; Demonstrated ability to oversee direct reports and student staff; Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics programs; Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff and students; Demonstrated experience in marketing and game day promotions; Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines; Ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail; Knowledge in event management and risk management; Ability to interact with senior‑level administrators in a highly professional manner; Ability to work flexible hours – evenings and weekends; and Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor‑vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon favorable review. ( Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in related field; Experience working with student organizations and athletic departments; Demonstrate a strong interest in Intercollegiate Athletics; Creativity in developing large scale innovative programming and promotional strategies; Familiarity with data collection tools and analysis to measure engagement outcomes; Demonstrated commitment to customer service; Demonstrated commitment to student growth and development; Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or other design/video editing software; Ability to connect with a diverse range of students; Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to adhere to NCAA, conference, and Commonwealth rules and regulations; Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members in a high‑energy, progressive and diverse department; Proven skills of flexibility and adaptability to change; Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; and Knowledge and understanding of supervision. Instructions to Applicants To apply for the Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Student Fan Engagement, visit Submit an online application with three professional references and a cover letter or letter of intent along with your resume. The application deadline is May 7, 2026. Position opens on April 16, 2026 and remains open until filled. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Goddard School of Deerfield