Associate Director, University Studies, Transition Programs

Virginia Jobs • $80K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced Degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Experience working in higher education programming
  • Experience in programmatic assessment methodologies
  • Experience creating curriculum based on pedagogical principles
  • Experience managing teams of professional and student employees
  • Familiarity with assessment practices
  • Knowledge of university transition programs

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the University Studies Leadership Team to improve program operations
  • Consult on program decisions and strategic direction
  • Oversee course design for Transition to Mason courses
  • Develop engaging content incorporating active learning principles
  • Manage daily operations and address student issues
  • Ensure compliance with university accreditation requirements
  • Supervise training and recruitment of faculty and peer advisors
  • Conduct assessments and make data-driven curriculum improvements

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule options
  • Engagement in a diverse community
  • Access to professional development resources
  • Opportunity to influence academic programs
  • Collaboration with a dedicated leadership team
  • Participation in innovative educational initiatives
Full Job Description
Department: Academic Affairs

Classification: Professional 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

About the Position:

The Associate Director, University Studies, Transition Programs oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Transition to Mason courses (e.g., UNIV 100/108/150/300) to enhance student success. This involves creating and updating curriculum content, managing day-to-day course operations, administering faculty and peer advisor training programs, developing campus partnerships, leading marketing efforts to boost course registration, and assessing curriculum effectiveness and enrollment trends. The role also includes supervising staff and ensuring compliance with university accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates with the University Studies Leadership Team to assess, strategize, and improve the overall operation of the University Studies program;
  • Consults with the leadership team and contribute to program decisions;
  • Supports tasks such as interviewing new adjunct faculty and attending functions, scheduling, and reviewing program mission and vision;
  • Oversees the course design for Transition to Mason courses: UNIV 100/108/150/300: Identify, create and update curriculum content informed by data, emerging trends, and best practices to enhance student success;
  • Designs student learning outcomes at both programmatic and modular levels;
  • Develops engaging curricular content and tools that incorporate active learning principles to boost student learning;
  • Designs syllabi, how-to guides and other faculty resources for the successful implementation of the curriculum;
  • Manages the day-to-day activities of the Transition to Mason courses: Serve as main point of contact for any student or course related issues;
  • Ensures programmatic compliance with university accreditation requirements;
  • Supervises the Graduate Professional Assistants for Faculty and Curriculum and for the Peer Advisor Program;
  • Supervises the Training and Recruitment Specialist;
  • Leads marketing efforts to boost registration in University Studies classes;
  • Oversees the administration of Faculty Training and Recruitment, and the Peer Advisor Program: Conduct faculty observations according to a predetermined annual schedule;
  • Provides instructors feedback and mentorship on classroom management and teaching techniques;
  • Provides direction and support regarding the recruitment, selection and training of the UNIV 100/108/150 faculty;
  • Provides direction and support regarding the recruitment, selection and training of Peer Advisors;
  • Develops and maintains campus partnerships: Collaborate with stakeholders across the university engaged in programming for first-year and new transfer students;
  • Serves on committees to represent University Studies;
  • Explores new course offerings in collaboration with campus partners to address student needs;
  • Engages in campus opportunities to boost the visibility of University Studies as the main hub for George Mason's college transition courses;
  • Oversees assessment of curriculum effectiveness and enrollment trends for UNIV courses: Design and administer student surveys to assess the effectiveness of the UNIV courses against pre-determined outcomes;
  • Designs and administers faculty surveys to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum;
  • Makes adjustments based on feedback from both students and faculty;
  • Conducts data analysis for annual enrollment and trends over time; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Advanced Degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of related education and experience;
  • Some experience with programming in a higher education setting;
  • Some experience with programmatic assessment;
  • Some experience with the creation of curriculum based on pedagogical principles;
  • Some experience in managing a team of professional and student employees;
  • Knowledge of assessment practices;
  • Knowledge of the essential elements of creating a course curriculum;
  • Knowledge of university transition program;
  • Skill with a learning management system;
  • Ability to manage a team of faculty and students; and
  • Ability to analyze data.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Considerable experience with university transition programs;
  • Considerable experience with creating or implementing university curriculum;
  • Some experience in creating and analyzing programmatic assessment;
  • Some experience in recruiting and mentoring adjunct faculty and students;
  • Some experience in leading an educational program;
  • Knowledge of the creation of university level course curriculum;
  • Knowledge of programmatic assessment of an educational program;
  • Knowledge of active learning pedagogy;
  • Knowledge of the pedagogy of peer leader training;
  • Skill in creating reports from assessments and data; and
  • Skill in managing a program in higher education.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Associate Director, University Studies, Transition Programs at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: March 9, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 10, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

About Virginia Jobs

Virginia Jobs Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at Virginia Jobs—the leading hub for employment in the region.

Opportunities Await

Virginia Jobs invites professionals to join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and excellence in various industries. This platform helps some of the most talented individuals propel their careers forward by connecting them with top-tier employment opportunities. Transform your professional life with Virginia Jobs, where leadership, diversity training, and growth are at the core of the company culture. Virginia Jobs stands unique in the marketplace, offering a convergence of networking, skills enhancement, and digital innovation. Engage with a network of business and technology advisors who assist candidates in navigating their career paths effectively. Collaborate with a vast community of experts and leaders, making Virginia Jobs a beacon for those seeking substantial professional development.

Introducing the Virginia Jobs Career Development Initiative

The initiative aims to build a market-leading program to assist individuals in mastering their career journeys through comprehensive support and guidance.

Innovate and Grow

Join the expansive network at Virginia Jobs—home to dedicated professionals at the nexus of technology, industry expertise, and digital innovation.

Drive Your Career Forward

Deliver targeted solutions and gain invaluable experience through a depth and breadth of career opportunities that are second to none.

Be Part of a Pioneering Team

Work with a wide range of technologies and leverage the unparalleled capabilities, extensive scale, and collaborative environment that Virginia Jobs offers.

Future-proof Your Career

Advance your career as far as your ambition can take you with limitless opportunities supported by unmatched training, development, and certification resources.

Explore

Discover how Virginia Jobs leads the way in predictive analytics for employment trends, helping match skills and positions with precision.

The Virginia Jobs Advantage

The combined service capabilities, extensive networking, and innovative career solutions help individuals overcome challenges and lead transformation in their professional lives.

Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Virginia Jobs seeks passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH VIRGINIA JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the professionals who connect through Virginia Jobs.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Virginia Jobs.
Learn more about Virginia Jobs

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Virginia Jobs

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Associate Director, University Studies, Transition Programs jobs: