Communications and Student Relations Specialist

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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.

Other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• 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