Executive Director, Early Identification Program

Department: University Life

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

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary range starting low $120k; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

Improve Early Identification Program (EIP) participants’ access to higher education and quality of life by providing academic enrichment, personal development, and community engagement programs that produce global citizens, prepared for college and the world. Actualize George Mason University’s goal to grow EIP to serve more than 1,600 students in Northern Virginia each year.

About the Position:

The Executive Director of the Early Identification Program is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and administration of the Early Identification Program, a key initiative at George Mason University and a unit within University Life (UL). Providing effective direct supervision to two Associate Directors, and indirect supervision and leadership to other team members, the Executive Director fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and retention. Responsibilities include developing, executing, and assessing program components, managing student services, and ensuring student success. The role involves collaboration with internal and external partners, grant writing, and fundraising in partnership with UL Advancement. The Executive Director is a key leader in UL and will contribute to the execution, reporting, and delivery of the University and UL’s strategic goals.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities:

Personnel Management and Staff Development Supervision and Leadership:

Provide effective direct supervision to the Associate Director for Operations and the Associate Director for Programs, Assessment, and College Success. Indirectly supervise Assistant Directors for College Success (Leadership, Family & Alumni Engagement, Career Readiness & STEM Engagement), and the Budget Specialist and Operations Specialist.

• Performance Management:
  • Set clear performance expectations, goals, and deadlines aligned with the unit, divisional, and university strategic plans.
  • Communicate expectations effectively and provide continuous feedback to support staff growth and accountability.
• Evaluation and Compliance:
  • Prepare and submit timely performance evaluations. Ensure all supervisory practices adhere to university policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Workplace Culture:
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and retention.
• Professional Development:
  • Encourage and support ongoing professional development opportunities for all staff, ensuring they have the tools and training needed to succeed in their roles.
• Communication and Engagement:
  • Maintain open lines of communication, encourage staff involvement in decision-making, and promote a shared commitment to the program’s mission and values.

Program Management and Student Services Program Oversight:

Lead the planning, execution, and continuous assessment of all EIP program components, including academic year and summer programming, ensuring alignment with the program’s mission and goals.

• Core Program Delivery:
  • Ensure the effective implementation of EIP’s Core Programs—academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, familial support, and leadership training—fostering a supportive environment where first-generation students can thrive.
• Student Services Management:
  • Oversee all student services in collaboration with Associate Directors, including monitoring academic progress, program participation, and enrollment decisions to support student success.
• Budget and Operations:
  • Provide strategic direction for the Associate Director for Operations in managing the program’s annual budget, operational policies, procedures, and assess