Develops and manages faculty mentor programs. Pairs junior
faculty with senior peers and outside mentors. Organizes
professional development activities, including workshops, seminars,
and retreats focused on pedagogy, grant writing, publishing, and
leadership skills; and
Promotes faculty success and recognition by identifying
opportunities for awards, prizes, and recognitions (both internal
and external). Monitors and supports scholarly productivity,
including publications and grants, and leverages data to help
faculty identify areas for improvement and growth.
Promotion, Tenure, and Merit Review Processes:
- Oversees and coordinates promotion and tenure (P&T)
processes, as well as annual, merit review cycles, ensuring
transparency, fairness, and consistency in reviewing criteria and
procedures;
- Supports department chairs and faculty in preparing P&T
dossiers. Addresses cases involving performance concerns and
probationary issues; and
- Conducts annual training on P&T dossier preparation for
department heads, administrative support, unit P&T committees,
and faculty interested in promotion.
Policy, Governance, and Compliance:
- Interprets and implements personnel policies to ensure
alignment with institutional standards;
- Ensures faculty compliance with university, accreditation, and
legal requirements;
- Establishes systems and timelines for reviews, promotions, and
credentialing processes;
- Manages budgets related to faculty affairs, holding signature
budget authority to approve and commit funds;
- Provides guidance and assistance on faculty relations matters,
including grievances, disagreements, and development opportunities;
and
- Coordinates with George Mason University offices and key
collaborators on faculty relations.
Collaboration with Other Units:
- Partners with central Faculty Affairs, the Provost’s Office,
Human Resources, and Teaching & Learning Centers to align
faculty initiatives with institutional priorities;
- Liaises with research support offices to facilitate faculty
engagement in research activities;
- Maintains effective communication channels to keep faculty
informed about deadlines, criteria, and best practices;
- Collaborates as an active member of the College of Science
(COS) dean’s leadership team, contributing to the development and
implementation of college and university strategic plans;
- Leads efforts related to faculty affairs and occasionally
supports strategic initiatives outside of this focus area.
Maintains an understanding of education, outreach, and research
programs as they apply to faculty;
- Makes timely decisions within established policies and
procedures to implement COS philosophy, policy plans, and resource
allocation; and
- Shares responsibility with the leadership team for delivering
the College’s mission.
Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding, and Retention:
- Leads or supports faculty searches by attracting broad and
diverse applicant pools and overseeing the search process to ensure
compliance;
- Facilitates onboarding for new faculty through orientation,
early support, and clear communication of expectations; and
- Implements retention strategies, including recognition of
achievements and defining career pathways for faculty growth and
development.
Required Qualifications:
- Terminal degree in a related field;
- Demonstrated record of scholarly/research achievement,
teaching, and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of
Associate Professor with tenure;
- Responsible academic administrative experience (e.g.,
department chair, program manager/director, center director,
associate dean, or equivalent), typically obtained in two or more
years;
- Experience in mentoring faculty and supervising faculty
development programs;
- Comprehensive knowledge of faculty lifecycle processes such as
renewal, reappointment, promotion, and tenure;
- Knowledge of shared governance principles, faculty governance
structures, and bylaws;
- Understanding of budgetary principles and resource allocation
related to faculty affairs;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold high ethical
standards;
- Ability to mentor and guide faculty, department chairs, and
academic leaders in navigating faculty career progression;
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
skills to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff,
and administrators;
- Ability to foster an environment conducive to all faculty;
- Ability to use metrics or analytics and skill in data-driven
decision-making;
- Vision for faculty success, including understanding of latest
pedagogical practices, research support, strategic planning, and
the ability to lead change; and
- Demonstrated commitment to faculty success initiatives
including those designed to improve outcomes for faculty.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Record of scholarly achievement, teaching, and service,
commensurate with appointment at the rank of Full Professor with
tenure;
- Considerable responsible administrative experience (e.g.,
department chair, program manager/director, center director,
associate dean, or equivalent), typically obtained in three or more
years;
- Experience developing creative and effective methods in
building strong faculty programs and ensuring broader impacts of
faculty development;
- Outstanding record of accomplishment in higher education or
other professional endeavors involving leadership experience in
faculty success initiatives including those designed to improve
outcomes for faculty;
- Experience leading academic and/or administrative initiatives;
and
- Experience managing a budget for faculty initiatives.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs 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 CV for review.
Posting Open Date: August 21, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 30, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
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/
