About the Department:  

The Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC) at George Mason University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment where all individuals—students, faculty, and staff—can thrive. Guided by the university’s commitment to equal opportunity, compliance, and community engagement, OACC aims to: 1) Enhance Access and Success by supporting individuals from all backgrounds by removing barriers, promoting opportunities, and ensuring access to resources for personal and professional growth; 2) Uphold Compliance and Accountability by ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, and university non-discrimination policies, while fostering a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability; and 3) Embrace Our "All Together Different" Community by promoting an all-inclusive diverse, welcoming, and respectful campus environment through strategic initiatives, educational outreach, and meaningful partnerships that celebrate the richness of our community.

OACC provides strategic leadership and oversight over George Mason’s compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, executive orders, and mandates, and university non-discrimination policies. Additionally, OACC monitors the university's continuing commitment to equal opportunity in both employment and educational practices. OACC reports to the president of the university and is responsible for the implementation of all equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, including federal requirements associated with the Americans with Disability Act, Titles VI, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) as well as all state and university-related policies. OACC affirms and supports George Mason’s commitment to equitable access and compliance as well as a culture of integrity that values shared responsibility, as critical elements of an inclusive academic community. Through various outreach and educational opportunities, OACC ensures that the campus community understands their rights and responsibilities related to matters of civil rights. OACC works collaboratively with other campus partners and the surrounding community to ensure that George Mason maintains a campus environment that is free of discrimination, misconduct, retaliation, and harassment.

About the Position:

The Special Advisor for Public Policy and Community Impact serves as a senior strategic advisor within the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC), supporting George Mason University’s engagement with policy environments, community partnerships, and external stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community, this role provides executive-level guidance on public policy trends, developments, and opportunities to advance the university’s mission through strategic partnerships and community-centered initiatives.

The Special Advisor strengthens the university’s capacity to navigate complex policy landscapes by building relationships with stakeholders, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community coalitions. The position also supports fundraising and resource development efforts by identifying philanthropic and grant opportunities that align with OACC priorities and the university’s commitment to access, opportunity, and community impact.

In alignment with the mission of OACC, the Special Advisor also provides strategic insight on public policy developments that may influence the university’s civil rights obligations, accessibility initiatives, and broader compliance environment. This includes advising leadership on emerging policy trends that intersect with institutional responsibilities related to access and community engagement.

Through policy analysis, coalition-building, and strategic advising, the Special Advisor helps position George Mason University as a trusted partner and thought leader in addressing issues affecting vulnerable and underserved populations. This role enhances the university’s ability to translate policy insight into meaningful institutional strategy and community engagement.

Responsibilities:

Public Policy Analysis and Strategic Advising 

• Advises the Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community on opportunities to align policy developments, community partnerships, and external funding opportunities with the university’s strategic goals;
• Provides insight into how emerging policy issues may intersect with the university’s civil rights responsibilities, accessibility efforts, and broader engagement with the communities Mason serves;
• Monitors and analyzes policy developments that may affect higher education, civil rights responsibilities, accessibility initiatives, workforce development, and community partnerships;
• Develops high-level policy analyses and strategic briefs to inform institutional decision-making;
• Anticipates legislative developments and advises on institutional positioning; and
• Provides strategic guidance and policy briefings to the Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community and other university leaders to support informed institutional decision-making.

External Engagement 

• Develops and maintains productive relationships with stakeholders, government agencies, and public sector partners;
• Represents the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community in meetings, policy discussions, and external forums as appropriate;
• Collaborates with university Government and Community Relations to ensure consistent engagement with stakeholders;
• Identifies opportunities to position Mason as a thought leader in statewide and national policy discussions; and
• Enhances OACC’s external visibility as a leader in access, community engagement, and policy-informed strategy.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Identifies and cultivates public and philanthropic funding opportunities aligned with OACC’s strategic priorities;
• Partners with University Advancement, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and Sponsored Programs to advance grant and funding initiatives;
• Supports development of policy-informed funding proposals and concept briefs;
• Leverages external relationships to expand philanthropic partnerships that support community-focused initiatives; and
• Assists the Vice President in coordinating engagement with the OACC Advisory Board, including supporting board communications, identifying partnership opportunities, and leveraging board member expertise and networks to advance OACC’s strategic priorities and external partnerships.

Community Partnerships and Coalition Leadership

• Strengthens partnerships with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, local governments, and cross-sector coalitions;
• Convenes stakeholders to advance collaborative solutions addressing systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities;
• Aligns Mason’s institutional priorities with community-identified needs; and
• Elevate community-informed perspectives in policy discussions and university strategy.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, political science, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Extensive experience in state and/or federal legislative environments, including direct engagement in policymaking or elected office (typically ten or more years);
• Demonstrated experience working with legislative bodies, executive branch agencies, or policy organizations to advance public policy initiatives;
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, or public sector entities to advance community partnerships or public programs;
• Experience leading or participating in regional, statewide, or national coalitions addressing public policy or community impact issues;
• Experience securing or managing public or philanthropic funding that supports community-based initiatives, policy research, or program implementation;
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political and governmental systems with professionalism and discretion;
• Demonstrated skills in fundraising, grant development, or philanthropic engagement. Strong track record in building and sustaining cross-sector partnerships;
• Demonstrated knowledge analyzing public policy and translating complex policy issues into strategic guidance for organizational leadership;
• Proven ability to provide high-level strategic advising to senior leaders and to manage relationships with external stakeholders; and
• Exceptional executive communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience serving in an elected office, legislative leadership role, or senior policy advisory position at the state or federal level;
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing external partnerships that support organizational initiatives, including collaboration with government agencies, foundations, or community stakeholders. Familiarity with the policy environment affecting public higher education, including issues related to workforce development, research funding, civil rights responsibilities, and community engagement; and
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile stakeholder relationships. Familiarity with higher education governance and public research institutions.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Special Advisor for Public Policy and Community Impact 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: April 1, 2026

Posting Close Date:  April 17, 2026

Open Until Filled:  No