To apply, please email your resume, cover letter, and professional references to dkisiel1@gmu.edu. Use "Graduate Professional Assistant of Outdoor Adventures Application" as your subject line and in the email specify which of the positions you are applying for.

For Full Consideration, Apply by: February 1, 2026.

Remuneration:

The position will receive a stipend payment of $21,194.50. A tuition grant not to exceed $10,000 each semester will be applied to your student account. The position will be from August 10, 2026 to May 24, 2027.

Responsibilities:

Outdoor Adventure Administration (50%)

• Assist with recruitment, hiring, and interviewing of new student trip leaders.
• Mentor and guide OA student trip leaders in their professional and leadership development.
• Assist in planning a comprehensive and complete calendar of OA events throughout the year. Provide a mixture of day and overnight trips.
• Take a leadership role in marketing and administering the equipment rental program, including equipment logistics and tracking.
• Assist as needed with the development of Mason’s Outdoor Orientation program- Project Peak.
• Complete administrative tasks such as: trip registrations, gear rentals in fusion, emails to participants, trip planning paperwork, review of procedures, budget planning, equipment inventory, etc.
• Engage in opportunities for professional development including potential skills trainings, local or national conference attendance, and Mason University Professional Development workshops. 

Outdoor Adventure Trip Operations (30%)

• Assist the Assistant Director, Outdoor Adventures with the operations of the Outdoor Adventure (OA) program.
• Assist with training, scheduling, and supervision of student trip leaders, 10-20 per semester.
• Lead and assist with adventure trips.
• Plan and co-lead an extended break trip(s) for Mason students.
• Manage pre and post trip meetings.
• Support intradepartmental collaborations with other campus departments such as Grad Student Life, New Student Programs, and student organizations to develop custom trips.

Mason Recreation (20%)

• Collaborate with Mason Recreation to expand the outreach of OA on campus including development of well-being initiatives.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and annual department events.
• Support assessment, survey, data analysis, and reports that document desired outcomes.
• Conduct outreach to Mason student groups. Develop collaborations with a variety of departments across Mason and create specific curricula as needed.
• Assist with departmental special events, as assigned.

Overnight and weekend work will be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university. 
• Students must be admitted to a graduate degree program at George Mason University.
• Graduate Professional Assistants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours each semester and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• This position requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, and is eligible for renewal upon mutual agreement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enrollment in graduate program in: Recreation, Health, Education, or related field.
• Previous experience leading outdoor trip activities such as biking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, caving, paddling, etc.
• Certifications in related fields: wilderness first responder or wilderness first aid, single pitch instructor, LNT, ACA kayak, SUP, or canoe instructor, swiftwater rescue, challenge course practitioner etc.
• Experience working with college students or in a college setting.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is the largest public research university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Here at Mason, we are setting the benchmark for a bold, progressive education that serves the needs of our students and communities. With a student population of over 40,000, representing more than 130 countries, our campus is an organically diverse environment! George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment. Mason Recreation oversees three facilities on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University including the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC), the Aquatic Fitness Center (AFC), and Skyline Fitness Center. These facilities boast four gymnasiums, racquetball/squash courts, several locker rooms, fitness galleries and dedicated rooms for yoga, cycling, group exercise, and marital arts/self-defense classes. We house and maintain a recreation and competition pool, sauna, whirlpool, and several exterior facilities including a pavilion, turf and grass fields, jogging/walking trails, and a... team challenge course on our Science and Technology Campus. We provide the following programs and services for the campus community: Fitness, Aquatics, Outdoor Adventures, Intramural Sports, Club Sports, and the EDGE (team building programming).

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