George Mason University · 1 day ago
Assistant Director for Substance Use
Fairfax, VA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/ExecutiveGeorge Mason University is committed to fostering a supportive environment for its students, and they are seeking an Assistant Director for Substance Use to oversee the Student Support and Advocacy Center's alcohol and drug prevention and support services. This role involves engaging with university and community partners to enhance awareness and expand support services aimed at improving student retention and success.
Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Develops and implements evidence-based community education, prevention programs, social marketing campaigns, and outreach about substance use with the goal of raising awareness, encouraging healthy choices, enhancing visibility and accessibility, and increasing student usage of Center services
Cultivates community awareness about substance use and develops and maintains positive working relationships with campus and community partners, who are invested in supporting George Mason students
Participates on university and community committees, taskforces, and coalitions to represent SSAC on matters related to substance use services, ensuring the Center's interests are represented and addressed as necessary; and
Applies analytic skills to identify trends in substance use and outreach engagement, using data to refine prevention strategies and educational programming
With the Assistant Director for Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Response and Prevention, co-supervises the Center’s peer education program focused on bystander intervention, healthy relationships, and substance use education
Assists with recruiting, selecting, training, and evaluating peer educators to ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet Center prevention and outreach goals; and
Monitors the effectiveness of the peer educator program and provides constructive feedback and coaching to improve individual peer educator performance
Conducts intake screenings and provides compassionate individualized support to students with concerns related to substance use
Implements developmentally appropriate interventions, coordinates campus and community resources and services, and monitors follow-up and progress of cases
Collaborates with other university departments and community agencies in assisting students
Facilitates short-term educational interventions for students sanctioned by Student Conduct
Maintains accurate and timely documentation within a case management software and ensures that student records are in compliance with university policies and applicable laws; and
Assists SSAC’s broader team by occasionally supporting students facing other life challenges not associated with substance use
Stays informed about best practices, current research, emerging trends, and standards of practice in the field of substance use, higher education, and student support services to ensure SSAC remains innovative and responsive to the evolving student needs
Supports SSAC Leadership with assessment efforts, strategic planning, and special projects focused on substance us, helping to ensure efficient and effective service and to advance Center, University Life, and university goals
Assists with creation of unit reports and development and implementation of SSAC policies and procedures consistent with legal and institutional mandates; and
Actively participates in University Life divisional meetings, professional development opportunities, initiatives, and in-person events to stay connected with divisional and institutional priorities, and to foster cross-unit collaboration
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Professional work experience in direct service to individuals facing life challenges
Experience working in the substance use prevention and intervention field
Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills
Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs and deadlines
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and records
Ability to build and maintain successful collaborative relationships with a spectrum of various campus community stakeholders
Other attributes that demonstrate effective work habits, including timeliness, accuracy, and reliability
Preferred
Certified Health Education Specialist certification through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
Professional work experience in a university setting managing substance use cases
Professional work experience in a university setting managing student in distress cases and related issues
Experience with mental health safety planning and management of cases with risk of harm to self or others
Experience developing and leading education programs, prevention efforts, trainings, and community outreach efforts
Experience advising peer education groups
Experience with motivational interviewing, positive psychology, or strengths-based approaches to behavior change
Experience effectively serving a population of students from varying backgrounds facing a spectrum of life challenges
Experience effectively engaging with committees, coalitions, and community agencies
Experience using case management software to accurately and securely document student cases
Knowledge about non-clinical case management practices in higher education institutions with a focus on substance use and students in distress
Knowledge of current national research and trends about substance use and mental health among college students
Knowledge about substance use intervention and prevention best practices
Company
George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution.
Founded in 1957
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.68MKey Investors
National Safety CouncilNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyVirginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
2025-06-25Grant· $0.05M
2024-04-03Grant· $0.2M
2023-08-03Grant· $0.07M
Leadership Team
Bassam Haddad
Director, Middle East and Islamic Studies Program
Ellen Laipson
Director, International Security Program
Recent News
2025-11-15
American Institutes for Research
2025-11-05
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