Program Manager, Federal Programs

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Academic Research, Budget Management, Candidate Pipeline, Contract Creation, Contract Management, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), Ecosystems, Faculty Administration, Federal Compliance Regulations, Federal Contracts, Federal Government, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Management, Financial Policies, Financial Regulations, Forecasting, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Onboarding, Operational Strategy, Operational Support, People Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Regulatory Compliance, Research Administration, Research Contracts, Resource Management, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Time Management, Training Program, University/School Policies

LOCATION

Fairfax, Virginia

POSTED

18 days ago

Department: Academic Affairs

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

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Security Clearance Check: Yes

About the Department:

Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) at George Mason University serves as the university's central hub for workforce development, executive education, and applied professional learning. CPE partners with federal agencies, industry, and academic units across Mason to design and deliver high-impact training programs that strengthen the region's talent pipeline.

CPE supports strategic university initiatives by offering flexible, mission-aligned programs-including short courses, certificate programs, customized federal training, and large-scale workforce skilling efforts-that advance organizational performance and address emerging national security, defense, and technology needs. As part of GMU's research and innovation ecosystem, CPE collaborates closely with Mason Defense, academic colleges, and research centers to ensure programs are responsive, experiential, and aligned with federal workforce priorities.

CPE also supports George Mason University's efforts to expand and deliver impactful defense and national security programs through applied research, federal partnerships, workforce development, and strategic initiatives. The department collaborates closely with academic units, research centers, and federal agencies to advance mission-critical national security objectives.

About the Position:

The Program Manager leads and oversees federally funded contract programs supporting research, academic initiatives, or strategic operations with George Mason University's Mason Defense initiative within CPE. The Program Manager ensures effective program execution, compliance with federal regulations, financial stewardship, and seamless collaboration with university stakeholders, federal sponsors, subcontractors, and research teams. This role is essential in maintaining Mason's commitment to high-impact research, national security partnerships, and efficient contract performance.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Execution

Leads the planning, execution, and delivery of federal contract program objectives in alignment with university policies and sponsor requirements;
Oversees project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics; and
Facilitates collaboration between faculty researchers, administrative staff, technical teams, federal sponsors, and subcontractors.

Contract and Compliance Management

Ensures program operations comply with FAR, DFARS, OMB Uniform Guidance, federal agency regulations, and George Mason University standards;
Monitors contract modifications, deliverables, reporting requirements, and documentation; and
Supports audits, site visits, and federal reviews, ensuring timely and accurate submission of required materials.

Financial Oversight and Budget Management

Develops and manages program budgets, forecasts, spending plans, and cost-tracking mechanisms;
Ensures compliance with federal cost principles and university financial policies; and
Assists in developing budgets for contract extensions, expansions, or renewal proposals.

Stakeholder Communication

Serves as the primary liaison between George Mason University and federal sponsors;
Prepares and presents program briefings, updates, and performance reports; and
Coordinates meetings, workshops, and reviews with internal and external partners.

Team and Resource Coordination

Supports hiring, onboarding, and supervision of program staff, researchers, and subcontractors;
Assigns work, monitors performance, and ensures appropriate resource allocation; and
Promotes a collaborative working environment across teams and partner institutions.

Strategic and Operational Support

Supports propos

Program Manager, Federal Programs

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

About the Company

George Mason University

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