Program Manager, Federal Programs

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 proposal development, capture activities, and strategic planning for future sponsored programs;
• Identifies process improvements and implement efficiencies across program operations; and
• Ensures long-term sustainability and growth of the program’s contract portfolio.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project/Program Management, Engineering, Public Policy, Information Technology, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Generally, 7 years of program or project management experience, with typically at least 3 years managing U.S. federal contracts;
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, federal procurement, and sponsored research compliance;
• Demonstrated success managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex program environments;
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and analytical skills;
• Proficiency with project management tools, reporting systems, and MS Office applications;
• U.S. citizenship required; and
• Active TS/SCI or the ability to maintain a US security clearance is required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working within higher education or research institutions;
• Experience with DoD, DHS, NSF, NIH, DARPA, or other federal research sponsors; and
• Familiarity with university research administration systems and processes.
  
  

Instructions To Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Program Manager, Federal Programs 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 8, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: May 15, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

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/