Program Associate

About the Mercatus Center The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is a university-based research center dedicated to advancing knowledge about how markets and institutions foster prosperity and human flourishing. Through research, academic programs, and public engagement, Mercatus supports scholars and students working at the intersection of economics, philosophy, and public policy. Job Summary The Mercatus Center at George Mason University seeks a bright, motivated, and detail-oriented Program Associate to join the Research and Programs team. This role supports the Mercatus Center’s academic research and fellowship programs through event coordination, program logistics, scholar support, communications, and administrative operations. The Program Associate will work closely with program leads, scholars, students, and staff to help ensure the successful execution of events, research initiatives, and day-to-day program activities. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, proactive, and interested in higher education, public policy, and classical liberal ideas. The team encourages professional development through mentorship, skill‑building opportunities, and university coursework. This role is particularly well suited for candidates interested in long‑term growth in research administration, academic programming, or public policy. This position reports to the Program Manager, Research & Programs, and works primarily from the Mercatus Center’s Fairfax office on George Mason University’s main campus in Fairfax, VA. Responsibilities Provide administrative support for fellowship and other academic and student programs, including staffing events, preparing materials, recruiting efforts, and scheduling administrative needs for program leads and scholars. Contribute to office management by sharing reception desk duties and assisting in day‑to‑day operations including facilities maintenance, office and kitchen supply inventory, and presenting a professional office appearance. Draft program notes and reports and execute special projects, coordinating subtasks with other Research and Programs staff as appropriate. Assist with creating website content, and copy editing manuscripts, journal articles, and other research products. Support program evaluation efforts through data collection, survey analysis, and database management across multiple software platforms and data sources. Analyze participant feedback and program outcomes to help evaluate and communicate the impact of Research and Programs initiatives. Contribute to media and communications projects for the F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, including podcast production, graphic design, social media content, and related digital media initiatives. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple short- and long‑term projects independently. Ability to show initiative and improve existing processes while helping develop new systems and workflows. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong writing and editing abilities. Interest in economics, classical liberalism, and public policy. Experience in a professional administrative support, program management, or event coordination role. Experience with data collection, survey platforms, or database management. Familiarity with data analysis software such as Stata or Python. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite products such as Premiere Pro or Illustrator. Experience with podcast production, graphic design, or social media content creation. EEO Statement Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect, and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. #J-18808-Ljbffr