Project 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 killing 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 Project Manager (Federal Contracts) supports federal, defense, and national‑security‑aligned programs within George Mason University’s Mason Defense initiative within CPE. This role oversees the planning, coordination, and delivery of federal contract‑funded programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, high‑quality program execution, and alignment with Mason’s mission to advance workforce readiness and national security education. Responsibilities Project Leadership and Execution Leads end‑to‑end delivery of federal and defense‑aligned programs operated through Mason Defense and CPE; Develops, manages, and tracks program schedules, milestones, and deliverables; and Coordinates with internal GMU units, faculty, partner organizations, government stakeholders, and subcontractors. Contract and Compliance Management Ensures adherence to FAR, DFARS, and agency‑specific federal acquisition regulations; Manages contract deliverables, reporting, documentation, audits, and compliance protocols; and Partners with GMU’s Office of Sponsored Programs and other internal compliance teams as needed. Financial and Budget Oversight Tracks budgets, expenditures, invoices, and financial forecasts for defense‑funded programs; and Supports cost proposals, budget modifications, and pricing for new or expanding contract efforts. Stakeholder Communication Serves as a primary liaison between government sponsors, GMU leadership, and program teams; Provides executive‑level updates, briefings, and performance summaries; and Communicates program status across Mason Defense, CPE, and university partners. Team and Vendor Coordination Supports staffing, onboarding, and resource allocation for program personnel; Oversees subcontractor work to ensure quality and compliance; and Facilitates coordination with faculty, instructional designers, and subject‑matter experts for training‑based programs. Other duties as assigned from time to time Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Public Administration, Engineering, IT, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience; Generally, 5+ years of project management experience, including typically 3+ years supporting federal or defense government programs; Experience delivering programs under FFP, T&M, or Cost‑Plus contracts; Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and federal procurement regulations; Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation capabilities; Proficiency in tools such as MS Project, SharePoint, Smartsheet, or Jira; U.S. citizenship required; and Active clearance level or the ability to maintain a US security clearance is required. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in related field; PMP, CAPM, Agile/Scrum, or DoD program management certification; Experience supporting defense‑focused entities (DoD, DHS, IC, DoN, Army, Air Force); Experience with federal workforce development, training programs, or university‑based contract management; and Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM). 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr