Policy and Risk Specialist

George Mason University•Fairfax, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Policy and Risk Specialist strengthens organizational effectiveness by coordinating the development, review, and maintenance of institutional policies while supporting the identification, assessment, and mitigation of enterprise‑level risks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Typically, 3-5 years of professional experience in policy development, risk management, compliance, project management, governance, or a related administrative or analytical role
Experience supporting complex processes involving multiple stakeholders, such as policy review cycles, compliance workflows, or cross departmental initiatives
Experience preparing reports, documentation, or communication for leadership or governance bodies
Knowledge of processes for developing and implementing policies, procedures and ERM strategies, including drafting, revision, governance structures, and approval workflows within complex organizations
Knowledge of software frequently used by ERM including Microsoft Suite (SharePoint, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), DocuSign, and the Adobe Suite
Skill in coordinating meetings, responding to requests and questions, and supporting stakeholders through structured processes
Skill in written communication, including the ability to create clear, concise, and accessible documents, reports, and guidance materials
Skill in project management, including prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and coordinating multiple assignments
Skill in using digital tools and systems for document management, workflow tracking, and data analysis
Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships across diverse units and stakeholder groups
Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
Ability to work independently and proactively while also contributing effectively to team initiatives
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, emerging risks, and evolving organizational needs
Other attributes include a commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency in policy and risk processes; a strong customer-service orientation and willingness to support colleagues navigating complex governance workflows; attention to detail and a dedication to continuous improvement in both policy management and risk practices; and professional curiosity, openness to learning, and the ability to thoughtfully question assumptions

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field
Typically, 5-7 years of experience in policy management, enterprise risk management, compliance coordination, or organizational governance—preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization
Experience working with governance committees, policy owners, auditors, or risk stewards
Experience developing training materials, processing documentation, or guidance related to policy, compliance, or risk practices
Experience using project management or risk tracking tools, workflow systems, or document management platforms
Experience interpreting regulatory or accreditation requirements relevant to institutional policy and compliance environments
Knowledge of enterprise risk management principles, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring
In-depth knowledge of at least one risk area (strategic, operational, financial, compliance, or reputational)
Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and accreditation requirements relevant to institutional policies and risk oversight
Knowledge of organizational governance frameworks and best practices for policy clarity, consistency, and accessibility
Knowledge of research methods, data interpretation, and analytical techniques used in evaluating risk and policy impacts
Knowledge of higher education governance structures, administrative operations, or accreditation systems
Knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks related to compliance, risk management, privacy, or institutional policy oversight
Knowledge of project management methodologies such as Agile, Lean, or continuous improvement practices
Knowledge of data visualization tools or risk tracking platforms used in enterprise risk environments
Skill in analyzing complex information, identifying trends or gaps, and translating findings into clear recommendations
Skill in preparing and/or implementing training initiatives
Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements and apply them accurately to institutional situations

Responsibilities

Serve as University Policy Manager coordinating the full lifecycle of institutional policies, including providing information to policy owners as they draft and revise policies, supporting review by the Policy Management Group, facilitating approval, publishing policies to the policy website, and archiving
Guide policy owners through required processes, templates, timelines, and governance structures
Maintain the policy repository and ensure version control, consistency, and clarity in policy language
Support transparency by keeping the website up-to-date with current policies listed and helpful information posted to enable the policy management process
Contribute to policy management efficiency and effectiveness by contributing ideas and raising concerns with the Policy Management Group co-chairs
Prepare draft materials for meetings and presentations focused on ERM, as well as coordinating AV support as needed and taking notes and preparing meeting minutes
Prepare clear, consistent, and professional materials in support of the ERM program including contributing to web content
Serve as project manager, tracking and coordinating requests and follow up with Executive Risk Owners and Action Plan Risk Owners for content, updates, and feedback
Utilize technology in support of the ERM program including inputting data, preparing reports, utilizing analysis capabilities, and assisting risk owners in providing information to the system as applicable
Support development of guidance documents and materials related to the policy process and ERM
Support communication by maintaining list-serves and sending communication on behalf of the Policy Management Group and on behalf of ERM
Schedule complex meetings such as Policy Management Group meetings, ERM Council meetings, meetings with senior leadership team members, working groups, and similar
Maintain accurate documentation, meeting minutes, schedules, and tracking systems for ERM and policy workflows
Support the preparation of reports for senior leadership, auditors, and governance bodies
Assist with data management, analysis, and process-improvement across the unit
Support development of training materials for ERM, policy, and other related areas as they emerge
Related tasks assigned by the supervisor and department head