KAP 2026-2027 - Program Associate, Research and Programs - Mercatus Center
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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
Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support for fellowship and other academic and student programs including but not limited to: staffing events (which include evening and weekend events), preparing materials, assisting with recruiting efforts, and helping with the scheduling and administrative needs of program leads and scholars
- Contribute to office management for the Fairfax office 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, as well as copy editing manuscripts, journal articles, and other research products
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
