Program Manager, Federal Programs

George Mason University•Fairfax, VA

1d•Hybrid

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.

Requirements

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
Active TS/SCI or the ability to maintain a US security clearance is required.

Nice To Haves

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
Familiarity with university research administration systems and processes.

Responsibilities

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
Facilitates collaboration between faculty researchers, administrative staff, technical teams, federal sponsors, and subcontractors.
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
Supports audits, site visits, and federal reviews, ensuring timely and accurate submission of required materials.
Develops and manages program budgets, forecasts, spending plans, and cost-tracking mechanisms
Ensures compliance with federal cost principles and university financial policies
Assists in developing budgets for contract extensions, expansions, or renewal proposals.
Serves as the primary liaison between George Mason University and federal sponsors
Prepares and presents program briefings, updates, and performance reports
Coordinates meetings, workshops, and reviews with internal and external partners.
Supports hiring, onboarding, and supervision of program staff, researchers, and subcontractors
Assigns work, monitors performance, and ensures appropriate resource allocation
Promotes a collaborative working environment across teams and partner institutions.
Supports proposal development, capture activities, and strategic planning for future sponsored programs
Identifies process improvements and implement efficiencies across program operations
Ensures long-term sustainability and growth of the program’s contract portfolio.