Program Manager, Federal Programs

• 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; and
• 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; and
• 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; and
• 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; and
• 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; and
• Ensures long-term sustainability and growth of the program’s contract portfolio.

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

• 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; and
• Familiarity with university research administration systems and processes.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Program Manager, Federal Programs at https://jobs.gmu.edu/.

Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

For Full Consideration, Apply by: May 15, 2026