Program Manager, Federal Programs

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. invites applications for a Program Manager to oversee federally funded contract programs within the Academic Affairs department.

The role emphasizes compliance with federal regulations, budget stewardship, and coordination among university stakeholders, sponsors, and researchers. Responsibilities include leading program execution, managing timelines and deliverables, and fostering collaboration across internal teams and external partners while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• 7+ years of program or project management experience, with 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; ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of federal contract program objectives in alignment with policies and sponsor requirements.
• Oversee project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics; ensure timely reporting.
• Facilitate collaboration between faculty researchers, administrative staff, technical teams, federal sponsors, and subcontractors.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and review documentation for audits and reviews.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project/Program Management, Engineering, Public Policy, Information Technology, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Project management tools

Job description

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 visasponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education andexperience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Security Clearance Check: Yes

About the Department:

Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) at George MasonUniversity serves as the university’s central hub for workforcedevelopment, executive education, and applied professionallearning. CPE partners with federal agencies, industry, andacademic units across Mason to design and deliver high‑impacttraining programs that strengthen the region’s talentpipeline.

CPE supports strategic university initiatives by offering flexible,mission‑aligned programs—including short courses, certificateprograms, customized federal training, and large‑scale workforceskilling efforts that advance organizational performance andaddress emerging national security, defense, and technology needs.As part of GMU’s research and innovation ecosystem, CPEcollaborates closely with Mason Defense, academic colleges, andresearch centers to ensure programs are responsive, experiential,and aligned with federal workforce priorities.

CPE also supports George Mason University’s efforts to expand anddeliver impactful defense and national security programs throughapplied research, federal partnerships, workforce development, andstrategic initiatives. The department collaborates closely withacademic units, research centers, and federal agencies to advancemission-critical national security objectives.

About the Position:

The Program Manager leads and oversees federally funded contractprograms supporting research, academic initiatives, or strategicoperations with George Mason University’s Mason Defense initiativewithin CPE. The Program Manager ensures effective programexecution, compliance with federal regulations, financialstewardship, and seamless collaboration with universitystakeholders, federal sponsors, subcontractors, and research teams.This role is essential in maintaining Mason’s commitment tohigh‑impact research, national security partnerships, and efficientcontract performance.

Program Leadership and Execution

• Leads the planning, execution, and delivery of federal contractprogram objectives in alignment with university policies andsponsor requirements;
• Oversees project timelines, milestones, deliverables, andperformance metrics; and
• Facilitates collaboration between faculty researchers,administrative staff, technical teams, federal sponsors, andsubcontractors.

Contract and Compliance Management

• Ensures program operations comply with FAR, DFARS, OMB UniformGuidance, federal agency regulations, and George Mason Universitystandards;
• Monitors contract modifications, deliverables, reportingrequirements, and documentation; and
• Supports audits, site visits, and federal reviews, ensuringtimely and accurate submission of required materials.

Financial Oversight and Budget Management

• Develops and manages program budgets, forecasts, spendingplans, and cost-tracking mechanisms;
• Ensures compliance with federal cost principles and universityfinancial policies; and
• Assists in developing budgets for contract extensions,expansions, or renewal proposals.

Stakeholder Communication

• Serves as the primary liaison between George Mason Universityand federal sponsors;
• Prepares and presents program briefings, updates, andperformance reports; and
• Coordinates meetings, workshops, and reviews with internal andexternal partners.

Team and Resource Coordination

• Supports hiring, onboarding, and supervision of program staff,researchers, and subcontractors;
• Assigns work, monitors performance, and ensures appropriateresource allocation; and
• Promotes a collaborative working environment across teams andpartner institutions.

Strategic and Operational Support

• Supports proposal development, capture activities, andstrategic planning for future sponsored programs;
• Identifies process improvements and implement efficienciesacross program operations; and
• Ensures long-term sustainability and growth of the program’scontract portfolio.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project/ProgramManagement, Engineering, Public Policy, Information Technology, orrelated field or the equivalent combination of education andexperience;
• Generally, 7+ years of program or project managementexperience, with typically at least 3 years managing U.S. federalcontracts;
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, federal procurement, andsponsored research compliance;
• Demonstrated success managing multi-disciplinary teams andcomplex program environments;
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and analyticalskills;
• 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 securityclearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working within higher education or researchinstitutions;
• Experience with DoD, DHS, NSF, NIH, DARPA, or other federalresearch sponsors; and
• Familiarity with university research administration systems andprocesses.

Posting Open Date: April 8, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: May 15, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/