Administrative Assistant

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Admin Office Specialist 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

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 visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary range starting lower $50k; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose of George Mason University's Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) program is to develop leaders who can solve complex, real-world problems by integrating systems thinking with advanced analytical and computational skills, preparing them for roles in government, industry, and academia. It focuses on designing, analyzing, and improving large systems in diverse fields like defense, healthcare, and finance, emphasizing practical application, data-driven solutions, and ethical decision-making for societal impact.

About the Position:

The Administrative Assistant has direct responsibility for administratively supporting the Chair of SEOR, the department's academic programs, marketing efforts, course scheduling, and other responsibilities assigned by the Chair.

*Please note that this is not a 100% remote/virtual position, but it is telework friendly. Depending upon your department/office, you may have the ability to telework 1-3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Provides daily administrative and operational support to ensure efficient department operations;
• Maintains electronic and physical records, databases, and filing systems in compliance with university policies;
• Coordinates office supplies, inventory, space, telecommunications, and equipment tracking;
• Serves as liaison with facilities, IT, telecom, and space management offices;
• Coordinates teaching schedules with the Department Chair:
  • Manage schedules via university information system;
  • Monitor enrollment;
  • Coordinate with the scheduling office to make necessary changes to classes;
• Provides guidance and assistance to students regarding academic and administrative processes;
• Assigns faculty advisors and administers plans of study in accordance with departmental policies;
• Maintains and updates student academic records and databases;
• Monitors student progress and notifies students of potential academic or administrative concerns;
• Supports course scheduling and academic coordination with departmental leadership;
• Monitors the department email and responds to emails accordingly;
• Assists with reconciliation of departmental accounts;
• Tracks expenditures, purchasing activity, and inventory in compliance with university procedures;
• Provides backup support for hiring, onboarding, and personnel transactions;
• Initiates contracts and enters personnel assignments as requested;
• Processes ePAFs for adjunct faculty and graduate teaching assistants, including terminations when required;
• Collects, maintains, and safeguards official financial and personnel documentation;
• Plans and coordinates departmental events including advisory board meetings, seminars, retreats, graduation events, receptions, and student competitions;
• Arranges travel accommodations for candidates, guest speakers, and students;
• Coordinates meeting logistics including space reservations, catering, materials, and technology support;
• Supports updates to departmental brochures, catalog materials, and marketing content;
• Maintains departmental web pages and social media, email distribution lists, calendars, and LinkedIn presence;
• Conducts routine outreach and communications with students and alumni;
• Supports special initiatives and projects assigned by the Department Chair; and
• Provides backup coverage to other administrative staff to ensure continuity of operations.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience working in an office setting;
• Experience with fiscal processing/transactions;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work within the university information systems; and
• Proficient computer skills and office software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field;
• Experience with university systems (eVa, Banner, MicroStrategy); and
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Administrative Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.  

Posting Open Date:  May 13, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  May 27, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes

  A Force for Innovation in the Heart of Northern Virginia’s Technology Corridor:     About the College:

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC has more than 11,000 students in fall 2025. The college has 34 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of its 326 instructional faculty, 100 are tenured, 64 are tenure-track, 100 are term faculty, and 62 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $83.7 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $66.8 million in awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunities for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About the University and the Region:

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students studying in over 200 degree programs. Mason is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About the Future:

In conjunction with Amazon’s decision to establish a second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing. As a result, George Mason has committed to accelerating its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the university’s exciting initiatives are the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovation—a university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy—and the expansion of Mason Square home to its Arlington facilities. In 2025, Fuse, a new 355,000 square foot building, opened to students, faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of the-art classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space, and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by George Mason that will rapidly elevate the university’s already leading national position in computing and related areas.