Operations Program Manager

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  10003669
  

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  Fairfax, VA
  

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  Part-Time / Hourly Wage
  

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  Opening on: Jan 20 2026
  

The University Advancement division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 FTE. Functional units within Advancement include development/fundraising, alumni relations, donor relations and stewardship, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services.

Advancement's mission is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University's alumni and constituents while matching their philanthropic interests with the university's aspirations and priorities. The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning.

Advancement Engagement & Learning

• Develop and implement a cohesive internal communication and collaboration network, ensuring a consistent staff experience across decentralized units and central advancement;
• Align team priorities with organizational development, knowledge management, and workforce resilience goals;
• Serve as a key advisor to the Director of Finance & Operations and Advancement leadership on internal culture, communication, and staff development;
• Support department-wide inclusion and well-being practices through operational leadership;
• Oversee Thrive Together All Staff Meeting Programming (meetings and retreats) & All Staff Holiday Party, executed in partnership with the Office Administrator;
• Lead and support the Office of Advancement Administrative Council (OAAC), fostering collaboration across administrative staff to share best practices, provide backup and cross-training, and strengthen the overall administrative network within the department;
• Encourages participation, gathers feedback from employees; Compiles insights, suggests improvements for future meetings;
• Identifies lunch and learns/brown bags to grow capacity and knowledge of Mason resources;
• Identifies and works on solutions to help breakdown the silo effect in Advancement, Alumni Relations & Foundation; and
• Identifies, plans, and hosts in-person, online, and hybrid learning opportunities beyond All Staff meetings, Lunch and Learn, and professional development offerings.

Internal Communication

• Oversee internal communications calendar and messaging (newsletters, updates, highlights);
• Partner with Advancement Communications to align internal and external brand tone and messaging; and
• Ensure consistent flow of information across units and audience groups.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Collect and analyze program metrics, feedback, and participation data;
• Recommend improvements to learning, engagement, and knowledge systems based on evidence and staff feedback; and
• Pilot new platforms, tools, and engagement models; evaluate outcomes and refine processes.

Operations & Administrative Oversight

• Manages staff that oversee day-to-day office operations, including scheduling, space/facilities needs, office moves, and renovations;
• Manages administration activities such as support of general operations of the office, management of contracted services, space management and planning, and administrative support services; Supports strategic initiatives, ensures daily operations reflect leadership priorities;
• Establishes standards for customer service and visitor experience. Monitors service quality and resolves escalated issues;
• Approves use and design of Merten Hall office spaces;
• Oversees staffing levels and performance of front office personnel; Assists in hiring, training, and staff performance reviews;
• Reviews and approves forms such as key control and electronic access forms;
• Maintain and enforce administrative policies, procedures, and compliance standards;
• Champion service excellence and operational consistency across the department;
• Represents the division in all Emergency Management meetings; Serves as Safety Liaison for Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations; Develops and maintains robust emergency plans and establishes systems to proactively address, mitigate, and respond to emergencies; and
• Serves as unit's Unit Safety Liaison role for Merten Hall office (suites 2300 and 2700).

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• 5+ years of progressively responsible administrative or operations management experience, preferably in higher education or nonprofit environment;
• Experience supervising staff and leading administrative operations;
• Demonstrated success in project management, process improvement, and knowledge management;
• The ability to work independently and at fast pace on multiple and complex projects simultaneously and demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy and a positive attitude at all times;
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, possess the ability to perform duties under limited supervision;
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Must be resourceful and be able to research independently the best solutions for problems when they arise;
• Must possess outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal skills, exercise good time management, enjoy working with people and speaking to groups, and have flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of Advancement's administration;
• Must possess outstanding customer service skills demonstrated by the ability to interact effectively with administrators, faculty, and staff as well as partners outside of the University;
• Strong interpersonal skills that will enable the candidate to work well with diverse groups of people - both visitors and staff from all backgrounds and cultures;
• Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced professional environment, meeting deadlines with minimal supervision;
• Evidence of strong attention to detail and organizational effectiveness, such as maintaining accurate records, coordinating complex schedules, or supporting operational workflows;
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience researching options, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to operational or administrative challenges;
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication, including drafting professional correspondence, preparing reports or presentations, and communicating effectively with diverse audiences;
• Experience providing high-quality customer service in a professional setting, with regular interaction with senior administrators, faculty, staff, or external partners;
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a professional or academic environment; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in a highly visible office.