About the Department:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is an innovative, inclusive, and cutting-edge college that successfully prepares professionals to promote learning and development across the life span while contributing meaningfully to research in human and organizational performance as well as in the learning and developmental sciences. The college, with nearly 130 full-time faculty members, more than 300 part-time faculty members, and nine academic divisions, offers 27 academic programs, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, across its three schools, the School of Education, the School of Kinesiology, and the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management. In addition, faculty engage in an extensive portfolio of research and are fully engaged in the community. The CEHD is ranked among the top 100 Colleges of Education in the world by the Shanghai ranking of world universities and is among the top tier in the rankings of the US News and World Report.

About the Position:

The Grants Administrator is responsible for providing post-award grant administration support for faculty and researchers within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University. Reporting to the Senior Grants Administrator, this position ensures compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor guidelines while facilitating efficient and effective grant support and management. The role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced academic environment.

Responsibilities:

Post-Award Administration:

• Provides accurate, timely, and professional post-award support services to assigned units;
• Assists in the financial management and support of awarded grants, including processing and monitoring expenditures, reconciling budgets, and ensuring proper allocation of funds;
• Works with the Senior Grants Administrator to review and process transactions, prepare materials for meetings, and respond to requests for assistance;
• Ensures timely processing of invoices, expenditures, and reimbursements; and
• Tracks and ensures compliance with reporting deadlines and sponsor requirements.

Compliance & Policy Adherence:

• Ensures adherence to university policies, sponsor guidelines, and federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, DOE);
• Assists with effort reporting, subaward monitoring, and audit preparations as required; and
• Supports faculty and staff in understanding grant-related policies and procedures.

Administrative & Other Duties:

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date grant records and documentation;
• Assists with training and workshops on grant administration topics for faculty and staff;
• Contributes to process improvements and best practices in grant administration; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Senior Grants Administrator.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in grant administration, research administration, or related financial role (typically one year);
• Must be experienced and comfortable interpreting federal, state, university, and sponsor specific guidelines, policies and procedures, and terms and conditions;
• Working with multiple faculty and support team members of all levels to ensure all responsibilities are handled in an accurate and timely manner;
• Applicable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and business practices, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, Commonwealth of Virginia rules and regulations, agency/sponsor specific guidelines, George Mason University (GMU) policies and procedures as it relates to financial management, reporting and compliance, fiscal services, purchasing, travel, human resources, payroll, sponsored programs and research administration;
• Basic understanding of the type of teaching, research, training, and outreach being performed within the unit;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel;
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail;
• Diplomacy, process improvement and desire to achieve high outcomes, and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent organizational skills, communication (verbal and non-verbal), and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively;
• Strong focus on customer service, time management, teamwork, professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail is essential;
• Effectively manage multiple priorities, and work calmly under pressure with a sustained level of accuracy and productivity;
• Effective time management skills and a quick learner to a variety of electronic systems used in this position: MS Excel, Word, Power Point, Adobe Acrobat, internet skills and search tools; GMU applications such as Banner, Patriot Web, Workflow, MicroStrategy, etc.; and other systems as assigned;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and faculty, and must be able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a group or structured setting;
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and initiative;
• Demonstrated ability to research, investigate, analyze, and interpret award, fiscal, and compliance requirements; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Experience in a higher education or research environment; and
• Familiarity with George Mason University’s financial and grants management systems (e.g., Banner, MicroStrategy, etc.).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Grants Administrator 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.

Posting Open Date:  May 21, 2025

Posting Close Date:  June 6, 2025