Operations Program Manager

Operations Program Manager

Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

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.

The Operations Program Manager provides strategic operational leadership, supervision, knowledge management, and project management for the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations. Serving as the bridge between the Director of Finance and Operations and administrative staff, this role ensures that office operations, knowledge systems, engagement efforts, and special initiatives are executed effectively and in alignment with departmental goals. Emphasis is placed on process refinement, team supervision, knowledge sharing, and fostering an inclusive, efficient, and collaborative work environment through engagement, professional learning initiatives, and support of the Office of Advancement Administrative Council (OAAC).

Please note:
Due to the nature of confidential information this position works with, current Mason students cannot be considered for this position.

• 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.
• Encourage participation, gather feedback from employees; compile insights, suggest improvements for future meetings.
• Identify lunch and learns/brown bags to grow capacity and knowledge of Mason resources.
• Identify and work on solutions to help break down the silo effect in Advancement, Alumni Relations & Foundation; and
• Identify, plan, and host in-person, online, and hybrid learning opportunities beyond All Staff meetings, Lunch and Learn, and professional development offerings.

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

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