MIX Program Coordinator

Department: Office Rsrch Innov and Econ Impact

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Work Schedule: approximately 29 hours per week

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience; anticipated hourly wage of $25/hour to $28/hour

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Northern Virginia’s tech economy is booming, and George Mason University is in the heart of the activity. For decades Mason has seen its role as an economic driver through entrepreneurship and small business support. George Mason University’s Mason Enterprise resides within the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development, and works collaboratively with stakeholders across the university and in the community.

The Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) is the common ground on Mason’s Campus that teaches and shows that everyone at Mason can be an innovator and entrepreneur. The Makerspace, Fabrication Lab, Media Lab, and Incubator spaces provide training and equipment, and encourage creativity, discovery, and innovation for every member of the George Mason community.

The Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) Makerspace, Media Lab, and Entrepreneurship Incubator is seeking a proactive and dynamic MIX Program Coordinator to join our team. This pivotal role involves close collaboration with, assistance to, and reporting directly to the MIX Senior Director. The successful candidate will be instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency across the GMU MIX Makerspace, Media Lab, and Entrepreneurship Incubator.

This role oversees and supports activities and staff within the following locations:

• Fairfax Campus (primary location):
  • Horizon Hall:
    • 1408 – Makerspace, Fabrication Lab, Woodshop, and Metalsmithing Lab;
    • 1410 – Media Lab and Podcasting Booth;
    • 2100 – MIX Incubator;
• Arlington Campus (as needed)
• Manassas Campus (as needed)

This role is crucial in supporting the MIX Senior Director to develop high-level programming, enhance outreach efforts, and spearhead advanced initiatives. Our aim is to foster inclusive STEM programs, encourage entrepreneurial ventures, and enhance inter-departmental collaboration between Mason Enterprise and the George Mason community.

This role is a part-time hourly position with a required on-site presence. The role includes physical activity, including equipment handling and workshop facilitation. Occasional evening and weekend hours to support events. Travel between Fairfax, Arlington and Manassas campuses as needed.

Responsibilities include managing/monitoring student staff activities, coordinating staff schedules, working with the staff team to ensure MIX equipment is maintained and in optimal working order, ensuring a consistent supply of necessary materials, coordinating MIX programs such as the Drone, Robotics, BLIMP, and Innovators Launchpad short courses, organizing and ensuring the smooth operations of all MIX internal and external events, and working closely with the MIX Senior Director on strategic development initiatives.

• In coordination with the MIX Manager, develop student staff schedules and coordinate operational coverage in coordination with the MIX Manager;
• Assist to recruit, train, mentor, and supervise student staff;
• Approve and document student timesheets in accordance with MIX operations and budget;
• In coordination with the MIX Manager, assign daily workshops and operational responsibilities to student staff; and
• Maintain regular communication regarding scheduling, programming, and daily operations with MIX Manager and MIX student staff.

• In coordination with the MIX Manager and Senior Director, develop newsletters highlighting MIX programs and accomplishments;
• Create promotional materials using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite to be posted on media outlets:
  Linked In, Instagram, Discord and more;
• Procure photos & videos, documenting programs, workshops, and campus events;
• In coordination with the Senior Director and the MIX Manager, maintain website content with updated blog posts, hours of operation, up-to-date photos and content, and more; and
• Create written and visual content that complies with Mason Enterprise, MIX, and George Mason Branding.

• In coordination with MIX Manager and Senior Director, plan, coordinate, and execute innovation-focused events, workshops, competitions, and community engagement activities;
• Handle logistics for major MIX signature programs including:
  • MIX Innovators Launchpad;
  • Handmade Marketplace;
  • Maker Academy;
  • Pitch competitions;
  • Entrepreneurship events;
• Coordinate room reservations, scheduling, event staffing, and operational logistics;
• Serve as the primary operational contact for internal and external event partners; and
• Track participation, event outcomes, and operational metrics.