Research Events & Facilities Operations Coordinator

Department: Academic Affairs

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category:Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type:Part-Time

Location: Arlington, VA

Workplace Type:On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary:Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check:Yes

About the Department:

Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) at George Mason University serves as the university’s central hub for workforce development, executive education, and applied professional learning. CPE partners with federal agencies, industry, and academic units across Mason to design and deliver high‑impact training programs that strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.

CPE supports strategic university initiatives by offering flexible, mission‑aligned programs—including short courses, certificate programs, customized federal training, and large‑scale workforce skilling efforts that advance organizational performance and address emerging national security, defense, and technology needs. As part of GMU’s research and innovation ecosystem, CPE collaborates closely with Mason Defense, academic colleges, and research centers to ensure programs are responsive, experiential, and aligned with federal workforce priorities.

Mason Defense leads George Mason University’s efforts to expand and deliver impactful defense and national security programs through applied research, federal partnerships, workforce development, and strategic initiatives. The department collaborates closely with academic units, research centers, and federal agencies

About the Position:

The Research Events & Facilities Operations Coordinator serves as the primary manager for federal research-related meetings, conferences, training programs, special events, facility scheduling, and visitor engagement activities. This position is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation and utilization of facilities and resources while delivering exceptional customer service to government, industry, academic, and community partners. Provides research subject matter expertise for delivering events and maintaining facilities compliant with appropriate policies.

The Coordinator oversees all research event logistics, facility reservations, customer intake, vendor coordination, visitor management, and day-to-day operational support. This role requires a highly organized, customer-focused professional who can manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and ensure a professional experience for all facility users and visitors.

Responsibilities:

Research Event and Conference Operations

• Coordinate and execute research-related meetings, workshops, conferences, training events, demonstrations, ceremonies, and special events and ensure they adhere to standard policies and procedures;
• Independently determine event requirements, establish execution strategies, and allocate operational resources based on event scope, Stakeholder needs, risk, and available capacity;
• Exercise operational decision-making authority and direct research-related event logistics including room reservations, setup requirements, catering, audiovisual support, registration, attendee communications, and event materials;
• Lead the planning and execution of executive meetings, VIP visits, government delegations, and stakeholder engagements;
• Develop event schedules, planning timelines, and operational checklists;
• Manage external vendors and stakeholders and oversee the successful execution of event arrangements;
• Provide on-site support during events and authorize necessary adjustments to resolve operational and technical, system‑related issues; and
• Conduct post-event reviews and collect customer feedback.

Research Facility Operations and…