Director Innovation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Department: Costello College of Business
Classification: GMU Worker
Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Manassas, 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:
The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University is one of the largest business schools in Virginia, and is located near Washington, D.C., in Arlington and Fairfax, and at George Mason's global campus in Incheon, South Korea. The college's AACSB-accredited business and accounting curricula prepare undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. and across the globe for career success in business and government. Its research-based faculty and focus on multi-disciplinary academic programs, inclusive entrepreneurship, modular education, experiential learning, and corporate partner engagement are transforming the landscape of business education and workforce development. Learn more at business.gmu.edu.
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is an interdisciplinary hub in the Costello College of Business(Costello) that supports innovators and change makers from all George Mason schools and programs. From innovative courses and clubs to startup trips and competitions, CIE offers participants opportunities to explore and learn about creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, experiment with concepts and tools, and startup a venture or initiative. There are three core elements in our Center's mission: Develop experiential learning opportunities to complement and expand traditional academic offerings; Engage students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members building and growing new ventures and organizations; Drive the growth of the regional and global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The SciTech Campus sits at the heart of Virginia's economic innovation district in Manassas, Virginia-strategically located near the nation's capital to create a competitive environment for pioneering academic, research, and business activities as well as establishing a strong partner for local businesses, government agencies, and global research firms. The Nexus234 Innovation District supports the full innovation lifecycle from early research to commercialization and advanced manufacturing. The district creates the conditions for ideas to advance by bringing together the people, spaces, and support needed to move technologies from discovery to delivery, helping companies start, locate, and scale more quickly. Startups, established companies, and researchers collaborate using shared labs, equipment, and expertise to develop, test, and refine new innovations.
About the Position:
This position will support the Executive Director of Nexus234 Innovation District, Costello College and Center Leadership team in the development of strategy as well as execution of said strategies, related initiatives, and team management relating to the Costello College of Business as well as Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's engagement and activities at the SciTech campus of George Mason University. The Program Lead will implement programs, projects, and events, execute day-to-day center operations, and manage special projects. The Program Lead will also provide communications support (including web, social media, in-person, over the phone, newsletter, promotional materials, and/or other electronic platforms), and support stakeholder relationships as needed.
Responsibilities:
Program Management

• Develops and delivers a robust set of stakeholder pathways and student programs including, but not limited to:
  • Executive training, student and alumni entrepreneurship events, international soft landing, capstone engagement, collaborative programming with internal and external stakeholders, etc;
• Supports the CIE, Costello and Nexus234 leadership teams in program design and program delivery;
• Manages day-to-day program operations including program planning and implementation;
• Represents CIE at programs and events in support of the CIE leadership team;
• Supports grant identification and submission in collaboration with the Executive Director of Nexus234 Innovation District and CIE leadership team;
• Provides mentorship to graduate and undergraduate interns and supervises interns/student wage/non-student wage employees assigned to the program lead's projects;
• Utilizes and allocates tasks to student, non-student wage and internship team members as applicable in CIE's project management system;
• Supports CIE and Nexus234 leadership in developing program metrics including progress reports on goals and objectives; and
• Maintains current knowledge of the responsible business space and relevant activities of other business schools and centers.

Marketing and Communications

• Assists in writing content to showcase programs and events for print, newsletter, website, and social media in collaboration with CIE and Nexus234;
• Creates and distributes program-relevant content through social media channels in execution of social media strategy, coordinating as appropriate with Costello Marketing and Communications and Nexus234 team; and
• Supports the Executive Director of Nexus234 Innovation District and CIE leadership team in the creation and distribution of program promotional materials to current and prospective students in collaboration with the Costello Marketing and Communications group and graduate and undergraduate student recruiting and engagement teams.

Administrative Support

• Serves as a primary point of contact for CIE operations at Nexus234 Innovation District;
• Manages generic email accounts, calls, visitors, and inquiries in coordination with the CIE operational team;
• Prepares routine reports, correspondence, and other written materials for CIE and Nexus234 leadership teams;
• Maintains records and supports communications and relationship engagement with internal and external stakeholders at Nexus234;
• Assists with processing procurement transactions as needed; and
• Maintains accurate records of grant funds and supports Executive Director of Nexus234 Innovation District and CIE leadership team in grant reporting.

Events

• Works across George Mason's campuses and with external stakeholders to identify speakers, events, and opportunities for collaboration;
• Provides event planning and onsite event support during and outside of regular business hours in collaboration with Nexus234 Events Coordinator; and
• Promotes relevant events and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders in collaboration with the Costello and Nexus234 Marketing and Communications team.

Special Projects

• Manages and executes special projects as assigned by the CIE and Nexus234 leadership teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of related experience and education;
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication, critical thinking and strategic thinking skills;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills;
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills;
• Polished professional demeanor and the ability to interact with high-level academic and administrative officials as well as corporate and government high-level executives;
• Ability to work independently;
• Social media savvy;
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, deadline-sensitive team environment;
• Experience developing, managing, and executing programs or projects;
• Intermediate degree of project management experience;
• Demonstrated experience managing events and working with high-level executives, speakers, and/or senior level administrators; and
• Experience managing a budget and procuring goods and services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field;
• Experience working with students, alumni and community stakeholders to facilitate dynamic programming;
• Experience with GMU's internal programs and procedures;
• Experience working in higher education or government agencies; and
• Experience managing events in a university setting.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Program Lead, CIE Innovation District 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: June 17, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 1, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
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George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
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George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
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