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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

George Mason University

Administrative Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Administrative Assistant * 10003929 * Fairfax, VA * Part-Time / Hourly Wage * Opening on: Apr 1 ... Part of the Office of the Provost, under the Academic Affairs Division, the Graduate Division ...

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Graduate Assistant information

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Reston, VA is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much are grad assistants paid?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with some positions offering stipends ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per semester. Pay rates vary depending on the institution, field of study, and whether the role includes teaching, research, or administrative duties.

What do you do as a grad assistant?

A graduate assistant typically supports academic departments or research projects by assisting with teaching, grading, research, or administrative tasks. They often work part-time, gain experience in their field, and may be required to hold a relevant graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program. The role may involve using specific tools or software related to their responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What is the role of a graduate assistant?

A graduate assistant is a student enrolled in a graduate program who works part-time for a university or college, assisting with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. They often gain experience related to their field of study and may receive a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate assistantship typically requires a strong academic record, relevant skills, and a competitive application process that may include interviews and recommendation letters. The difficulty varies by institution, program availability, and the applicant's qualifications, but generally, it is competitive due to limited positions and high demand.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
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Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, and 59% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,313 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Administrative Assistant
  • 10003929
  • Fairfax, VA
  • Part-Time / Hourly Wage
  • Opening on: Apr 1 2026
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Department: Academic Affairs

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

Part of the Office of the Provost, under the Academic Affairs Division, the Graduate Division elevates Mason graduate education by augmenting the work of the academic units, by increasing the impact of graduate students and programs, by fostering a collaborative culture of academic excellence, and by contributing to the research productivity and the workforce development appropriate to an R1 institution.

About the Position:

The part-time Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the Senior Associate Provost and the Graduate Division team. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the Senior Associate Provost's calendar, coordinating schedules across the Graduate Division, and supporting the Graduate Division's team leads with large meetings.

Responsibilities:

Senior Leadership Support

  • Manages and coordinates the Senior Associate Provost's calendar, including scheduling appointments, meetings, and events;
  • Prioritizes and resolves scheduling conflicts with professionalism and discretion; and
  • Assists with preparation of meeting materials, agendas, and correspondence as needed.

Administrative Support

  • Provides general administrative assistance to the Graduate Division team;
  • Drafts, formats, and distributes routine communications and documents;
  • Manages, prioritizes, and responds to routine email inquiries, ensuring that messages are directed to the appropriate teams; and
  • Maintains organized electronic and physical filing systems.

Meeting Coordination

  • Reserves rooms and coordinate logistics for Graduate Division team leads for large committees and meetings;
  • Arranges virtual meeting platforms and ensure necessary technology and materials are prepared; and
  • Provides on-site or virtual meeting support when required.

Other Projects

  • Supports special projects and initiatives, and help with other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Must have High School Diploma or equivalent;
  • Must have good communication skills;
  • Must have good Office 365 skills;
  • Able to manage multiple projects at one time; and
  • Administrative support and calendar management experience preferred.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Administrative Assistant 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: April 1, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 22, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

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