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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Administrative Associate

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Assists in the recruiting of graduate assistants using the job applicant tracking system; * Administers all aspects of faculty recruitment using the job applicant tracking system; * Coordinates ...

Graduate Landscape Architect

Leesburg, VA

$72K - $100K/yr

Pennoni is seeking a Graduate Landscape Architect to join our Leesburg, VA office and support a ... Primary Responsibilities: * Assist with the preparation of land development, landscape architecture ...

Graduate Landscape Architect

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

Pennoni is seeking a Graduate Landscape Architect to join our Leesburg, VA office and support a ... Primary Responsibilities: * Assist with the preparation of land development, landscape architecture ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Assistant information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$6

$20

$34

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Springfield, VA is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate assistant?

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 does a graduate assistant do?

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.

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 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 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.

How much money do graduate assistants make?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual stipends ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the institution, field, and whether they are teaching or research assistants. Compensation often includes tuition waivers and benefits, and hours usually range from 10 to 20 per week during the academic year.

Is being a graduate assistant worth it?

A graduate assistant position provides students with work experience, often involving research, teaching, or administrative tasks, while offering a stipend or tuition waiver. It can enhance skills, build professional networks, and support academic progress, making it a valuable opportunity for many graduate students. However, the workload and time commitment should be considered in relation to academic goals.

What are graduate assistant jobs?

Graduate assistant jobs are positions typically held by graduate students that involve assisting faculty or staff with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These roles often provide a stipend or tuition waiver and require skills relevant to the academic department or field of study.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,483 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Graduate Funding Coordinator

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: Academic Affairs
Classification: Education Support Spec 2
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band: 03
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:
As a part of the Graduate Division, the Graduate Funding Coordinator position reports to the Assistant Director for Graduate Operations and Funding and is responsible for managing and processing all centrally-administered graduate awards, scholarships, assistantships, grants, and fellowships.
Responsibilities:
Award and Scholarship Financial Administration
  • Processes the Graduate Division awards and scholarship programs, including tuition grants, stipends, and travel awards, supporting more than 500 students each semester;
  • Maintains scholarship and award records using a third-party, cloud-based platform and Excel, ensuring accurate data entry and documentation;
  • Responds to student inquiries regarding scholarship and award payments, providing information on university policies, procedures, and funding requirements;
  • Assists with the implementation and administration of the Graduate Division's funding programs, including the High Impact Grant, Dissertation Completion Grant, Summer Assistantship program, and other institutional funding initiatives; and
  • Works with campus partners to support timely award processing, compliance with program requirements, and student service delivery.

Award and Scholarship Program Coordination
  • Processes and tracks the Graduate Division funding agreements, including graduate assistantships, tuition support agreements, travel awards, and other student funding programs;
  • Prepares, distributes, and maintains graduate student employment contracts, tuition support agreements, and related funding documentation to ensure accuracy and timely completion;
  • Supports onboarding activities for Graduate Division scholars and cohort-based programs in collaboration with Human Resources and campus partners;
  • Assists with the annual administration of Graduate Division scholarship programs, including reviewing applications, tracking eligibility requirements, and maintaining program records;
  • Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students by providing information regarding scholarship programs, funding opportunities, and program procedures;
  • Collaborates with university departments to support the administration and ongoing operation of graduate funding programs and initiatives; and
  • Compiles reports and maintain records to support program administration, budget tracking, and operational needs.

Graduate Student Travel Fund Administration
  • Coordinates the Graduate Student Travel Fund Program, including reviewing applications and reimbursement requests, ensuring accuracy and timely completion;
  • Responds to inquiries and provide information to students, faculty, and staff regarding Graduate Student Travel Fund program procedures and requirements; and
  • Supports the maintenance of the Graduate Student Travel Fund application system by assisting with updates, monitoring functionality, and helping to ensure efficient program operations.

Graduate Health Insurance Subsidy Program Coordination
  • Supports the enrollment activities for the Graduate Student Health Insurance Subsidy Program, supporting more than 1,000 graduate students annually;
  • Assists the team with verifying program eligibility requirements are met and support program participation;
  • Maintains enrollment and reporting records, assist with invoice reconciliation, and coordinate payment processing with the health insurance provider; and
  • Serves as the back-up contact for student and departmental inquiries related to the subsidy program.

Other Projects as Assigned
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Demonstrated experience administering financial support and program funding initiatives for students or program participants;
  • Knowledge of university funding processes, systems (e.g., Ellucian Workflow, Banner, Salesforce), and related policies and procedures;
  • Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.);
  • Excellent written and communication skills;
  • Ability to prioritize and manage tasks efficiently while working under tight deadlines;
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service to students, staff, faculty, and academic units; and
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify and implement process improvements in funding operations.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience in higher education student funding and support programs, including scholarships, fellowships, internal and external grants, awards, and graduate student assistantships;
  • Demonstrated experience in funding program assessment and evaluation; and
  • Experience working in graduate education.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Graduate Funding Coordinator 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: August 12, 2026
Full Consideration Date: August 26, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
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.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
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.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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