Makerspace Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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
About the Department:
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.
About the Position:
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); and
• 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.
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.
The position 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:
Student Staff Management and Coordination

• 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.

Marketing & Communications

• 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: LinkedIn, 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.

Event Programming & Operations

• 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.

MIX Incubator & Entrepreneurship Programs

• Provide administrative support to MIX Senior Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs and Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship Programs with logistics, communications, and participant engagement for the MIX Innovators Launchpad, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Accelerator, Mason I-Corps, Accelerate Investor Conference and Incubator activities;
• Support Incubator teams through communicating workshops, mentorship coordination, networking events, and pitch opportunities;
• Maintain communications with Incubator residents, mentors, judges, and external partners;
• Coordinate conference room scheduling and incubator space utilization;
• Assist with entrepreneurial programming including:
  • George Mason University's Patriot Pitch;
  • Accelerate Investor Conference Student Track; and
  • External funding and pitch opportunities.

Administrative & Financial Operations

• Manage purchasing activities using the university P-Card while ensuring compliance with university procurement policies;
• Prepare expense reports and maintain purchasing documentation; and
• Coordinate the distribution of program prize funds by communicating with recipients and relevant university offices.

Workshop Development

• Assist MIX Senior Director and Makerspace Manager with strategic planning and development of new MIX initiatives, workshops, and innovation programs address diverse skill levels and promote growth for the MIX vision and branding;
• Producing and facilitating 2-3 workshops per week; and
• Assist with supporting faculty, Mason Enterprise, university departments, and external partners to develop cross-disciplinary programming.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, education, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Proficiency with social media and marketing;
• Experience in event coordination and scheduling;
• Proficiency with Makerspace equipment:
  • 3D printers (SLA and FDM);
  • Laser cutters/engravers;
  • CNC routers, vertical mills, and metal lathes;
  • MIG/TIG welding units;
  • Electronics tools (soldering, oscilloscopes, microcontroller programming);
  • Media production tools (podcasting, VR/AR, and data visualization systems);
  • Sewing and Textiles (CNC embroidery, Serger, and Sewing);
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively;
• Experience managing and supervising student staff or interns; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and scheduling platforms (e.g., 25Live).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience in makerspace operations or educational programming;
• Experience in workshop development and facilitation;
• Knowledge of GMU policies and campus resources; and
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for MIX Program 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 11, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 4, 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/