Initiatives Manager

Initiatives Manager

The George Mason University, School of Business invites applications for the position of Initiatives Manager. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the position:
The Initiatives Manager is responsible for carrying out various projects across a range of activities as assigned by the Dean, including background research, networking, convening meetings, and drafting communications. The incumbent will be required to develop a deep understanding of the key issues on the Dean’s agenda, including background, content, and implications. The incumbent will take an active role in defining the actions, tasks, and events that need to be accomplished in order to advance the Dean’s priorities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Relationship Management:

• Assist in the management of relationships on behalf of the Dean and the School; 
• Interact with the full scope of the Dean’s contacts, internal and external, in order to move forward the Dean’s agenda on behalf of the School;
• Convene meetings and networking events as needed.

Communications & Media:

• Draft communications on behalf of the Dean; 
• In concert with the marketing team, interact with Media and others to ensure best exposure for the Dean and the school;
• Provide back-up to the Dean on correspondence, including prioritizing items and ensuring timely responses;
• Assist with the accurate and professional preparation of speeches, blogs, correspondence, white papers, presentations, and other materials.

Background Research:

• Conduct research on markets, networks, competition, etc., evaluate data, and prepare informal reports and feedback as needed on various topics such as new initiatives, special studies, or investigations that require analysis.

Special Projects:

• Manage and execute special projects as assigned; 
• Work with other members of the Dean’s team to ensure accuracy, coordination, and prioritization of projects;
• Work with other members of the Dean’s team to ensure Dean’s events are well conceived, managed, and executed.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with 2-3 years of project management experience or a Bachelor’s degree with 8-10 years of project management experience;
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team; 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism; 
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks accurately under pressure;
• Must have strong, demonstrated writing skills and ability to proofread and edit copy.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in higher education; 
• Experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced office; 
• Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of all applications in Microsoft Office, database expertise, and e-mail and network applications;
• Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills; and 
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communications skills including the ability to work effectively with and relate well to staff and external constituents at all levels of the university.

About the School of Business:
Dedicated to excellence in research and teaching, the School of Business educates future business leaders through world-class, innovative academic programs and strategic business partnerships. Ranked among the top 100 undergraduate business school programs and top 50 part-time MBA programs by the U.S. News and World Report, the School of Business is accredited in both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Faculty are deeply engaged in the regional, national, and international business communities; and their academic expertise combined with real-world experience provides a bridge in the classroom from academic theory to business practice. The school is evolving to become more interdisciplinary, more connected, and more diverse.

The School of Business is pursuing three strategic directions through research, teaching, and partnerships: 1. Digital Transformation of Work; 2. Ensuring Global Futures by addressing the challenges of ensuring a livable and resilient society; and 3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation. To support these strategic initiatives, the School of Business is playing a significant role in three new university initiatives: the Institute for Digital InnovAtion (IDIA); the Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE); and the School of Computing.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA13Hz at https://jobs.gmu.edu by October 7, 2020; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and list of professional references. We will contact you directly if we require additional materials. Review of applications will begin on October 8, 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

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.