Administrative Support Specialist

Department: College of Science

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Manassas / Sci-Tech

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 George Mason University Forensic Science Program, within the College of Science (COS), invites applications for a part-time Administrative Support Specialist. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of all-inclusive diversity among its students, faculty, and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will support this commitment.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Administrative Support Specialist provides high‑level administrative, operational, and logistical support to the Forensic Science Program within the College of Science (COS). This position serves as the primary front‑office representative at the SciTech campus, supporting faculty, staff, students, external partners, and visitors. The role includes managing schedules and meetings, coordinating program activities and events, supporting the Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory (FRSTL), assisting with communications, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures. This position requires professionalism, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced academic environment.

Responsibilities:

Front Desk & Daily Operations

• Welcome and greet visitors to the SciTech Forensic Science offices, and provide accurate information and courteous assistance;
• Answer phones, direct calls, take messages, and support appropriate follow‑up with faculty and staff;
• Draft and produce professional correspondence, emails, memos, letters, reports, agendas, and other documents;
• Organize and maintain electronic and physical files and records in accordance with university policies; and
• Understand and implement University, College of Science, and Forensic Science Program processes and procedures.

Scheduling, Calendar, and Meeting Support

• Manage calendars and schedule internal/external meetings for faculty, adjunct faculty, the Program Director, and FRSTL personnel;
• Coordinate weekly, monthly, and ad‑hoc meetings, including committee meetings, specialty meetings, and program‑wide events;
• Provide full meeting support by preparing agendas, gathering documents, coordinating logistics, and taking notes; and
• Arrange meetings between George Mason University faculty and external partners including government agencies, law enforcement, and K–12 institutions.

FRSTL & Training Coordination

• Assist with logistics for tours, training, and activities at the Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory (FRSTL);
• Coordinate dissemination, acquisition, and submission of required training forms, waivers, and release documents; and
• Assist in arranging schedules and materials for grant‑funded trainings and major instructional initiatives.

Administrative & Fiscal Support

• Coordinate with COS-designated cluster staff for purchases of supplies and equipment;
• Assist, when requested, with reconciliation of expenses and preparation of budget proposals; and
• Coordinate travel support, including booking, itineraries, reimbursements, and policy compliance.

Event, Communications, and Outreach Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support for program events at SciTech and Fairfax campuses, including room reservations, communications, follow‑up surveys, and coordination with faculty and students;
• Assist FRSC media coordinators with creating and posting announcements to social media platforms to promote the program;
• Support interactions with media representatives and assist in coordinating interviews with faculty; and
• Assist in scheduling meetings between faculty and prospective students/parents.

Technology & Data Support

• Prepare, edit, integrate, and manage PowerPoint presentations from multiple contributors;
• Design, implement, analyze, and synthesize Qualtrics surveys for program and accreditation needs;
• Support updates to program websites and online platforms;
• Create data collection forms and assist with gathering program data for continuous evaluation and FEPAC accreditation; and
• Learn and use university systems such as PatriotWeb and Canvas to support administrative tasks.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Serve as a proactive, contributing member of the Forensic Science Program team;
• Build collaborative relationships across COS, University offices, and external partners;
• Participate in relevant training, meetings, and professional development opportunities; and
• Work closely with the Program Director on routine and urgent matters requiring administrative support.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience providing administrative support in a professional office environment;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Teams, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Qualtrics, and similar platforms;
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills with a high degree of accuracy;
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and complete tasks with minimal supervision;
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions and adjust to changing priorities;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment;
• Ability to manage sensitive information with tact, discretion, and confidentiality; and
• Knowledge of administrative/clerical procedures, record management, and office operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• 2–4 years of administrative experience in higher education or a similar professional setting;
• Experience with event or project management;
• Experience with social media management and/or web content support;
• Experience handling scheduling across multiple faculty and stakeholder groups; and 
• Familiarity with data collection systems and accreditation‑related data processes.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for  the Administrative Support Specialist 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:  March 2, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  March 18, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes