Coordinator of Programs & Operations Manager - College of Education External Initiatives

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Working Title: Coordinator of Programs & Operations Manager - College of Education External Initiatives

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Education

Department: 100048 - Education Programs

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $45,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 10/22/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The External Initiatives Office within JMU’s College of Education is seeking a qualified and experienced Program and Operations Coordinator to support the successful implementation of multiple, concurrently operating statewide initiatives and Lab School programs.

We are seeking a proactive, collaborative professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, values continuous learning, and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality program operations and service. The successful candidate will work with a diverse network of university colleagues, educators, school and division leaders, state and community partners, and other stakeholders to support effective programs and partnerships across the Commonwealth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program & Operations Management (60%)

  • Lead and coordinate the planning, implementation, and day-to-day operations of multiple College of Education grant-funded and other external initiatives, Lab School programs, professional learning events, meetings, and statewide activities.
  • Manage comprehensive program and events logistics, including venues, contracts, registration, lodging, catering, travel, purchasing, materials, participant communications, attendance, on-site operations, and post-event closeout.
  • Coordinate multiple concurrent scopes of work, timelines, priorities, deliverables, and operational benchmarks to ensure effective and timely program implementation.
  • Coordinate purchasing, invoicing, contracts, and related operational processes in collaboration with fiscal and university staff and in accordance with JMU and grant requirements.
  • Lead participant recruitment, program communications, marketing, data collection, and feedback processes that support program participation, evaluation, continuous improvement, and growth.
  • Serve as a primary operational point of contact for program participants, partners, presenters, and other stakeholders, representing External Initiatives and the Lab School as designated by Executive Directors.

Data Management, Reporting & Compliance (20%)

  • Develop and maintain accurate systems for tracking program participation, partnerships, attendance, outcomes, performance measures, communications, and required documentation across
    multiple initiatives.
  • Coordinate recurring data collection, organization, analysis, reporting, and records management to support program evaluation, strategic planning, research, grant requirements, and leadership
    decision-making.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, summaries, correspondence, and other program materials for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Monitor operational activities and documentation for alignment with JMU policies, grant requirements, purchasing procedures, and applicable program guidelines.

Supervision & Office Operations (15%)

  • Supervise and coordinate the work of student employees and graduate assistants supporting External Initiatives and Lab School programs, including work assignments, onboarding, training, performance guidance, and professional development.
  • Coordinate office workflows, schedules, priorities, and administrative systems to support efficient operations and timely completion of program deliverables.
  • Assist with onboarding and operational training of new staff and other personnel supporting External Initiatives and Lab School activities.

Stakeholder Communication & Partnership Engagement (5%)

  • Serve as a liaison with College of Education leadership, JMU departments, state agencies, school divisions, grant partners, regional organizations, and local school partners.
  • Establish and maintain effective professional relationships and ensure timely, accurate communication regarding program activities, expectations, logistics, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Represent the College of Education, External Initiatives, and Lab School programs professionally at designated university, state, regional, and local meetings and partnership activities.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Demonstrated experience developing and leading communication strategies and collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders to deliver clear, accurate, and timely communications.
  • Experience coordinating projects, programs, and personnel, including supervising or directing the work of graduate assistants, student employees, or other support staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate program needs, strategically plan and prioritize multiple concurrent, year-round initiatives, and independently translate priorities into timely action with a high degree of accuracy and follow-through.
  • Demonstrated experience coordinating program and office operations, including developing and maintaining effective systems, workflows, administrative processes, and professional customer service
    practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage program data and reporting processes, prepare surveys and reports for evaluation and decision-making, and effectively utilize Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe applications.

Additional Considerations:

  • Experience communicating with K-12 public educators, higher education, and state agencies.
  • Knowledge in Communications and Marketing.
  • Demonstrated experience coordinating work in alignment with grant requirements, deliverables, timelines, and compliance expectations.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.