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

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

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.

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.