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

Working Title: 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

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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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.