Program Operations Coordinator

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia seeks a Program Operations Coordinator to support Valley Scholars, working with local schools to prepare low‑income, first‑generation students for postsecondary education. The role oversees program fiscal management, donor funds, and university allocations while guiding program delivery for middle and high school participants.

Responsibilities include budget planning, coordinating activities, communicating with diverse stakeholders, and

Qualifications

• Budget management experience.
• Experience in college access, student success, or advising initiatives.
• Previous work experience in higher education or in K-12 settings.
• Experience building partnerships with schools and community organizations.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Budget management: manage donor funds, university funds, and grants.
• Student support: apply learning theories and best practices to help student outcomes.
• Program coordination: oversee complex programs and stakeholder collaboration.
• Program communication: develop strategies for students, donors, and partners.
• Policy and data: assist in policy review and collect/interpret program data.

Skills

Budget management experience

College access initiatives

Student success experience

K-12 partnerships

Valid driver's license

Job description

Working Title: Program Operations Coordinator

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: Student Access and Inclusion

Department: 100669 - Valley Scholars

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $45,840 - $49,500

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: 09/19/2026

About JMU

Mission

We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision

To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are

Situted in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty. JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information

Valley Scholars and the Program Operations Coordinator work with students, in partnership with local public schools and the university, who are low-income, first‑generation students by providing student centered support and programming focused on preparing for post‑secondary college attendance. The Program Operations coordinator provides overarching program fiscal management navigating multiple systems including grant funds, foundation and donor funds, and university funding. The program operations coordinator will provide direct student support to program participants in 8th through 12th grade who attend local middle and high schools and want to continue with post‑secondary education.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Budget Management: Knowledge of project planning and budget management principles to manage donor funds, university funds, and grants and increase revenue
• 2. Student Support: Implement knowledge of student learning theories, child development, financial aid, and best practices in support of program goals and objectives, increasing student retention and completion.
• 3. Program Coordination: Coordinate complex and varied programs in support of student matriculation and career planning, student development, while involving varied contact such as faculty, businesses, and maintaining best practices. Assess how programs meet locality needs.
• 4. Program Communication and Marketing: Develop program communication strategies for multiple stakeholder groups including students, donors, community partners, and participants. Increase marketing and social media presence to enhance public awareness and support, program image, and engagement.
• 5. Policy and Data Analysis: Assist Program Director in identifying and analyzing new and existing state, federal, and university policy and procedures related to program implementation. Collect program evaluation data for analysis and interpretation, and compiling data to support program goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Budget management experience.
• Experience in college access, student success, or advising initiatives.
• Previous work experience in higher education or experience working in the K-12 setting.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and delivery for under‑served student populations, including first‑generation, rural, and low‑income students.
• Experience building partnerships with K–12 schools and community organizations.
• Valid drivers license.

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: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. 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.