Assistant Director for the JMU Lab School in the College of Education

Assistant Director for the JMU Lab School in the College of Education

Working Title : Assistant Director for the JMU Lab School in the College of Education

State Role Title : Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type : Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status : Full-Time

FLSA Status : Exempt : Not Eligible for Overtime

College / Division : College of Education

Department : 400339 - College Lab School Startup

Pay Rate : Commensurate with Experience

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 : 12 / 22 / 2025

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 Located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 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. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student / faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Observe and support classroom instruction and teaching practices in assigned areas.
• Help implement curriculum and educational goals aligned with school objectives.
• Create and manage systems to evaluate student progress and program effectiveness, recommending changes when needed.
• Guide teachers on instructional strategies, classroom management, and student behavior.
• Collaborate with staff to review and improve instructional methods and student outcomes.
• Support teachers and the Community Engagement Liaison with place-based experiences and the use of local resources.
• Lead and support professional development and school improvement initiatives.
• Promote effective communication through meetings, committees, and one-on-one discussions.
• Foster a safe, respectful, and disciplined environment for students and staff.
• Enforce school and district policies in line with JMU, RCPS, and state education regulations.
• Support the Executive Director with staff hiring and personnel procedures.
• Plan and participate in staff training and development programs.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Community Engagement Liaison to build strong school-community partnerships :
• Communicate with families through programs, letters, phone calls, and in-person meetings.
• Encourage strong relationships between students, staff, families, and the wider community.
• Work together with others to identify resources and support for students from varied backgrounds.
• Model professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all interactions.
• Work cooperatively with administrators, staff, and community members to support the LAB School's mission and goals.
• Attend and contribute to meetings with families and community groups.
• Build positive relationships with students, staff, and community members.
• Use data to inform decisions and improve practices.
• Identify and resolve problems effectively using strong decision-making skills.
• Maintain appropriate and respectful boundaries with students and serve as a positive role model.
• Demonstrate professional behavior and communication.
• Take on responsibilities outside the classroom as needed to support school functions.
• Always practice and promote a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director, following school and district policies.

Qualifications : Required :

Preferred :

Additional Posting Information :

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https : / / bit.ly / 2OTF1NG.

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer