Working Title: Gus Bus Assistant Director

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 Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 540932 - Stone Spring 21ST CCLC FY25

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $49,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 08/11/2025

About JMU:

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Gus Bus is hiring for a full-time Assistant Director. The Gus Bus focuses on out-of-school learning that supports the academic achievement of elementary-aged students in the local community. The Gus Bus is one of many programs and clinics within the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS). IIHHS is an interdisciplinary community-engaged hub that brings together students, staff, faculty, and the community to advance a culture of health and equity through education, clinical practice, research, innovative programs and advocacy. IIHHS is housed within JMU’s College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS).

CHBS is committed to shaping a forward-thinking and dynamic environment by refining policies, practices, and processes that strengthen our community, drive real-world advancement, and maintain spaces conducive to individual and collective growth. Through education, scholarship, and service, individuals are inspired to make responsible and meaningful contributions to the college, campus, local community, and broader world. Join us in fostering collaboration and innovation as we grow a dynamic college that embodies an atmosphere of belonging, champions excellence, and shares a sense of purpose. James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a thriving environment where a wide range of perspectives are embraced, and fairness is upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Gus Bus team provide additional learning time and enrichment opportunities, such as read-alouds, academic activities, and book checkout, in after-school time on the Gus Mobile classroom vehicles and at local elementary schools. The Gus Bus program coordinates after-school enrichment and summer programming, as well as home-based tutoring for Harrisonburg elementary schools through 21st Century Community Learning Center grants.

The Assistant Director plays a critical leadership role in overseeing operations of the Blue Stone, Keister, and Stone Spring Elementary School program sites, ensuring high-quality programming through effective staff supervision and strategic guidance. This individual is responsible for managing a team of full-time and part-time employees—including providing regular observations, constructive feedback, and coordinating targeted professional development to enhance team performance and program delivery. A central component of the role involves supporting site-specific program managers in maintaining clear and proactive communication with families and school staff, particularly concerning registration processes, program schedules, calendar updates, and any changes that impact service delivery. The Assistant Director also plays an essential part in grant compliance by tracking expenditures to meet fiscal requirements. In addition, the Assistant Director acts as a key liaison with community partners, fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen program impact and visibility. They coordinate engaging staff activities to promote team cohesion and positive workplace culture. This role oversees administrative tasks such as accurate time entry for part-time employees and manages purchasing needs. Through these varied responsibilities, the Assistant Director ensures that each site runs smoothly, aligns with organizational goals, and meets the needs of both staff and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

1. Experience in education, child development, public administration, or a related field.
2. Demonstrated experience supervising staff in multi-site or programmatic settings, including performance feedback and team development.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, youth, adults, agency professionals, school staff and community members.
4. Strong organizational and project management skills, taking initiative in an independent work environment.
5. General computer skills required, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Teams and Excel.
6. Must be a minimum of 19 years old and have possessed a valid driver’s license for a minimum of two years.

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.