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Director, Lifelong Learning Institute

Commonwealth of VA Careers, Harrisonburg, VA, United States


General Information JMU’s School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE) fosters learning across lifespans through transformative education and enrichment. SPCE offers a range of programs, including youth camps, adult degree completion, professional and workforce development, and lifelong learning, as well as partners with academic units across JMU to support a number of online or off-campus degree and certificate programs. This director position provides leadership and direction for the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI).

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Administration: manage and oversee all aspects of program operation, including viability, evaluation, membership, course planning, marketing, and technology.

Oversee recruitment activities to grow membership.

Manage volunteer leadership, including advisory board and committees, talent development pipelines, and serve as ex‑officio member of the advisory board and all standing committees.

Lead fundraising efforts for LLI priorities, including cultivating donors, securing sponsorship, and pursuing new philanthropic and revenue‑generating opportunities.

Curriculum Development: ensure curriculum is varied, balanced and responsive; work with curriculum committee to solicit and curate content each semester; collaborate with marketing team to develop and publish course catalogs; oversee scheduling and program coordination details.

Community and University Relations and Outreach: enhance relationships with campus and community partners; partner with community organizations and agencies to co‑sponsor programs; represent LLI in the community and across JMU on various committees; develop and continuously enhance promotional materials, newsletter content, etc.; participate in the regional and national networks of lifelong learning programs.

Membership and Marketing: develop tools and processes to assess and respond to member needs; establish and model a high standard of customer service; proactively address member concerns and feedback, implementing systems and practices that enhance satisfaction, strengthen retention, and foster a sense of community and belonging among members.

Qualifications

Program management experience including design, implementation, evaluation; budget development and/or implementation; project management.

Significant experience at the director level or equivalent.

Supervisory experience.

Ability to work with a team.

Excellent written and oral communication including presentation experience to a wide range of stakeholders.

Fundraising and/or grant writing experience preferred.

Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.

Management of a membership‑based organization preferred.

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.

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