Edtech.com's Summary

James Madison University is hiring a part-time Program Specialist to support out-of-school learning programs that enhance the academic success of elementary-aged students. The role involves planning and implementing after-school enrichment activities, driving the mobile classroom vehicle, and collaborating with local schools and communities to deliver educational services aligned with grant proposals.

Highlights

Plan and execute after-school and summer enrichment programs focused on academic support for elementary students.
Drive and manage the Gus Bus mobile classroom vehicle, including loading and unloading supplies.
Maintain attendance records and participate in weekly team meetings to coordinate program activities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Teams, and Excel required for administrative tasks.
Hourly pay rate of $18.90 for approximately 20 hours per week in a part-time capacity.
Minimum age of 19 years and at least two years of valid driver’s license required.
Knowledge of child development and early childhood education best practices necessary.
Ability to work afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends, demonstrating flexibility due to grant-funded program needs.
Collaborate with school staff, agency professionals, and community members to enhance program effectiveness.
Employment contingent on successful criminal background check and eligibility to work verified through E-Verify.

Program Specialist, The Gus Bus (Part-Time) Full Description

Working Title:Program Specialist, The Gus Bus (Part-Time)

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist II

Position Type: Part-time - Wage / Part-time Salaried

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department:540931 - KEISTER 21ST CCLC FY25

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount:$18.90 per hour

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: 12/17/2025

About JMU:

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

General Information:

The Gus Bus is hiring for a part-time Program Specialist. 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 a forward-thinking and dynamic organization that strives to cultivate a shared sense of purpose in building healthier and safer communities where all individuals can thrive and flourish. 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 literacy instruction, 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.

This part-time position will average 20 hours/week (with both direct service and office hours/planning). Program Specialists are responsible for planning and implementing after-school enrichment programming that aligns with VDOE 21st Century Community Learning Center grant proposals. This includes planning and teaching programs in school buildings and/or on a Gus Bus mobile classroom vehicle in local neighborhoods. Because of the nature of our grant-funded programming, there is an understanding of flexibility that the exact setting/program location may change for a particular position, depending on the year and needs of the program. Program Specialists are responsible for driving the Gus Bus and loading/unloading program supplies from the mobile classroom vehicle. Program Specialists participate in weekly Gus Bus team meetings and maintain attendance records for programming. This position will include occasional participation in special programs or community events.

Qualifications:

1. Availability to work afternoons/evenings and a few weekends/year.
2. Knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood education.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with children, youth, adults, agency professionals, school staff and community members.
4. Ability to excel at multi-tasking and 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.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

This is a part-time wage position working an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a calendar year with no benefits.

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.

Original Job Description