Working Title: Assistant Director, Engineering IT-Telecom
State Role Title: Information Technology Specialist III
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Information Technology
Department: 300102 - Telecommunications
Pay Band: 6
Pay Rate: Maximum Starting
Specify Range or Amount: $94,304.00
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: 06/19/2026
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:
As part of Central Information Technology's Infrastructure Services unit, the Telecom department is responsible for providing robust communication systems to all members of the university community. Telecom operates systems and maintains an extensive network of inside and outside copper, coax, and fiber optic cable plants to support distribution of Voice, Data, Simplex, CATV, UHF Radio, Public Safety Distributed Antenna, Cellular, and other technology services. JMU is a Virginia Miss Utility 811 member.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Senior Director of Infrastructure Services, the Assistant Director of Engineering is responsible for designing, installing, operating, and maintaining telecommunication infrastructure devices and systems for distributing voice, data, simplex, CATV and other communication services across campus. Serving as the primary departmental point of contact for engineering, the Assistant Director plans, coordinates, and supervises staff and contractors in the execution of capital and non-capital construction projects, infrastructure moves, additions, changes, and deletes (MACD), responds to off hour outages & emergencies, and serves as technical contact for new communications systems. The Assistant Director develops detailed work estimates including scope of work, bill of materials, and labor requirements. The Assistant Director regularly interfaces with senior departmental and university leadership as well as a broad range of university constituents. The Assistant Director contributes to strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration and actively participates in standing meetings and serves on committees as needed.
Qualifications:
• Extensive experience with Layer One technologies and solid knowledge of general construction processes with the ability to design, plan, coordinate, and successfully execute large, complex telecommunications infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage personnel, contractors, and vendor relationships while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused work environment.
• Proven leadership skills with a history of motivating, mentoring, and developing technical staff, while promoting teamwork, accountability, and high performance.
• Strong commitment to exceptional customer service, with the ability to build and sustain positive relationships with university stakeholders, contractors, and external partners.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, develop practical solutions, and make sound operational decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align telecommunications infrastructure and services with the university’s long-term operational and strategic goals.
• Valid driver’s license required.
Additional Considerations:
• Ability to use or learn the following software/systems:
• Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam Construction Management Software, Mapcom M4 GIS, PCR360 Ticketing
• Detailed knowledge of CATV System components and distribution
• Ortronics Certifications or the willingness to obtain
• RCDD Certification or demonstrated willingness to acquire RCCD certification
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: (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.
