Title: Executive Director, New River Valley Governor's School for Arts & Humanities

Application Review Date: December 20, 2025

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Radford University employs individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants requiring new H-1B visa sponsorship will not be considered.

Job Description

The New River Valley Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (NRVGSAH) program is a partnership between Radford University, the Virginia Department of Education, local school districts, and New River Community College. The Executive Director provides administrative support and visionary and operational leadership for the newly established, academically rigorous, half-day program in the arts and humanities serving gifted and high-achieving students from five participating school divisions in Southwest Virginia. The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day management of the program; recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of NRVGSAH faculty and staff; student recruitment, auditions, admissions, and retention; teaching two courses related to the NRVGSAH; coordination with Radford University and New River Community College faculty; and development of partnerships with regional schools, community organizations, and businesses. The Executive  Director reports directly to the Regional Governing Board and maintains a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Deans of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences at Radford University.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Administration
•Oversee all daily operations of NRVGSAH to ensure a safe, engaging, and academically challenging environment aligned with the school’s mission and the Virginia Department of Education’s Governor’s School guidelines.
•Implement policies and procedures established by the Regional Governing Board.
•Ensure program compliance with state regulations, dual enrollment agreements, and Radford University’s policies regarding minors on campus.
•Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Governing Board and fiscal agents.
•Coordinate scheduling, transportation, and use of facilities in collaboration with participating school divisions, NRCC when appropriate, and Radford University.
Instructional Oversight and Faculty Support
•Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate NRVGSAH faculty and staff in accordance with Radford University HR policies.
•Support faculty in developing and delivering high-quality instruction for gifted learners in the arts and humanities, including integration of community-based and experiential learning.
•Coordinate professional development for faculty, including orientation for university faculty teaching NRVGSAH students in collaboration with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL).
•Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across arts and humanities disciplines.
Student Recruitment, Support, and Success
•Coordinate the student recruitment, admissions, and selection process with participating school divisions, ensuring equitable access and representation.
•Oversee student orientation, support services, and academic progress monitoring.
•Maintain regular communication with students’ home schools regarding academic status and program participation.
•Maintain regular communication with students and students' parents regarding academic status and program participation.
Community and Institutional Partnerships
•Develop and sustain partnerships with arts and humanities organizations, businesses, and civic groups across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia.
•Serve as the primary liaison to participating school divisions, Radford University, New River Community College, and other stakeholders.
•Represent NRVGSAH at community events, conferences, and meetings to advance the school’s mission and visibility.
Reporting and Accountability
•Provide regular updates to the Regional Governing Board and Radford University Provost (Academic Affairs leadership team) on program performance, enrollment, partnerships, and finances.
•Prepare and submit required reports to the Virginia Department of Education and other oversight bodies.
•Lead program evaluation efforts to ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to student and community needs.

Required Qualifications

•Valid Virginia Postgraduate Professional License with an Administration and Supervision endorsement.
•Master’s degree in education, arts, humanities, social sciences, or a related field.
•At least five years of successful K–12 teaching experience, including experience with gifted learners, students with IEPs/504s, and twice exceptional students.
•Demonstrated leadership experience in a school or district-level administrative role.
•Proven ability to manage budgets, personnel, and complex multi-institutional programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

•Experience in both K–12 and higher education settings, especially dual enrollment or early college models.
•Successful experience building partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and postsecondary institutions.
•Background in gifted education program design and assessment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please share your CV, a cover letter expressing why you are interested in this position and how your experience will help to support the partnership between Radford University and the participating public schools (Radford City Schools, and Giles, Floyd, Pulaski, and Montgomery County Public Schools.)

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: M-F 8:00 -5:00 some evening evenings and weekends

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Visual & Performing Arts, Coll of

Salary: 85,000-95,000

Department Contact Name: Rachel Williams

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-5162

Department Contact Email: rmwilliams2@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.