Careers
What We Do
We design experiences that empower youth to embrace their strengths, cultivate self-determination, and make a lasting impact on the world.
How We’re Structured
The new I’m Determined Center is structured into two complementary teams: Implementation and Innovation. The Implementation team ensures the effective application of proven strategies, providing direct support to educators, students, and families that sustain and grow the practices associated with self-determination. The Innovation team explores new ideas, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to expand and enhance self-determination initiatives.
Together, these teams create a dynamic synergy—forming an infinity loop where innovation fuels fresh possibilities that are tested and refined for implementation, while successful implementation informs and inspires future innovations. This continuous cycle ensures ongoing growth, adaptation, and lasting impact.
About Us
We believe in:
- Centering Youth Voice – Students are not just learners, they are leaders. Their ideas, choices, and agency shape our work.
- Filling Your Cup First – Serve and love yourself so you can bring your best to the work and those around you.
- Adaptive Agility – Embrace change with flexibility, responsiveness, and a solutions-focused mindset.
- Innovation that Fuels Action – Bold ideas drive implementation, and implementation fuels bold ideas—continuous improvement is our norm.
- Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness – Learning thrives when students and educators feel skilled, self-directed, and part of a supportive community.
About You
We are seeking dedicated professionals who:
- Amplify Youth Stories – Share the voices and journeys of our students through media, resources, and in-person events, making their impact visible.
- Support Families as Guides – Provide care, resources, and encouragement so families can confidently support their children’s growth.
- Empower Educators to Innovate – Give teachers the freedom and tools to reimagine learning and help students build self-determination.
- Believe in Self-Determination – See the world through self-determination-tinted glasses where opportunities for high levels of competence, autonomy, and relatedness thrive.
- Measure What Matters – Track and showcase the real outcomes of self-determined students in creative and meaningful ways.
Open Positions
Ambassador: Youth Leadership Development
The Virginia Department of Education I’m Determined Center (IMD) at JMU is seeking a qualified and experienced education professional to provide training and consultation of youth related to fostering self-determination skills in students with disabilities. We are looking for a dynamic candidate who is interested in a work environment that affords ongoing professional learning opportunities, collaboration with colleagues, and an opportunity to influence educational practices.
The Youth Leadership Development Ambassador’s role is to organize, plan, and facilitate youth leader development throughout Virginia including but not limited to the I’m Determined Youth Leaders. The ambassador will plan leadership activities, record and manage TRACK evaluation data, and identify training opportunities outside of IMD. Key areas include disability awareness, IMD tool utilization, peer support, mentorship, and community building.