IALR Culture
At IALR, our culture is rooted in a set of core competencies that define how we work and achieve our mission:
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
At the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), we are dedicated to fostering a powerful team environment built on principles of collaboration, integrity and professionalism. Our commitment to these values is a cornerstone of our organizational culture, where every employee plays a pivotal role in our success.
Our growing team is integral to fulfilling our mission: to serve as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. We hope to realize Southern Virginia as a home to a dynamic economy where everyone can live and thrive.
At IALR, our culture is rooted in a set of core competencies that define how we work and achieve our mission:
Provides clear, effective messaging and takes responsibility for understanding others.
Develops and maintains effective relationships with others, inside and outside the organization, to accomplish objectives to build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships.
Displays and promotes conduct and behaviors consistent with IALR standards.
Plans and organizes work activities; manages several tasks at once. Ensures information is complete and accurate; follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.
Focuses on desired results and sets and achieves challenging goals. Seeks out ways to employ technology to optimize organizational and individual performance.
Develops new insights into situations and applies different and novel solutions to make improvements.
Proactively investigates new perspectives, approaches and behaviors and takes steps to evaluate and improve performance.
Considers the organization’s capabilities, mission, vision, values and strategic goals and objectives in work efforts. Identifies and understands how internal and external issues (e.g., economic, political and social trends) impact the work of the organization.
“I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate within IALR and with partners outside of the organization. IALR is committed to making sure that diverse voices are heard and building partnerships to ensure community needs are truly being met. IALR focuses on the transformation of the region through multiple efforts, not just self-promotion. I feel like I’m making a difference in my work. There are opportunities to try new things and learn from successes AND failures to constantly change/adapt to the needs of the community rather than being stuck in one method. This creates opportunities to meet changing needs.” – Dana Silicki, Director, STEM, Service and Lifelong Learning
“While there are so many things that make working for this wonderful organization a very rewarding experience, the most enjoyable aspect for me, is working with a dynamic team of like-minded and committed professionals who all share a common and honorable goal of providing our collective expertise to the betterment of our region.” – Yimeng “Jack” He, Senior Analytical Chemist
“I experience a front-row view of excellence, collaboration and professionalism through my coworkers every day that I come to work. Complacency is truly not an option here as we continue to encourage one another, grow together and strive for excellence.
Being an employee for nearly two years has broadened my horizons on a personal level and on a professional level more than I ever expected. I now look at the IALR as a hub for resources and opportunities right in the heart of our community. Professionally, I have gained a wealth of knowledge in my field with the help of past and present members within my department. One of the unique things about working in my position is that I have the chance to make a difference in every division within our organization. Every day can be a different challenge, but the best part about that is it leads to learning opportunities, teamwork, and gratification every time a new challenge is overcome.
On a personal level, I have been able to meet and network with people from all over Danville and the surrounding areas. I have been pushed greatly outside of my comfort zone, but I have always felt supported every step of the way.” – Jessica Hardy, IT Technician
“Working at IALR has been great. This place has an amazing work culture where everybody’s willing to work together. I love that I’m able to impact so many people” – Christopher Carter, ATDM Non-Destructive Testing Instructor.
“If I had to sum up IALR in three words, it would be ‘Powered by Talent’.
One of the most enjoyable parts of working at IALR is the culture of its people. There is a very diverse group of talent working here. When assistance is needed from another group, they are always there with a response, ‘How can I help?’. This culture creates a strong team because there is never a ‘weak link’ when there is a diverse group willing to help each other.
It is gratifying when your personal values align with the organization. It has been my passion to help this region with its economic transformation. Since my past was in manufacturing, I believe this is one of the areas that has the potential to improve the region and provide good-paying jobs. For manufacturing to be successful going forward, it must be globally competitive. This is accomplished by ensuring the manufacturing community has the latest technology at their disposal. This is the role of the IALR Manufacturing Advancement division. Working with this group provides me with the opportunity to contribute toward this effort.” – Butch Kendrick, Director, Digital Manufacturing
Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate looking to make a difference, IALR offers exciting opportunities across all experience levels and multiple divisions and departments.
Our employees are the driving force behind:
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
eVerify Notice:
IALR participates in the Department of Homeland Security’s eVerify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. More information on eVerify and your rights can be found at this link.
Background Check and Drug Screening Notice:
As a condition of employment, the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) requires all candidates to successfully complete a background check and drug screening. These checks are conducted to ensure the safety and security of our employees, partners, and the communities we serve. Employment offers are contingent upon the results of these screenings.
ADA Accommodations:
The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and hiring process. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at hr@ialr.org or call 434.766.6757.