James began his professional experience in education as a college admissions officer and later transitioned to a career in K-12 education as an elementary school teacher and leader. He is currently an Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership in the School of Education at the University of Delaware and a Faculty Affiliate at the Community Schools Learning Exchange.

His scholarship, recognized by the National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship, has been published in academic journals such as the Journal of School Leadership, Education Policy Analysis Archives, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, and Educational Administration Quarterly. James has also shared his work in national media outlets including Education Week and The Washington Post.

He holds a PhD in Urban Education Policy (University of Southern California '23), an MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (University of Georgia '17), and a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology (Georgia College & State University '13).