State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study
Position Type: Institutional Employment
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Student Access and Inclusion
Department: 100576 - Centennial Scholars Program E&G
Pay Band:
Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: 15.00
Is this a JMU only position? N/A
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A
Beginning Review Date:
About JMU:
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information:
The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) is committed to increasing access to higher education for talented first-generation Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia. We provide academic resources, connect students to campus programs, facilitate a successful transition to college, and support students’ success while they earn a college degree.
The Social Media & Content Student Assistant supports First-Generation Programs by creating and sharing content that promotes events, celebrates first-gen stories, and increases awareness of departmental initiatives. This role is responsible for managing digital platforms, designing promotional materials, maintaining the departmental website, and supporting outreach efforts. Ideal candidates will be creative, detail-oriented, and excited about amplifying the voices of first-generation students at JMU. Occasional weekend hours may be required to support events.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Create engaging, accessible, and brand-aligned digital content, including graphics, captions, photos, videos, and social media posts, that highlights Centennial Scholars and first-generation student experiences.
- Promote programs, events, and workshops through Canva, social media, email communications, newsletters, Microsoft Teams, BeInvolved, and the department website.
- Manage and update the department’s digital platforms, ensuring content is timely and accurate and responding professionally to messages and comments.
- Attend key programs and events to capture photos and videos, support event logistics, and organize digital media files.
- Collaborate with staff and campus partners to identify storytelling opportunities, develop creative outreach strategies, and increase program visibility and engagement.
- Support daily office operations by welcoming visitors, responding to questions, completing administrative tasks, and maintaining an organized and professional workspace.
- Additional responsibilities include attending required meetings and training sessions, submitting timesheets by established deadlines, and completing other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills – including written, verbal, and digital communication, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Professionalism and reliability – demonstrate excellent customer service, punctuality, responsibility, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Creativity and content creation skills – experience or interest in using Canva, taking photos/videos, and developing engaging social media and marketing content.
- Organizational and multitasking abilities – able to manage multiple projects, stay organized, and maintain digital files.
- Initiative and independence – capable of working independently, solving problems, and contributing ideas while also being a strong team player.
- Tech-savviness and willingness to learn – comfortable with tools like Microsoft Teams, email platforms, and social media; must own a smartphone with reliable photo/video capabilities for capturing and posting content; experience with website editing or email tools is a plus.
Additional Posting Information:
Mini Project — Show Us What You Can Do!
Create a 15–30 second Instagram Reel on a topic of your choice. This could include promoting a campus resource or event, sharing a student-life tip, highlighting an organization, or creating another type of engaging social media content.
Your Reel should:
- Include a brief on-camera appearance.
- Demonstrate creativity, editing skills, and awareness of current social media trends.
- Use elements such as text overlays, transitions, trending audio, voiceover, or humor.
- Be appropriate for an official university-affiliated social media account.
- Please also include a suggested caption and 1–2 sentences identifying your intended audience and explaining your creative approach.
Phone-recorded content is welcome, and professional equipment is not expected. You may also submit links or files showcasing content you previously created for a job, organization, class, personal account, or independent project.
Submit your materials with your application or email them to
[email protected] with the subject line “Mini Project – Social Media & Content Assistant.”
Conditions of Employment:
Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).
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 a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or [email protected]. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.
