State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Advancement Planning and Operations
Department: 100493 - Donor Relations
Pay Band: 4
Pay Rate: Maximum Starting
Specify Range or Amount: $53,648
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 07/09/2026
About JMU:
At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
- Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
- Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
- Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
- Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
The Stewardship Coordinator serves as a member of the Office of Donor Relations team and is a staff member within the division of Philanthropy and Engagement with full-time responsibilities within the Unit of Philanthropic Operations. The Coordinator reports to and takes direction from the Associate Director of Donor Relations of Stewardship. Duties are executed according to the policies and procedures of Philanthropy and Engagement.
The position's core responsibility is to positively reinforce the philanthropic effort of donors and assure their continued interest in and affection for the University by efficiently providing annual reporting and correspondence that purposefully delivers accurate and impactful donor engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Act as coordinator for donor stewardship and engagement on the following (75%):
- Develop engaging digital communications, including stewardship reports, donor giving summaries, and other virtual engagement initiatives. Contribute to and edit content for the Donor Relations website as needed.
- Provide meaningful digital messaging, such as stewardship gift reports, giving historical reports, and other virtual engagement opportunities. Contribute to and edit content on the Donor Relations website as needed.
- Oversee the management of our data ecosystem, implementing multi-tiered validation protocols to ensure data integrity and accuracy. Reconcile data across financial systems and historical records, and implement sustainable processes for donor segmentation.
Special Projects (15%):
- Assist in creating and executing customized or multifaceted donor stewardship.
- Coordinate and participate in special donor events and other projects as requested by the Senior Director of Donor Relations.
Function as a member of the Donor Relations team (10%):
- Assume responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director of Donor Relations to advance Philanthropy & Engagement Division goals.
- Work collaboratively with division and campus partners to execute strategies that achieve maximum program success.
- Maintain ongoing knowledge of donor relations best practices.
- Attend department, unit and division meetings as requested.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Experience with database management and maintaining sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Proficiency in Database/CRM (Salesforce), Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and Adobe Acrobat Pro
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Flexible, collaborative team player with the ability to adapt to evolving priorities and initiatives
- Effective organizational and time-management skills
- Positive, professional, and collaborative attitude; ability to work independently and collaboratively
Additional Considerations:
- Knowledge of donor stewardship and fundraising principles for higher education
- Experience with general accounting and financial reconciliation
- Experience providing donor stewardship
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
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 an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or [email protected]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
