Working Title: Administrative Assistant – Center for Assessment & Research

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist lll

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: University Studies

Department: 100137 - Center for Assessment and Research

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: 42,000 - 46,000 

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: 3/25/2026

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 Center for Assessment & Research is seeking an Administrative Assistant to perform critical financial transactions related to the department, affiliated grants and institutes. This position plays a key role in providing immediate and long-term planning for the executive director, faculty, staff and the center's initiatives. This position reports to the executive director of the Center for Assessment & Research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze, monitor and project complex financial transactions.
• Advise the executive director on how to appropriately and strategically use the funds to achieve unit initiatives to include budget projections and suggestions regarding which budget to draw money from.
• Prepare and process paperwork required for financial transactions in accordance with JMU policies (ATVs, Accounting Vouchers, Budget Revision, etc.).
• Track travel expenses for faculty and staff.
• Reconcile monthly budgets in a timely manner and in accordance with JMU policies.
• Manage Graduate Assistant contracts (in-state, out-of-state and international) to include contract lengths, MA, MA-to-doc, doctoral, varying credits by semester, and GA unit transfers.
• Reconcile graduate budgets by ensuring all funding has been received, payments are made in a timely manner and according to contracts prior to year-end.
• Coordinate payroll and hiring by providing support for all faculty and staff searches and preparing and processing all new hire paperwork.
• Act as the primary contact for department purchases to include working with Procurement to ensure compliance with JMU policies and procedures, maintain contracts for equipment and electronics and track large departmental expenditures.
• Assist the executive director with special tasks or requests requiring immediate attention.
• Serve as back-up for the administrative assistant.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to use spreadsheets to track and manage budgets
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure of fiscal deadlines.
• Posses a friendly attitude and a willingness to work collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Be able to solve problems regarding how to pay for complex strategic initiatives using multiple budgets (i.e. international relationships and client development).

Additional Considerations
• Experience with JMU Peoplesoft systems; specifically, Student Information system, Human Resources Management system and Finance system
• Experience with JMU financial policies and procedures.

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 jobs@jmu.edu. 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.