Working Title: Administrative Assistant - Early, Elementary, and Reading Education in the College of Education

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Education

Department: 100048 - Education Programs

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $40,000 - $43,511 

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: 09/21/2026

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.

JMU offers several perks to all employees including:
• A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
• Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
• A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
• Holiday Breaks: The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
• Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.

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 James Madison University College of Education seeks an Administrative Assistant for the Early, Elementary, and Reading Education (EERE) department. This position provides administrative and clerical support for the department, Academic Unit Head, faculty, and students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as an initial point of contact for faculty, students and other visitors to the department offices, providing exceptional customer service by phone, in person, and electronically.

Serve as administrative assistant to the academic unit head (AUH). Provide, for example, a range of assistance with notetaking, providing transcripts, organization and archiving of files and records, calendar management, communications, orders, event logistics and reservations, and fiscal and affiliate support.

• Create protocols that help the unit adhere to policies (ex. FERPA, Records Management), meet expectations, and function efficiently.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate schedules, syllabi, and textbook information.
• Corresponds with adjunct faculty and assists in assigning and supporting supervisors.

Utilize JMU systems for a range of tasks, prioritizing administrative support tasks and remain up to date on relevant software programs, procedures, and departmental needs through professional learning and practice. (Required training is provided.) For example:

• Review and enter approved course entries and student overrides in the student administration system(s).
• Run queries and generate reports.
• Track faculty hours and overload pay.
• Track and support student scheduling and record keeping.

Support the hiring, on-boarding, supervision, and separation processes for department employees by managing required paperwork and ensuring timely and accurate processing. Supervision of graduate assistants includes

• Creation of schedules
• Track hours and provide needed materials

Prepare budget documents and monitor departmental budget allocations including but not limited to the small purchase credit card (SPCC) and faculty professional development needs. This includes budgetary documentation and tracking, purchase reconciliations, procurement approvals, faculty professional development fund allocation, department office allocation, inventory management

Provide administrative support for grant-related activities, including serving as fiscal contact on a grant application and supporting budget and reporting processes as directed by Principal Investigators.

Complete other duties as determined by the EERE Academic Unit Head and/or Dean based on the ongoing and emerging needs of the department and College of Education.

Maintain inventory of supplies

Qualifications:

Required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally and effectively navigate challenging conversations, with a variety of stakeholders
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated persistence in finding answers and solving problems
• Experience using digital office technologies (ex. MS Office 365, Adobe Sign)
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt with change and innovation
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant policies

Additional Considerations:

• Prior experience as an administrative assistant
• Demonstrated ability to utilize emerging technologies

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

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.