Working Title: Communications and Advertising Specialist - School of Media Arts and Design

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Arts and Letters

Department: 100018 - School of Media Arts

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $40,000 - $44,000 

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: 09/14/2026

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 School of Media Arts and Design (SMAD) is accepting applications for a Communications and Marketing Specialist. This person will work with the Director and Associate Director to develop and coordinate advertising and outreach strategies aimed especially at students, prospective students and alumni. This staff member will also mentor and help coordinate SMAD student workers assigned to communications-related roles.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Social media and advertising
• Coordinate the research, creation and publishing of content across social media to promote and inform targeted audiences about the School of Media Arts and Design
• Create and manage bulk email communications to specific audiences, including faculty, alumni, current students and prospective students
• Collaborate with colleagues in the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), CAL departments and other JMU offices on coordinated campaigns and communications

External and internal outreach
• Cultivate connections with alumni
• Research, report and write alumni profiles for the SMAD website
• Research, report and write news updates about SMAD student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments for the SMAD website
• Assist the associate director with updating and maintaining the SMAD website
• Coordinate alumni visits, guest lecture opportunities, workshops for students, and other alumni events
• Oversee production of electronic newsletter
• Assist with updating SMAD social media with internship and job opportunities for students
• Serve with faculty on the SMAD External Communications Committee

Departmental Support
• Staff the SMAD front office, answer calls, monitor the SMAD email account, greet visitors, and arrange tours
• Help plan and execute special events for the School of Media Arts and Design
• Assist with input of course schedules and maintenance of course syllabi and faculty records
• Assist with student worker timecards, faculty and staff travel, and other administration-related duties
• Help with special projects
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in visual design and/or advertising/marketing
• Experience in multimedia production
• Ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines
• Basic knowledge of website content management
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams)
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to effectively mentor students

Additional Considerations:
• Experience monitoring and assessing website, social media and campaign analytics
• Expertise in visual design programs, such as Adobe Creative Cloud software, Canva/Affinity software
• Proficiency in photography, videography and/or photo and video editing
• Experience with managing social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
• Familiarity with JMU policies, procedures and systems, such as Cascade
• Familiarity with AP style

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.