Working Title: Communications Manager - College of Business

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist lll

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Business

Department: 100674 - COB-Differential Tuition

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $50,000 - $55,000

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: 08/27/2025

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community nestled 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 Communications Manager at the College of Business is a strategic storyteller and brand ambassador who is responsible for developing and implementing multi-channel communication strategies that elevate the college’s reputation, engage diverse stakeholders, and support key initiatives such as enrollment, alumni and donor relations, and research visibility. The ideal candidate blends creativity with analytics, has a deep appreciation for higher education, and excels at turning complex ideas into accessible, engaging content.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development of a content strategy aligned with the college strategic priorities and the resulting communication goals.
• Collaborate with college schools/ centers/programs/departments to plan and develop content for their program needs.
• Directly support content development with the writing of articles, press releases and internal communications.
• Engage in active prospecting – connecting with college faculty/ staff and university partners as well as scanning other lead sources for story ideas.
• Collect, monitor and analyze performance metrics for articles and e-newsletters, and suggest improvements accordingly.
• Work with graphic designer to provide content for webpages and collateral. Further support the role with event promotion by creating body copy for web portals, invitations, ads, etc.
• Work with team members in developing social media campaign ideas and video storyboards that support broader communication goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership, communication and analytical skills
• Previous work experience with interviewing, story identification, news reporting, and feature writing
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated knowledge of AP Guidelines
• Demonstrated experience with MS Office, Google Docs, and Adobe Acrobat editor
• Proven experience in journalism, communications, marketing or related field is beneficial but not required

Additional Posting Information:

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume and a professional writing sample.

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.