Working Title: Event Planning/Communications Intern - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Office of Economic & Community Development

Department: 540856 - The Region 8 View

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $15

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 01/05/2026

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

JMU’s Office of Economic & Community Development discovers partnership opportunities, develops connections, and activates networks with resources and creativity to promote economic and community vitality. Located off-campus in Harrisonburg, we foster collaborations that advance the talent pipeline and community quality of life.

The Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW) initiative is part of a state-wide effort to expand student internships and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers. The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) facilitates the readiness of students, employers, and institutions of higher education to participate in internship and work-based learning. The VIEW is working to create pathways to professions in the Shenandoah Valley (GO Virginia Region 8).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with marketing and outreach, which could include creating promotional fliers, social media posts, videos, writing success stories for the newsletter, and attending networking events
• Assist with event planning, such as Virginia Intern Day and regional conferences/events
• Assist with in-person and/or virtual meeting planning/prep
• Assist with developing presentations and educational workshop content

Qualifications:

• Organizational skills
• Communication, marketing, and event planning

Additional Posting Information:

Work hours & benefits
• 8-15 hours/week during fall and/or spring semester
• 20-40 hours/week during summer semester
• $15/hour
• Potential to earn college credit, if desired by the intern
• We offer flexibility to fit your work hours around your academic schedule
• Primarily in person w/occasional remote work

Learning objectives
• Develop and refine written and visual communication skills by creating promotional materials, social media content, videos, and newsletter articles.
• Utilize digital tools (e.g., Canva, social media platforms, video editing, email and/or presentation software) to create marketing materials and support event planning.
• Enhance teamwork skills by collaborating effectively with staff and external partners to plan and execute events and meetings.

Education & experience
• Successful progress in a college degree program
• Interest or experience in marketing, graphic design, event planning, communications, videography, student career services, internships, economic, community, or talent development preferred

Apply
• Complete job application, including a cover letter and resume
• Deadline to apply: open/on-going

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

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 a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.