Working Title: Furious Flower Office Assistant - FWS

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Arts and Letters

Department: 100515 - Furious Flower Poetry Conference

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $12.77

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

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

Beginning Review Date: 12/08/2025

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:

In support of Furious Flower Poetry Center's mission, academic programming, and archives, the Furious Flower Office Assistant will contribute to the operations and care of our Center at Cardinal House, 500 Cardinal Drive. This role will provide key assistance to our Office & Communications Coordinator in the management of Furious Flower's office space, events, inventory, gallery, and library housed at our facility. The Furious Flower Office Assistant will also contribute to special operations projects which enhance the efficiency, functionality, and prestige of Furious Flower Poetry Center.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- I understand it is my responsibility to accurately complete, sign, and submit timesheets to my supervisor each pay period. I also understand this is a condition of employment, and after two consecutive time periods (1 month) of not submitting timesheets, I could be terminated from my position.
- Assist in tracking and replenishing of Furious Flower Poetry Center office and promotional inventory
- Under the direction of the Office & Communications Coordinator, facilitate new organization and storage systems, office processes, and efficiencies
- Aid in preparations for visiting poets and events such as Furious Flower's Reading Series Guests, First Fridays at The Broadside Gallery by assisting in Center preparations and communications
- Assist in preparing the Furious Flower Poetry Center for the office move to the new Carrier Library
- Contribute to Furious Flower Poetry Center's atmosphere of teamwork, care, and innovation
- Other operational and administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

- Previous relevant experience in an office or academic department environment required
- High level of time and schedule management skills required
- High level of organization and communication skills required
- Self-motivation with the ability to complete tasks independently and with minimal supervision necessary
- A commitment to teamwork, respect, care, and responsibility is a must
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse array of Staff, Faculty, Students, Community Members, and Visiting Poets required
- Problem-solving with a demonstrable track record of providing solutions, suggesting improvements, and creative thinking strongly preferred
- A personal interest or academic pursuit in creative writing, poetry, literature, organizational management, or nonprofit management is preferred but not required
- Familiarity with Furious Flower Poetry Center events, workshops, and/or facility a plus!
- Must be Federal Work Study eligible.

Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, sit, and bend for periods of time
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks and movements
- Ability to lift and move up to 15 lbs

Additional Posting Information:

Level II - Intermediate
- Moderate difficulty
- Alternate methods of resolution are available
- Receives some instructions but may use independent judgment within limits
- Supervisory responsibilities for limited activities
- Responsible for a segment of the total operation activity
- Relevant job-related knowledge required
- Relevant job-related training
- Prior experience necessary

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.