Working Title: GEAR UP Program Assistant - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study.

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Access and Enrollment

Department: 520125 - GEAR UP Staunton Year 2

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $18 per hour

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: 03/09/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a federal grant-funded program to empower first-generation and underrepresented students on their path to college.

As a GEAR UP Program Assistant, you'll play a role in shaping futures while working in a supportive, collaborative environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in students’ lives while gaining meaningful experience in college access and academic success initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Program Assistant will work closely with the GEAR UP Project Director, Program Advisors, and Parent Liaison. GEAR UP serves a two-year cohort from the Staunton City Public School District, starting in middle school and following the cohort two years after high school graduation.

Program Assistant - IE
• Implement GEAR UP programming with students in schools on topics including study skills, career and college readiness, financial literacy, and postsecondary education options.
• Work with GEAR UP staff to plan and implement field trips, workshops, and events.
• Supervise students during GEAR UP field trips, workshops, and events, ensuring student safety.
• Support and mentor high school students on steps to succeed in secondary school and prepare for post-secondary education and career options, including college admissions applications.
• Provide basic tutoring and academic support to help middle and high school students complete homework or catch up on missed assignments.
• Maintain accurate records on student participation and interactions in the student database system.
• Collaborate with GEAR UP staff and school personnel to foster effective team building and cooperatively fulfill shared duties and responsibilities.

Must be willing to travel to Staunton two or three days per week, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday, between 3-6 PM during the school year, August to May. Availability on these days and at these times is a priority for this position.

Qualifications:

JMU Institutional Employment.

Successful candidates will undergo a background check through the school system.

Additional Posting Information:

The Program Assistant can start immediately after passing a background check. An ideal candidate will be available to start Spring 2026 and continue in the position Fall 2026.

Summer hours available only during the month of June (optional, but strongly preferred).

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.