Working Title: Graduate Assistant

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: School of Professional & Continuing Education

Department: 100066 - Professional & Continuing Education

Pay Rate: Other

Specify Range or Amount:

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: 10/22/2025

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:

Event Planning and Special Projects Graduate Assistantship
The School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE) seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Graduate Assistant to support the planning and execution of special events, special projects, and fundraising initiatives. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event management, project coordination, and fundraising activities within a dynamic and innovative academic environment. The Graduate Assistant will work closely with the Dean and key members of the SPCE leadership team to support high-visibility initiatives that advance the mission and impact of the unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities
• Assist in planning, organizing, and executing a variety of SPCE events, including receptions, donor gatherings, strategic planning sessions, and community engagement activities.
• Coordinate logistics such as space reservations, catering, communications, and materials for events and initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure seamless execution of programs and events.
• Contribute to marketing and communications efforts for events and initiatives, including drafting content and assisting with promotional strategies.
• Provide project management support for strategic initiatives, ensuring timelines, tasks, and deliverables are met.
• Support fundraising and development efforts including stewardship activities.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Dean and other SPCE leadership as needed.

Qualifications:

Qualifications
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with project management tools is a plus.
• Experience and/or interest in event planning, project coordination, fundraising, or related fields.
• Attention to detail, creativity, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

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.