Working Title: JMU Libraries Communications and Outreach Graduate Assistant

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: JMU Libraries

Department: 100113 – Libraries

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,110 (2025-2026 rate) 

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: 

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:

The Communications and Outreach team in JMU Libraries is hiring a Graduate Assistant for academic year 2026-2027. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative team to amplify the Libraries' impact, especially in outreach to current and potential JMU students. This position begins in August 2026 and ends in May 2027.

This position collaborates closely with the Communications and Outreach team and may partner across and beyond the Libraries.

A high level of comfort speaking to groups of students is essential.

The GA will work 20 hours per week. The weekly schedule is flexible within Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekend work due to outreach and recruitment events. The schedule will be determined between the GA and supervisor at the start of each semester.

Students looking for professional experience that enhances their classroom learning and builds their
professional resume are encouraged to apply.

The Libraries welcomes applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to building equitable and welcoming environments. We are committed to encouraging dialogue, cultivating a sense of belonging, and celebrating a broad range of life experiences and perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help create social media content
• Post flyers at different locations across campus
• Speak at JMU sessions introducing the Libraries
• Lead tours for prospective students visiting JMU Libraries
• Staff outreach events for current and prospective JMU students
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Expected or actual acceptance into a JMU graduate program.

Strong skills in verbal and written communication and comfort (or willingness to grow) in public speaking to groups.

Ability to work independently as well as collaborate in a team environment.

Strong cultural competencies and a demonstrated commitment to understanding and engaging across
the range of cultural experiences shared by a diverse workforce.

Critical thinking skills.

Time management and task tracking skills.

Students from any graduate program are welcome to apply; this position may especially lend itself to students with an interest in teaching, strategic communications, marketing, or public relations.

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.