Working Title: Madison Money Mentor - 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: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 100155 - Off-Campus Life

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $150.00/week

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 10/10/2025

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:

Off-Campus Life is here to help students as they transition into the Harrisonburg community. The Madison Money Mentors program is designed to help students understand a variety of basic financial literacy concepts and practices through relatable, peer-to-peer education. With a focus on five key areas of financial knowledge, the program aims to cultivate long-term financial security for students and prepare them for the challenges of living on their own. Mentors will help create safe and productive environments for students to learn and explore different financial concepts relevant to their collegiate experience in a one-on-one capacity, as well as leading workshops on various financial literacy topics for larger groups of students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Peer Mentoring: Work with students one-on-one or in small groups, to help students better understand and learn about basic financial literacy concepts and topics, including: budgeting, saving, credit, debt management, student loans and financial aid, responsible habits, and planning for the future. Share your personal strategies and experiences as a relatable resource, while connecting students with appropriate financial resources. Help foster a safe and inclusive environment that recognizes the different financial realities and backgrounds of all JMU students and affirms their journey towards better understanding and control of their financial situation. Protect the privacy and confidentiality of all students seeking assistance.

Communication: Keep accurate notes of peer mentoring sessions and educational processes for follow-up conversations with staff and students. Communicate in a timely and professional manner with supervisors, fellow staff, and peer mentees. Effective mentors should exhibit excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Programming and Education: Support Madison Money Mentors by helping with planning and coordinating events and workshops on relevant financial literacy topics. Engage with students and promote financial literacy programming across the campus. Be updated about financial resources, tools, and services both at JMU and in the greater community, and be enthusiastic in sharing the same with your students to empower them to develop good financial habits.

Teamwork: Be a respectful colleague to other Peer Mentors, supervisors, and other staff members. Attend staff meetings, supervisor meetings, and team meetings as required. Show the ability to work alone while still being able to contribute as a team.

Organization: Manage time effectively and complete all assigned mentoring sessions, tasks, and event responsibilities with accuracy and consistency. Coordinate effectively for peer-to-peer meetings, workshops, and events, and communicate with your supervisor if absence is unavoidable. Take initiative by asking questions, seeking clarification, and offering ideas to improve the peer mentoring program.

Support the Program Mission: Assist students in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions, build financial confidence, and promote healthy habits that support long-term academic and personal success.

Qualifications:

The ideal Peer Mentor should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. They should be approachable, understanding, and eager to listen while helping students think more in depth about their financial situation and decisions. Financial expertise is preferred but not required. However, an interest in financial wellness, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for supporting peers in their personal and financial growth are essential.

Additional Posting Information:

This position provides a stipend of $2,240 per a complete semester with an expectation of 10 hours of work per week over a 15-week period. The stipend will be prorated depending on the time of hire.

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.