Working Title: Media Relations Assistant - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Communications and Marketing

Department: 100242 - University Communications

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $13.00 

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: 03/20/2026

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:

The Media Relations Assistant will work closely with the University Communications team to promote faculty members from diverse academic backgrounds to reporters covering topics ranging from the hard sciences to the humanities. This internship offers valuable experience in public relations, media relations, and social media management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Media Relations Support: Assist University Communications staff in promoting faculty experts from all colleges and departments to relevant reporters. This includes pitching faculty members to reporters seeking subject matter experts across various fields.
2. Writing and Communication: Demonstrate strong writing and oral communication skills in crafting persuasive pitches and engaging with reporters.
3. AP Writing Style and Social Media Management: Develop familiarity with Associated Press (AP) writing style and utilize social media platforms for business purposes, including promoting faculty expertise and engaging with media professionals.
4. Subject Matter Familiarity: Become acquainted with the subjects taught and researched by faculty members across different disciplines.
5. Stay Up to Date: Keep abreast of current events and trends to facilitate timely and relevant interactions with the media.
6. Reporter and News Organization Research: Learn to use the software utilized by University Communications for researching reporters and news organizations.
7. Media Distribution Lists: Assist in building and maintaining media distribution lists to ensure effective dissemination of press releases and other communications.
8. Press Release Distribution: Learn to distribute press releases and other materials to relevant media outlets.

Qualifications:

• Interest in and some experience with public relations.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Associated Press (AP) writing style.
• Knowledge of social media platforms for business purposes.
• Ability to work 10 hours per week during normal business hours, with schedules accommodating class schedules.

Additional Posting Information:

By the end of this role, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, confidentiality and accountability in daily work.
• Demonstrate an understanding of media relations and communications work within a dynamic university environment.
• Demonstrate confidence in collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.
• Manage deadlines and incorporate feedback into their work.
• Demonstrate an understanding of media relations strategies and tools.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter, and any relevant writing samples to Chad Saylor, media relations coordinator.

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.