Working Title: Media Relations Intern - College of Education - 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 Intern for the College of Education at James Madison University will play a vital role in enhancing our university's presence in the media, elevating the education profession, and supporting faculty engagement with reporters covering education. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in public relations and media relations to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Media Relations Support: Assist the University Communications team in connecting faculty members from the College of Education with reporters interested in education-related topics.
Writing and Communication: Strong writing and oral communication skills are essential. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting University Communications in crafting persuasive pitches and communicating effectively with reporters.
AP Writing Style: Familiarity with the Associated Press (AP) writing style is required to ensure consistency and professionalism in all communications.
Subject Matter Expertise: Become familiar with the College of Education's faculty, their areas of expertise, and their ongoing research. Stay up to date on current events in the education field.
Pitching and Promotion: Assist in pitching College of Education faculty members who can discuss current events in education or highlight their innovative teaching methods. Help promote faculty expert pitches to the media.
Social Media Assistance: Collaborate with the University Communications team and the College of Education team to create and manage social media content related to faculty expert pitches.

Qualifications:

Enthusiasm for public relations and media relations.
Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) writing style.
Proficiency in using social media for business purposes.
Strong interest in K-12 education and current events in the field.

Additional Posting Information:

Gain hands-on experience in media relations.
Work in a dynamic and collaborative university environment.
Opportunity to learn from experienced PR professionals.

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.

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.