Working Title: Social Media 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 

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:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

JMU offers several perks to all employees including:
• A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
• Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
• A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
• Holiday Breaks: The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
• Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Social Media Assistant will work closely with the Social Media Manager on the day-to-day management of the JMU social media accounts. As a Social Media Assistant, you’ll play an important role in the strategy, voice, and management of the JMU social media accounts. You’ll gain hands on and high level experience working on a brand’s social media presence and will have access to continuing education opportunities.

This position is for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. This position will work 10 hours a week with a mix of office hours and as needed event coverage including Move-In and Weeks of Welcome.

Applicants must be available to start working the week of August 17, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research and develop student-oriented social media strategies based on emerging trends in Higher Education social media and the broader social media space
Regularly create and update detailed social media reports

Organize and manage student collaborations and “This Week at JMU” with student and professional affiliates across campus

Write social media captions for Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads

With the social media manager, manage the social media calendar

Write alternative text for all photos and graphics posted to JMU’s social media accounts

Collaborate with other JMU University Communications interns on social media content

Collaborate with campus partners on social media campaigns and initiatives

Assist with other miscellaneous social media responsibilities, including but not limited to:
event coverage, inventorying promotional items, brainstorming content for Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Threads

Qualifications:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong understanding of the social media platforms JMU is active on (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Threads) and best practices for social media
• Strong interest in social media management
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with students, faculty, and staff
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Additional Posting Information:

Applicants need to provide a resume and cover letter to be considered.

By the end of this role, students will be able to:
Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, confidentiality, and accountability in daily work.
Demonstrate an understanding of using social media on behalf of an organization.
Coordinate social media campaigns and demonstrate initiative in social media management.
Demonstrate confidence in collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrate the ability to clearly articulate ideas to a variety of stakeholders.
Gather and analyze data from a diverse set of sources to provide recommendations to improve a social media goal/strategy.
Reflect on personal strengths and areas for growth, setting goals and strategies to enhance their professional development.

Conditions of Employment:  

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 an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.