Working Title: Student Support Specialist - Center for Global Engagement (Part-Time)

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist II

Position Type: Part-time - Wage / Part-time Salaried

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Center for Global Engagement

Department: 100148 - CGE Administration

Pay Rate: Minimum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $22 per hour

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 1/5/2026

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.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

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 Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is seeking a Student Support Specialist with strong professional experience and a polished, service-oriented approach to supporting students and families. The Student Support Specialist serves as a key point of contact for study-abroad–related questions that come through the office’s communication channels and supports students and families throughout all stages of the study abroad process.

The role provides clear and friendly initial guidance, supports communication and preparation before students depart, assists with first-level communication while students are abroad, and helps facilitate re-entry support upon their return.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to study abroad–specific inquiries forwarded from the main office, including phone messages, emails, and walk-in referrals, offering helpful and professional guidance.
• Provide first-level advising on program options, application steps, scholarships, timelines, and common logistical questions.
• Serve as a primary contact for communication with students who are abroad, helping triage questions or concerns and ensuring they are routed promptly and appropriately to advisors or CGE leadership.
• Communicate confidently with parents and families, addressing frequently asked questions about safety, program logistics, and overall expectations.
• Support the advising team by tracking inquiries, assisting with documentation, organizing program information, and directing students to the correct advisor or resource.
• Assist with pre-departure preparation, including communicating requirements related to orientations, passports/visas, insurance, and deadlines.
• Provide support for events such as information sessions, orientations, and outreach activities by preparing materials, providing on-site assistance, and occasionally representing the study abroad office through brief presentations or public speaking.
• Contribute to re-entry communication and support for returning students.
• Collaborate with student peer advisors, offering guidance on day-to-day tasks and assisting with their onboarding and training, helping ensure they have the information and support needed to assist students effectively.
• Help maintain a welcoming, organized, and service-focused environment for all individuals engaging with study abroad services.

Qualifications:

• Professional experience in customer service, administrative support, advising, or another communication-focused role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact comfortably and confidently with both students and parents
• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a busy office setting
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively with staff

Additional Considerations:
• Experience working in higher education or student services
• Experience living, working, or studying abroad
• Familiarity with intercultural communication concepts
• Experience with Terra Dotta or similar database management systems

Additional Posting Information:

Work Schedule & Compensation
• 20–29 hours per week
• Flexible scheduling during regular business hours
• Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

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.