Working Title: Study Abroad Programs Graduate Assistant - Center for Global Engagement

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Center for Global Engagement

Department: 100148 - CGE Administration

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,110 

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: 

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 Study Abroad unit within the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) at James Madison University seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Study Abroad Programs Graduate Assistant. This position will report to the Associate Director of Study Abroad, and provide hands-on experience in international education administration, web content management, curriculum coordination, and program support. The Programs Graduate Assistant will collaborate with staff across the Study Abroad unit to enhance student access to global learning opportunities while supporting programmatic needs.

The Programs Graduate Assistant will be expected to work 20 hours per week in office primarily between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm. Hours in the office will include tasks as described above, plus attending staff meetings and assisting with study abroad event coverage. Event support may require evening or weekend work.
This position will begin in August 2026, with a preferred start date of August 17, and run through May 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:

--Specific duties and responsibilities:

60%: Study Abroad Website Management
- Assist with maintenance and management of the Study Abroad website
- Redesign and update webpages to improve usability and accessibility
- Update and maintain program information for students, faculty program directors, and advisors
- Assist with the creation and formatting of new program webpages
- Ensure website content is accurate, consistent, and aligned with university standards
- Collaborate with staff to improve the organization and presentation of online study abroad resources
- Update faculty canvas page to support director resources

15%: Program and Event Support
- Support the Study Abroad programs team with events and outreach activities
- Assist with event planning for large and small events (information sessions, fairs, orientations, and workshops)
- Coordinate logistics including scheduling, room reservations, and materials
- Assist with event design, volunteer coordination, and menu planning
- Provide on-site support during events as needed

15%: Curriculum and Program Management Support
- Assist with curriculum coordination for semester and short-term study abroad programs
- Support the course approval process for study abroad programs
- Help with the creation and setup of study abroad courses in university systems
- Assist students with enrollment processes and course registration questions
- Maintain records and documentation related to program courses


10%: Study Abroad Meetings
- Attend Study Abroad staff meetings
- Attend SA Programs team meetings
- Attend regularly scheduled 1:1s with supervisor and other team members as needed

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants must be full-time matriculated graduate students who meet the following qualifications and characteristics:
- Maintain good academic standing throughout their appointment
- Exhibit strong organizational, communication, and digital skills
- Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Demonstrate attention to detail
- Navigate ambiguity
- Work both independently and collaboratively
- Interest in international education, global engagement, or study abroad programming
- Experience with study abroad and/or international travel
- Strong written communication and editing skills
- Event planning or program coordination experience

Additional Posting Information:

--Professional Development Opportunities:

The Programs Graduate Assistant will gain experience in:
- International education administration
- Higher education web communications
- Curriculum and program coordination
- Event planning and student engagement in global programs

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

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.