Working Title: UCC Career Educator - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 100358 - University Career Center

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $12.41

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: 10/20/2025

About JMU:

General Information:

The University Career Center’s mission is to “prepare and empower all students in every aspect of their career development.” We are seeking Career Educators for an 8/10 hour per week position.

Career Educators (CEs) serve as a paid peer educator in the University Career Center (UCC). CEs are JMU students who have been trained to assist with a variety of areas in the career planning process. They have a strong understanding of the resources in the Career Center and can help guide students in the right direction based on their needs.

Start Date: Spring 2026 (training for a few hours every week)
Employment Term: Spring 2026–Spring 2027
We’re recruiting now so our new team can train in spring 2026 and be ready to hit the ground running next fall!

Benefits of Becoming a CE:

Career Educators learn, work, and develop professionally through program planning, facilitating small and large group presentations. Career Educators present career-related workshops to students through the Health 100 Passport Program and will lead small group presentations.

Career Educators meet with students and alumni in a 1:1 setting to provide career-related support and guidance. Career Educators conduct resume and cover letter reviews, LinkedIn and Handshake appointments, and Career Fair Prep appointments.

Career educators assist with large-scale UCC programming such as Career Fairs and other networking events. Career Educators participate in outreach to the campus community through weekly tabling outreach events

Career Educators provide assistance to students and connecting them to other resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Meet individually with students and alumni to provide guidance on:
Résumé and cover letter development, Handshake and LinkedIn, Career Fair Prep

Provide constructive feedback and coaching to students on résumés, cover letters, and other professional documents.

Practice active listening in one-on-one and group interactions to understand student needs, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and ensure each student feels heard and supported.

Maintain accurate records of student interactions.

Present and facilitate career-related workshops through the Health 100 program to large groups of students.

Assist with large-scale Career Center events (e.g., career fairs, networking nights, employer panels).

Qualifications:

Have an interest in helping JMU students with career and job search through appointments, as well as outreach through presentations.

Ability to relate and interact with individuals both one-on-one and in group settings.

Willingness to work in a team setting and build rapport with other CEs and the UCC professional staff.

Demonstrate professional communication when working with supervisors, coworkers, and students.

Successful candidates must be eager to learn. No prior knowledge of career or major-related topics is required – we’ll train you!

Additional Posting Information:

As a result of working as a Career Educator, a student will gain experience in the following NACE competencies:

Provide constructive, audience-appropriate feedback on resumes, cover letters, and other job-search documents (Communication).

Design and deliver engaging presentations and workshops on career topics to groups of peers (Communication, Leadership).

Use active listening and questioning strategies to identify student needs and connect them to resources (Critical Thinking, Communication).

Take initiative in mentoring peers and supporting career center events with professionalism and confidence (Leadership, Professionalism).

Analyze and adapt recommendations to fit a student’s background, goals, and unique situation (Critical Thinking).

Reflect on their growth in leadership, communication, and advising, and articulate how this experience prepares them for future opportunities (Career & Self-Development).

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.