20001745
College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Communications / Marketing
Other
Full-time Staff (Classified)
Opening on: Jan 28 2026
Academic Affairs
100406 - Creative Services

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Working Title: Writer/Communications Specialist

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 100406 - Creative Services

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $48,000 - $50,000

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: 2/5/2026

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 College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) is looking for a creative and collaborative communicator to join our Creative Services team. This role is ideal for a storyteller who enjoys connecting people, ideas, and impact through compelling writing and dynamic social media content. Best practices in marketing and communications are constantly evolving, so our ideal candidate would have a willingness to explore new developments and emerging trends in the field.

Our small but mighty team supports the College, its eight academic units, and the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services. Together, we create everything from feature stories and newsletters to websites, photography, video, and social media—sharing the work and voices that make CHBS unique.

Duties And Responsibilities

Storytelling & External Communications

Write engaging feature stories, web content, email communications, and the college newsletter that highlight the people and work of CHBS.
Identify and develop story ideas through regular collaboration with college leadership, faculty, and students.
Conduct interviews, maintain organized notes and transcripts, and guide stories through the editorial process.
Collaborate with university communications and marketing partners and support JMU Advancement with fundraising-related messaging for CHBS.

Social Media Strategy & Content

Lead the college’s social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Develop and manage a consistent, strategic posting schedule.
Create original, engaging social media content informed by analytics, trends, and accessibility best practices.
Build story and content ideas through ongoing relationships across the college.
Participate in the university’s social media managers group.

Student Supervision & Mentorship

Supervise and mentor student writers and social media developers.
Manage schedules, assignments, deadlines, and provide editorial guidance and feedback.
Serve as a liaison between student employees and campus partners.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance monitoring for student staff.

Web Content Support

Assist with maintaining college websites and publishing content using the university’s content management system (Cascade). Training will be provided.

Qualifications

Strong social media content development skills, with working knowledge of photography and video production.
Experience using data and analytics to measure content performance and refine strategy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write engaging, audience-centered feature stories aligned with the JMU brand.
Comfort interviewing individuals across a wide range of topics and building relationships that generate story ideas.
Familiarity with editorial processes and style standards.
Ability to learn and use web content management tools (Cascade experience is a plus, but not required).
Proven ability to collaborate, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a team environment.
Experience hiring, supervising, and motivating student staff.

Additional Posting Information

Must have a portfolio of work samples.

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.

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Writer/Communications Specialist