Working Title: Communications Director (Part-Time), Center for Civic Engagement

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III

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

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Office of the President Unit

Department: 100191 - JMU Center for Civic Engagement

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/07/2026

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 James Madison Center for Civic Engagement is a high-profile administrative entity seeking to hire a Communications Director to promote and support its on-going civic learning and democratic engagement initiatives (see: www.jmu.edu/civic and www.jmu.edu/vote). The Communications Director provides communications strategy and leadership for all aspects of the department’s programming while crafting compelling messaging to promote the Madison Center’s work to all constituents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Create and implement the communications and social media strategy for the department, including systems to streamline communication processes and ensure quality and timeliness of all materials.
· Participate in departmental meetings across all areas to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Madison Center’s programmatic scope and communications needs.
· Provide communication and oversight over promotional/marketing plans for major events such as Constitution Day, Common Good in the Commonwealth, America 250, recruitment of Democracy Fellow cohort and the annual Giving Day campaign.
· Supervise undergraduate student media fellows and ensure all deliverables are in compliance with JMU brand guidelines and the Madison Center’s commitment to nonpartisanship.
· Grow the Center’s social media following and oversee production of professional and engaging content across the center’s social media channels while adhering to JMU branding guidelines.
· Maintain Madison Center website and ensure all posted materials follow latest web accessibility standards.
· Oversee the graphic design of the Madison Center’s Civic Leadership in the Commonwealth magazine.

Qualifications:

Required:
• Demonstrated experience with crafting and executing communications strategies
• Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to clarity, accuracy, and tone
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple web updates or projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with design systems (e.g. Canva, ISSU, and Adobe) and web content management systems (e.g. Cascade)

Additional Considerations:
• Graphic design, video editing and social media management experience
• Supervision experience

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

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

This is a part-time wage position working up to an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a calendar year with no benefits.

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.