Working Title: James Madison University Presidential Engagement Fellows Program

State Role Title: Wage

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

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Office of the President Unit

Department: 100184 - President's Office

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $14,813 stipend to be paid out over 10 months

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/23/2026

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 Office of the President is pleased to announce recruitment for the 2026-2027 Presidential Engagement Fellows Program. The Presidential Engagement Fellows Program is a 10-month fellowship focused on leadership development for recent JMU graduates (undergraduate or graduate). Fellows receive a stipend of $14,813 to be paid out over 10 months and an additional housing stipend of $500 a month.

Fellows are placed within JMU offices where they contribute to projects and programs critical to the university’s mission, vision and values.

Key program details below:
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Recent JMU graduates (undergraduate or graduate)
Must be within one year of graduation (graduation date of May 2025, December 2025, or May 2026)
Fellows work an average of 29 hours per week in their placement office
Fellows participate as a cohort in weekly professional development sessions

Available Positions Include:
Office of the President
The Office of Creative Propulsion
The Office of Economic Community Development
The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
The Center for Global Engagement
The Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS)
The James Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Constituent Engagement (Philanthropy and Engagement)
Valley Scholars

Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrate a commitment to the James Madison University Mission, Vision and Values including a sense of responsibility and obligation within the community and unit they serve.
Approach complex problems through the practice of interpersonal skills that promote teamwork and acceptance of variety of thought regarding goals and priorities.
Create and maintain meaningful and productive connections between the university and community and serve as an active member of a thriving cohort.
Explore personal strengths and improve upon weaknesses, with particular emphasis on developing career options and exploring life plan goals through experiential learning.
Gain a working understanding of organizational communication, interconnectedness and problem solving within a community.

Qualifications:

Required:
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Must be within one year of graduation (graduation date of May 2025, December 2025 or May 2026)

Additional Posting Information:

You are encouraged to apply to more than one fellowship opportunity. Please include in your cover letter top three fellowship(s) choices. Cover letters should address why you would choose to participate in a service year at JMU.

For information about each fellowship position, please visit https://www.jmu.edu/president/initiatives/engagement-fellows/apply.shtml

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.