Working Title: Coordinator for Student Life, University Program Board

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: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 300194 - Student Activities and Involvement

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $44,192 - $47,000 

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: 3/21/2026

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:

Student Leadership and Involvement in Student Life at James Madison University is currently seeking applicants for the Coordinator for the University Program Board, to provide oversight and supervision to University Program Board executive members in developing, implementing, and assessing campus wide programming.

The Division of Student Affairs includes University Career Center, Center for Multicultural Student Services, Community Engagement and Volunteer Center, Counseling Center, Dean of Students, Disability Services, Student Accountability & Restorative Practices, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression, Orientation & Transition, Residence Life, Student Life, University Health Center, University Recreation, and Health Promotion. The division is an integral part of the campus community and works collaboratively with the other divisions of the university in supporting the mission, vision, and values of the university. Successful candidates will embody the values of Student Affairs at James Madison University and will infuse these values in their day-to-day practice.

Student Affairs Values
Focusing on Students
Leading Courageously
Transcending Boundaries
Creating Belonging
Embracing Innovation and Change
Honoring and Valuing Our Staff

Duties and Responsibilities:

#1: Employee Supervision. Supervise the Graduate Assistant for the University Program Board. Provide training, leadership, mentoring and evaluation. Supervise, advise, train and evaluate the undergraduate stipend students that comprise the University Program Board Executive Board. Provide clear expectations, timely and constructive feedback, appropriate professional development, and effective management of performance issues if and when they occur. Submit and maintain administrative, personnel, and payroll documentation as applicable. Foster a comfortable work environment, a culture of personal and professional excellence, and working relationships based on mutual respect. Initiate student development efforts in line with the goals of Student Affairs, Student Life and Student Leadership and Involvement.

#2: University Program Board Supervision. Supervise and advise the University Program Board in carrying out their role as the primary programming organization on campus. Collaborate with the Assistant Director and University Program Board student leaders to implement organization development strategies that help grow and strengthen the organization. Guide the University Program Board in innovating new programming that meets evolving student needs, such as small and large-scale events that build community, appeal to a broad range of students, and foster a welcoming campus environment. Directly oversee major events such as concerts, national touring performance acts, Late Night Breakfast, Homecoming programming, and others. Lead the development, management, and reconciliation of the UPB budget.


#3: Student Leadership and Involvement Programming (SLI). Foster the development of programming by advising students as well as developing staff generated programming initiatives that will satisfy the evolving needs of students and align with divisional goals, primarily working with efforts put forth by the University Program Board and SLI. Contribute to the development and implementation of staff-driven programming.

#4: Contract Management. Supervise and direct the negotiation of all artist and skilled service contracts associated with UPB events and those of other organizations, offices, and departments as applicable. Stay abreast of legal terminology, state and university contract policies, and trends within the entertainment industry. Ensure contracts are in compliance with university and state policies and guidelines, conferring with Procurement and/or university counsel as necessary.

#5: Assessment. Work with Assistant and Associate Director to develop and implement ongoing assessment efforts with the expressed purpose of measuring attainment of objectives and program improvement. Assessment should ascertain needs, participation and non-participation demographics, participant satisfaction, and accomplishment of stated goals and learning objectives. Work with Assistant Director to implement new data collection techniques aimed at the purpose of expanding the quality and depth of information UPB utilizes to assess programs. Assessment results should inform resource allocation, program improvement, the development of new programs, and marketing strategies used to reach new student groups.

#6: Marketing. Advise the UPB Executive Board on marketing efforts. Maintain the JMU UPB website and utilize website usage analytics and other inputs in adapting website design, pursuing new marketing efforts, and information dissemination. Leverage new and existing campus partnerships to enhance the marketing strategies utilized to promote programs. Use all appropriate mediums to effectively market other SLI events not under the direct responsibility of UPB.

#7: Budget Management. Oversee creation, management and maintenance of the largest student organization budget allocated by the Student Government Association. Effectively manage the UPB budget as approved, ensure appropriate and effective use of available resources, and assist in the annual budget development process.

#8: Collaboration. Proactively develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other university stakeholders where such relationships would promote efficiency and/or effectiveness of the Student Life mission, vision, and values.

#9: Committee Work. Serve on department and university committees as assigned. Actively participate in accomplishing established goals and objectives.

#10: Professional Development. Accomplish a minimum of 20 hours of professional development, attend Student Life professional development training, participate in staff retreats and other job-related training specific to SLI. Effectively utilize conferences and other professional development opportunities as tools for staying current in the field of campus event programming.

#11. Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications:

Required:
-Demonstrated previous professional experience in a higher education/college student affairs leadership programming setting, or similar environment
-A record of commitment to creating welcoming environments
-Commitment to student development and a student-learning environment
-A record of collaboration across functional work areas
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
-Experience developing rapport in one-on-one relationships

Additional Considerations:
-Skilled in advising and supporting students in the development of their programming skills
-Knowledgeable in basic marketing skills, social media platforms, recruitment techniques, and supervisory skills
-Knowledgeable in multiple programming models
-Be current on trends in higher education
-Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office software (specifically Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams)

Additional Posting Information:

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.