Working Title: Financial and Administrative Specialist - School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Arts and Letters

Department: 100361 - Writing, Rhetoric and Tech Comm

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $38,000 - $41,000 

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: 07/17/2026

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 School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication at James Madison University is accepting applications for a Financial and Administrative Specialist to support the overall mission of JMU and the School.

The School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication is a vibrant, independent writing program with over twenty full-time and twelve part-time faculty representing a wide variety of research and teaching interests. Our program is committed to building a welcoming and creative environment for teaching, scholarship, and service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Fiscal and Administrative Specialist provides key support to the department head, staff, and faculty of the School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication at JMU in the areas of fiscal management and technology in the following ways:

-Manage budgets and monitor financial accounts, including monthly reconciliations, monthly reports, small purchase credit card, travel approvals and reimbursements.
-Identify technology needs and manage purchases.
-Purchase supplies and equipment, serving as fixed assets coordinator, and submitting work orders.
-Run queries, keeping databases up-to-date and maintaining records.
-Cross-train on various JMU systems and programs to provide administrative support with scheduling, data entry, student enrollment, etc.
-Answer and route departmental phone calls.
-Respond to emails promptly and courteously, providing accurate information as needed.
-Assist faculty, students, and visitors to the office.

Qualifications:

Required:
-Proficiency in the Windows operating environment and Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
-Strong verbal and written communication skills
-Understanding of best practices in office environments
-Ability to manage budgets and perform fiscal reporting (budget revisions, credit card reconciliations, etc.) with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy
-Ability to maintain working knowledge of technological trends to identify technology needs and manage purchasing of necessary upgrades
-Ability to work independently and to take initiative across a variety of tasks
-Ability to provide effective back-up customer service and assistance

Additional Considerations:
-Experience with JMU systems (eVA, Chrome River, Finance, HR, SPCC, AiM, Student Admin, etc.)
-Knowledge of state and university procurement regulations and policies
-Knowledge of JMU fiscal policies and procedures
-Experiences with social media and various design platforms

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.