Working Title: Telephone Receptionist - Office of Admissions

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Admissions

Department: 100175 - Admissions Office

Pay Band: 2

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $34,000 - $36,500 

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: 09/14/2026

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 Telephone Receptionist for the JMU Office of Admission serves as the first and most important point of contact for prospective students, families, campus visitors and other departments on campus. This position plays a vital role in supporting daily operations while promoting a welcoming and professional environment for the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answers all incoming calls professionally providing accurate information to all inquiries for the Office of Admissions. This would include assisting applicants/families with the current application, PeopleSoft Record.
• Records outgoing notifications, covering hours of operation, out of office for professional training, application availability, inclement weather.
• Assists our visitation staff with visitor registration or Open Houses.
• Monitors incoming calls using GNAV, which is a system we use for telephone staff to predict what coverage is needed for the application season, vacation, etc.
• Screens calls and refers calls to appropriate administrative staff in Admissions and or departments/offices throughout campus.
• Ensures classified/wage staff with phone responsibilities are well trained and supervised. During deadlines and the release of decisions, utilizes additional support to provide coverage for high call volume from applicants/families.
• Creates application accounts with multiple online applications to aid families if necessary.
• Consistently guards the data for which he/she has access and responsibility.
• Registers campus visitors and guests as needed, providing professional and courteous service as a representative of the Office of Admissions.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective students, families, and visitors by maintaining a working knowledge of the Office of
• Admissions and other University departments to provide accurate information and referrals.
• Assists with coordinating and scheduling additional staff support during peak periods, special events, or as requested by supervisors.
• Supports Academic Open Houses throughout the year by serving as a check-in attendant.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Office of Admissions by performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Effective communication skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism when handling calls and assisting visitors.
• Ability to follow instructions, exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain concentration while performing assigned duties.
• Ability to work independently with varying work pace and call volume.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, stay organized, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience providing excellent customer service to prospective students, families, and high school counselors.

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.