Office & Program Assistant - FWS

Working Title: Office & Program Assistant - FWS

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Student Access and Inclusion

Department: 100576 - Centennial Scholars Program E&G

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $14

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) is committed to increasing access to higher education for talented first-generation Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia. We provide academic resources, connect students to campus programs, facilitate a successful transition to college, and support students’ success while they earn a college degree.

The Office and Program Assistant supports the daily operations of the Reddix Center for First-Generation Students and provides general office support for the Centennial Scholars Program. Multiple positions are available. Occasional weekend hours may be required to support university events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Manage First-Generation program spaces (Reddix Center and Centennial Scholars Suite) by performing opening and closing procedures, keeping the areas clean, and restocking office supplies and snacks.
- Support CSP by answering phones and emails, and assisting with walk-ins.
- Assist supervisor with additional duties as needed to support the Reddix Center and CSP.
- Attend meetings and training courses as required.
- Provide event support, including unlocking the space, greeting attendees, supporting guest speakers, and checking students in and out.
- Support Tri-Alpha Honor Society events as needed.

Qualifications:

- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities – able to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail in both physical and digital environments.
- Effective communication skills – clear and professional verbal and written communication, with the ability to interact positively with students, staff, and visitors.
- Professionalism and reliability – demonstrate punctuality, responsibility, excellent customer service, and the ability to meet deadlines consistently.
- Tech proficiency and adaptability – comfortable using Microsoft Office, email platforms, and basic office equipment; willing to learn new tools as needed.
- Event support and problem-solving – capable of assisting with event logistics, resolving minor issues independently, and supporting guest speakers and attendees.
- Must be Federal Work Study eligible.

Additional Posting Information:

Mini Project – Show Us What You Can Do
If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to complete a short project that reflects the type of work you'd be doing in this role. Below are the project options so you can begin brainstorming ahead of time.

Please note: You will not need to submit a project with your application. This is for interview preparation only.

Option 1: Design a 3-Day Instagram Campaign
Create a mini-Instagram campaign to promote a fictional or upcoming First-Gen student event (such as First-Gen Week, a Tri-Alpha Induction, or a welcome event).
Your submission will include:
- A short campaign goal (e.g., awareness, engagement, attendance)
- 3 post ideas (any combination of feed posts, reels, or stories)
- Captions or brief text descriptions for each post
- Visual mockups or rough designs for at least 2 posts (using Canva, screenshots, or sketches)

Option 2: Storyboard or Record a Reel
Create a concept for a 15–30 second Instagram Reel or story series that celebrates First-Gen identity or promotes a First-Gen resource at JMU.
- Your submission will include:
- A clear concept and short explanation (What’s the message? Who’s the audience?)
- Either a rough video or a storyboard with visuals, text overlays, and audio ideas
- Suggested caption and relevant hashtags

Option 3: First-Gen Visibility Post
Design a single post that highlights and celebrates First-Gen identity at JMU. This could be a quote graphic, spotlight, infographic, or teaser for a larger campaign.
Your submission will include:
- One visual (story, feed post, or reel storyboard)
- Caption text and 1–2 ideas for how it could be used across platforms (e.g., shared by other departments, saved by students, etc.)

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

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 a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.