Program Manager, Professional Development and Engagement

Working Title: Program Manager, Professional Development and Engagement

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Business

Department: 100674 - COB-Differential Tuition

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $48,000

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: 05/27/2025

About JMU:

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Office of Professional Development and Engagement (OPDE) within the College of Business is accepting applications for a Program Manager.

The OPDE is dedicated to enhancing the student experience at the College of Business by providing professional development learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Through internships, externships, business visits, job-shadowing executives, and co-curricular programs, students can gain valuable leadership skills, professional insights, and hands-on experiences that will set them apart in the job market.

The Professional Development and Engagement Program Manager supports the office's mission by assisting with various professional development programs, managing communication efforts, and ensuring the success of engagement events. This position will provide exposure to a wide range of experiential learning opportunities and assist students in their journey to becoming capable, qualified, and engaged business leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Professional Development Programming Support: Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of professional development activities and programs for students, including employer events and student engagement initiatives.
• Support Professional Development Passport Program: Assist in the development and maintenance of a Professional Development Passport Program which guides students through a series of professional development milestones during each class year in the College of Business (e.g. Career Kickstart Program with COB202 Interpersonal Skills course).
• Event Logistics and Fiscal Management: Provide logistical support for on-campus and off-campus professional development and engagement events, including coordination of space, catering, hotel contracts, materials, and invitations for Career Treks and other key events.
• Manage College E-Newsletter: Oversee the creation, distribution, and content management of the college’s professional development e-newsletter, keeping students and faculty informed about opportunities and events.
• Weekly Employer Event Emails: Manage and distribute weekly communications to students about upcoming employer events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Recruit for Professional Development Programming: Engage with students to encourage participation in the college’s professional development events (e.g. Executive-in-Residence, career panels, and mentor programs).
• Community Service Learning: Support community service-learning initiatives and help students connect with volunteer opportunities that enhance their professional development.
• Occasional weekend and evening hours are required for student events and programming.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to manage logistics for events and handle fiscal responsibilities.
• Ability to work effectively with students, alumni, employers, and community partners in a collaborative and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work proactively.

Additional Considerations:
• Experience in event planning or professional development programming.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with social media platforms for promoting events and engaging with students.

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.