Student Writing Assistant - FWS

Working Title: Student Writing Assistant - FWS

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Constituent Engagement and Sustained Giving

Department: 100247 - Alumni Relations

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: 12.77 

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: 09/10/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Office of Alumni Relations is seeking an outstanding student to assist with story development, interviewing and content creation/editing. The student assistant should have excellent written storytelling skills, knowledge of AP style and be comfortable interviewing alumni.

The Student Writing Assistant must be available to work 10 hours per week (to be determined based on availability) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday within the Leeolou Alumni Center. Based on the availability of individuals being interviewed, the student assistant might have to conduct interviews outside the normal work hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify key alumni for interviewing and develop content that can be used across a variety of platforms
• Interview alumni award recipients and write bios for use in promoting the event
• Develop stories for use in Madison Magazine and other online publications
• Promote alumni successes through storytelling
• Work with supervisor to create a story timeline that ensures content deadlines are met
• Maintain the overall voice and brand integrity of the JMUAA
• Write various other writing assignments as needed by the office
• Get trained in and maintain alumni stories in Cascade (web management system)

Qualifications:

• Current JMU student
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Knowledge of AP style
• Strong written and communications skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Effective time management, task organization and prioritization skills
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally when interacting with and interviewing alumni
• Able to work within the JMUAA brand and identify

Additional Posting Information:

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).

Must be Federal Work Study eligible. Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application (listed as Financial Aid Offer Letter). Log onto your MyMadison account under Finances, click on "View my Financial Aid". Click on 2026-27 aid year. Copy and paste into a word document and save.

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.