Administrative and Communications Specialist - African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center

Administrative and Communications Specialist - African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Arts and Letters

Department: 100754 - AAAD Center

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: $38,000-$40,000

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: 6/8/2026

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 African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center at James Madison University invites applications for the position of Administrative and Communications Specialist. This role provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and communications support to ensure the effective functioning of the Center and its academic, programmatic, research, and community-engaged initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Manage daily administrative operations, including purchasing, travel, HR paperwork, office maintenance, and support for student assistants and visitors

* Oversee AAAD budget and financial processes, including reimbursements, grants- and foundation-related paperwork, fundraising support, and end-of-year reporting

* Maintain AAAD's digital presence by updating the website, managing listservs, coordinating newsletters, and supporting internal and external communications

* Support academic operations by setting up AAAD courses each semester, coordinating with faculty, and managing permission-only enrollments

* Coordinate meetings and administrative tasks for internal and external advisory boards, committees, and partners

* Support the execution of AAAD events and the annual AAAD Conference, including registration, catering, travel, honoraria, venue arrangements, supplies, and budget oversight

Qualifications:

* Knowledge of financial information, budgetary policies, and procedures

* Excellent oral and written communication skills

* Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel, Outlook, and TEAMS)

* Detail oriented, with strong organizational and time management abilities

* Ability to work in a team

* Knowledge of JMU systems, policies and procedures

* Expertise with PeopleSoft, Chrome River, eVA, Class Scheduling, AIM, and Cascade

* Expertise with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Acrobat and Adobe Sign

* Expertise with website content management and social media

* Investment in Africana and/or decolonial studies

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: View phone number on talent.com.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at View phone number on talent.com or View email address on talent.com. 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.