WriterCommunications Specialist

Working Title: Writer/Communications Specialist

State Role Title:Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 100406 - Creative Services

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $48000 - $50000

Is this a JMU only positionNo

Is this a grant-funded positionNo

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionNo

Beginning Review Date:2/5/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU) were more than just a publicly funded institution were 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: Information:

The College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) is looking for a creative and collaborative communicator to join our Creative Services team. This role is ideal for a storyteller who enjoys connecting people ideas and impact through compelling writing and dynamic social media content. Best practices in marketing and communications are constantly evolving so our ideal candidate would have a willingness to explore new developments and emerging trends in the field.

Our small but mighty team supports the College its eight academic units and the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services. Together we create everything from feature stories and newsletters to websites photography video and social mediasharing the work and voices that make CHBS unique.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Storytelling & External Communications
Write engaging feature stories web content email communications and the college newsletter that highlight the people and work of CHBS.
Identify and develop story ideas through regular collaboration with college leadership faculty and students.
Conduct interviews maintain organized notes and transcripts and guide stories through the editorial process.
Collaborate with university communications and marketing partners and support JMU Advancement with fundraising-related messaging for CHBS.

Social Media Strategy & Content
Lead the colleges social media presence across Facebook Instagram and LinkedIn.
Develop and manage a consistent strategic posting schedule.
Create original engaging social media content informed by analytics trends and accessibility best practices.
Build story and content ideas through ongoing relationships across the college.
Participate in the universitys social media managers group.

Student Supervision & Mentorship
Supervise and mentor student writers and social media developers.
Manage schedules assignments deadlines and provide editorial guidance and feedback.
Serve as a liaison between student employees and campus partners.
Oversee hiring onboarding scheduling and performance monitoring for student staff.
Web Content Support
Assist with maintaining college websites and publishing content using the universitys content management system (Cascade). Training will be provided.

Qualifications:

Strong social media content development skills with working knowledge of photography and video production.
Experience using data and analytics to measure content performance and refine strategy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write engaging audience-centered feature stories aligned with the JMU brand.
Comfort interviewing individuals across a wide range of topics and building relationships that generate story ideas.
Familiarity with editorial processes and style standards.
Ability to learn and use web content management tools (Cascade experience is a plus but not required).
Proven ability to collaborate manage multiple projects and thrive in a team environment.
Experience hiring supervising and motivating student staff.

Additional Posting Information:

Must have a portfolio of work samples.

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: .

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at or 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.