Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist

Working Title: Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist

State Role Title:Human Resource Analyst I

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Human Resources Training and Performance

Department: 100210 - Human Resources

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $48000 - $50717

Is this a JMU only positionNo

Is this a grant-funded positionNo

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionNo

Beginning Review Date:05/21/2026

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:

James Madison Universitys Human Resources Office is accepting applications for an Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist to support onboarding new employee engagement initiatives and recruitment outreach. This position manages onboarding operations leads orientation and first year programming and supports talent outreach and employment branding efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Onboarding
Serve as an onboarding specialist by managing the onboarding process from initial contact with new hires and hiring departments through the successful completion of all required hiring documentation including Form I 9 and state and federal tax forms
Schedule onboarding sessions meet with new hires to assist with completion of required documentation and notify hiring departments when employees are eligible to begin or resume work
Ensure compliance with all federal requirements related to the accurate completion verification and retention of Form I 9 documentation including participation in the E Verify program
Co facilitate onboarding related training in collaboration with team members

New Employee Engagement and Orientation Programs
Plan coordinate and facilitate comprehensive new employee orientation and engagement programs designed to foster connection support onboarding success and increase understanding of the universitys mission and culture
Lead the planning and execution of large scale orientation events and monthly workshops for employees throughout their first year
Coordinate all event logistics including vendors presenters and catering and design and facilitate meaningful networking opportunities for new employees
Track attendance and evaluate program effectiveness using survey data and other metrics recommending and implementing improvements based on feedback
Oversee the development and delivery of ongoing communications and programming for new employees including milestone events that recognize and celebrate employees during their first year

Recruitment Outreach and Content Engagement
Lead LinkedIn recruitment efforts by posting positions sourcing candidates building talent pipelines and conducting outreach to potential applicants
Leverage LinkedIn to enhance the visibility of employment opportunities and strengthen the Universitys employment brand
Collaborate with the Recruitment Graduate Assistant to develop and schedule social media content and create recruitment related marketing materials
Maintain onboarding and employment related web content in partnership with team members

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have:
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
Professional experience in human resources particularly in recruitment onboarding or orientation programs
Knowledge of federal regulations governing Form I-9 compliance
Knowledge of onboarding compliance processes (e.g. I-9 background checks)
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage processes requiring accuracy and compliance
Ability to balance operational responsibilities with program development
Demonstrated ability to research issues and follow them through to resolution
Strong written and verbal communication skills including experience creating professional materials
Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Strong relationship building skills
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast paced environment
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
Proficiency in a Windows based environment including Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint


Additional Considerations:
Professional experience using LinkedIn for candidate sourcing or outreach
Experience creating or managing social media or digital content in a professional setting
Experience planning and facilitating onboarding or orientation programs

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: .

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.