Communications Content Assistant - FWS

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking a part-time Communications Content Assistant under the Federal Work Study program in Harrisonburg, VA. The role focuses on researching and writing stories about giving to the university, interviewing donors and alumni, and building content for web and print.

You’ll use AP style, work with the Philanthropic Communications team, and gain hands-on experience in professional marketing and fundraising communications while studying.

Qualifications

• Must be a current JMU student eligible for Federal Work Study.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with familiarity with AP style.
• Comfortable interviewing donors, alumni, and faculty for quotes.
• Detail-oriented with strong time management and prioritization.
• Interest in journalism, marketing or storytelling; CMS experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit stories related to giving to the university using AP style.
• Conduct interviews with donors, alumni, faculty, and students for quotes.
• Support communications team with content ahead of events.
• Attend philanthropy events to gather story content.
• Update articles/pages using Cascade CMS.
• Collaborate with teams on edits and feedback.
• Work both with others and independently to meet deadlines.
• Develop future content with audience-informed work.

Skills

Writing

Interviewing

Time management

Journalism/Storytelling

AP style

Cascade CMS

Team collaboration

Graphic design/Photo/Videography

Tools

Cascade CMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title

Communications Content Assistant - FWS

State Role Title

Communications Content Assistant

Position Type

Federal Work Study

Position Status

Part-Time

FLSA Status

N/A

College/Division

Advancement Marketing

Department

100445 - Philanthropic Communications

Pay Rate

Hourly

Specify Range or Amount

$13-15

Is this a JMU only position?

No

Is this a grant-funded position?

N/A

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?

N/A

Beginning Review Date

09/14/2026

About JMU

Kickstart your storytelling career while you’re taking classes at JMU! JMU’s Philanthropic Communications team is looking for a curious, detail-oriented Communications Content Assistant to join our collaborative, fast-paced environment. In this role, you’ll research and/or be assigned to write stories that appear across campus and to our alumni and donors. While sharpening your journalistic voice and building a strong writing portfolio, you’ll be paid to interview students, faculty and alumni, cover events and build web content. If you love a good story, write cleanly under AP style and want hands-on experience with professional marketing and fundraising communications, this is your opportunity!

Hours

• This position is 10-12 hours per week.
• Hours must be worked between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the semester. (We will determine your work schedule based on your availability.)
• Provided you continue to remain eligible for Federal Work Study, it may be possible for you to retain this position for future fall and/or spring semesters.

Work Location

Sonner Hall (next to College of Business)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit stories related to giving to the university for web and print using AP style and JMU’s Editorial Style Guide
• Conduct interviews with donors, alumni, faculty, and students to gather quotes for stories
• Support the Philanthropic Communications team with content creation leading up to events
• Attend our philanthropy events (such as Giving Day, Bluestone Reunion and Women for Madison) to gather story content
• Build and update articles and pages using JMU’s web-based CMS (Cascade)
• Collaborate with the Philanthropic Communications team and the departments we serve on edits and feedback
• Work both collaboratively and independently, and meet project deadlines
• Develop future content with audience-informed work

Qualifications

• You must be a current JMU student (enrolled in at least 6 credits) who qualifies for Federal Work Study. Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application. You can log on to your MyMadison and under Finances click ‘View My Financial Aid.’ Click on the current Aid Year. Copy and paste your award information into a Word document, and save. This document must be sent electronically along with your application when applying for FWS jobs. As soon as you have verification of your FWS eligibility, you can begin applying for FWS positions.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with familiarity in or willingness to learn AP style
• Comfortable interviewing subjects and attending events to gather content
• Detail-oriented with good time management and prioritization skills
• Working knowledge or interest in journalism, marketing, public relations, or storytelling
• Knowledge or experience in the following is also helpful, but not required: web-based CMS (we use Cascade), Microsoft Office
• Skills in graphic design, videography, or photography are a plus

Additional Posting Information

• Bring a can-do attitude and a willingness to jump in, brainstorm and bounce ideas around with the team
• Value a diversity of ideas and perspectives, and bring an open mind to feedback
• Be a people person who enjoys connecting with donors, alumni and colleagues across campus
• Be systems-oriented, with a knack for staying organized and following a process through to completion

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).

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at [phone] or [e-mail]. 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