Communications Content Assistant - Student FWS

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

Job summary

James Madison University’s Philanthropic Communications team seeks a Communications Content Assistant for the Federal Work Study program. The role writes stories, conducts interviews, covers events, and builds content across campus for alumni and donors, while developing a portfolio under AP style.

You will gain hands-on experience in professional marketing and fundraising communications while working 10–12 hours weekly, with schedule between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Qualifications

• Current JMU student enrolled in at least 6 credits and eligible for Federal Work Study; verification required with application.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with familiarity or willingness to learn AP style.
• Comfortable interviewing subjects and attending events to gather content.
• Detail-oriented with good time management and prioritization skills.
• Interest in journalism, marketing, public relations, or storytelling.
• Familiarity with web-based CMS (Cascade) and MS Office is helpful.
• Graphic design, videography, or photography skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit stories related to giving to the university using AP style and JMU editorial guidelines.
• Conduct donor, alumni, faculty, and student interviews for quotes.
• Support content creation leading up to events for the Philanthropic Communications team.
• Attend philanthropy events to gather story content.
• Build and update articles/pages in Cascade CMS.
• Collaborate with teams and departments on edits and feedback.
• Work both collaboratively and independently to meet deadlines.
• Develop future content with audience-informed approaches.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Interviewing

Time management

Storytelling

AP style

Cascade CMS

Microsoft Office

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

General Information:

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

Right Candidate Will:

• 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