Communications Coordinator - University Career Center

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Well-being program

Tuition waiver

Job summary

The Communications Coordinator at James Madison University’s University Career Center develops and implements a comprehensive communication strategy, manages social media, digital content, and on-campus experiences, and mentors student content creators.

The role collaborates with campus departments and employers to raise the UCC profile, oversees resources and budgets, and represents the center at events, while guiding a student media team toward professional growth and measurable impact.

Qualifications

• Experience developing communication strategy for an organization, unit or department with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience creating web content, videos, graphics, and/or text for use on social media and for digital contexts (including emails, newsletters, webpage, etc.)
• Experience with project management and supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a network of professionals in crafting and delivering impactful messages.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for the department.
• Promote the University Career Center via social media, digital content, and experiences.
• Supervise undergraduate students on the UCC media team.
• Lead discussions to assess promotional needs and collaborate with colleagues.
• Build a network of university and local contacts for media coverage.

Skills

Communication strategy

Web content creation

Project management

Supervision experience

Job description

Working Title: Communications Coordinator - University Career Center

State Role Title:Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status:Full-Time

FLSA Status:Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:Student Life and Involvement

Department:100358 - University Career Center

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount:$45,800 - $48,904

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:10/25/2026

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 Communications Coordinator develops and implements a comprehensive communication strategy for the University Career Center (UCC), promotes the UCC through social media, digital content, and experiences, supervises students creating content, and serves as an integral team member of the 20+ UCC staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

STRATEGY (25%): Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for the department. Streamline process for disseminating information from liaisons and other UCC staff to contacts outside of the department. Develop processes for feedback on promotion and promotional events.
PROMOTION (35%): Promote the JMU University Career Center in 3 major areas: social media, digital content, and experiences. Stay up to date on best practice for engaging constituencies and measuring impact. Collaborate with departments to increase UCC recognition. Contribute to a strategy and implementation plan to engage students, recruiters, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff. Manage and edit print and online resources (such as student guides, handouts, newsletters and promotional materials). Manage departmental marketing budget and calendar. Work with the Employer Services team on employer communication and marketing needs and make recommendations on how employers can best promote their organization and job opportunities to students.
SUPERVISON (20%): Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate undergraduate students who serve on the UCC media team and primarily drive contact on student channels. Provide professional development opportunities for the media team.
ADMINISTRATION (10%): Lead discussions with departmental colleagues to assess promotional needs of the organization and share updates on media team projects. Demonstrate effective communication and attitude of collaboration with colleagues, and supervisor. Represent the University Career Center to students, families, and employers at events.
NETWORKING (10%) Form a network of university, local, and regional contacts to communicate with and build interest in features on UCC services and events, and students career-related successes. Foster a collaborative relationship with other communications professionals on campus. Work closely with University Communications colleagues to determine appropriate contacts for media requests. Monitor university social media outlets to represent UCC and maintain positive perceptions.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Experience developing communication strategy for an organization, unit or department with multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Experience creating web content, videos, graphics, and/or text for use on social media and for digital contexts (including emails, newsletters, webpage, etc.)
• Experience with project management and supervision
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a network of professionals in crafting and delivering impactful messages

Additional Considerations:

• Communications experience in higher education, career services or college recruiting
• Knowledge in Communications, Marketing, Media and Design, English or Writing and Technical Communication or a related field

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: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. 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.