Customer Support Specialist - IT

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Leave

Comprehensive Health Coverage

retirement options

Employee Well-Being programs

Tuition Waiver Program

Job summary

James Madison University’s IT Help Desk is seeking a Customer Support Specialist - IT for an on-site, full-time position. You will deliver timely, high-quality technical support to university applicants, students, faculty, staff, and alumni, acting as the advocate for customers within IT and beyond.

You will guide part-time Wage staff, create knowledge articles, and assist in training while expanding your technical knowledge and testing new services for IT projects across the JMU community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of hardware configurations (Dell/ Apple).
• Basic knowledge of network concepts, connectivity and remote access tools/applications.
• Ability to quickly explore and learn new technologies, documenting as-needed.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to present ideas and training in user-friendly language.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the customer’s advocate and liaison within IT and other areas throughout campus.
• Serves as a technical resource, mentor, and educator for the JMU Community.
• Provides direction, leadership, supervision, and support for daily operations for part-time Wage staff, coordinating with CSS and IT teams.
• Develops and maintains internal and external knowledge articles and documentation for the Help Desk.
• Assists in training and continued education of part-time Wage staff in collaboration with CSS.
• Develops technical knowledge and tests new technologies and services in support of IT projects and the JMU community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Hardware configurations

Networking concepts

Learning new technologies

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Job description

Working Title: Customer Support Specialist - IT

State Role Title: Information Technology Specialist I

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Information Technology

Department: 100123 - IT - Computing Support

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $46,000 - $49,291

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: 11/5/2026

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 IT Help Desk at James Madison University is accepting applications for an on-site Customer Support Specialist. This position provides timely, consistent, high-quality technical support and customer service to enable applicants, students, faculty, staff, affiliates and alumni of James Madison University to continue performing at the highest possible level.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the customer’s advocate and liaison within IT and other areas throughout campus
• Serves as a technical resource, mentor, and educator for the JMU Community
• Provides effective direction, leadership, supervision, and support for the daily operations for part-time Wage staff, while coordinating with other Customer Support Specialists (CSS) and JMU IT teams
• Develops and maintains internal and external knowledge articles and documentation for the Help Desk team and the JMU Community
• Assists in the training and continued education of the part-time Wage staff, working in collaboration with other Customer Support Specialists (CSS)
• Develops technical knowledge and tests new technologies and services in support of IT projects and the JMU community
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of hardware configurations (Dell/ Apple)
• Basic knowledge of network concepts, connectivity and remote access tools/applications
• Ability to quickly explore and learn new technologies, documenting as- needed
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to present ideas and training in user-friendly language
• Demonstrated sound judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment with minimal supervision

Additional Considerations:

• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting computer operating systems (Windows and macOS), browsers, and applications (Office 365 Suite, chat and collaboration tools, remote desktop management, etc.)
• Proven technical troubleshooting skills and experience working in a technical help desk/support center environment
• Adaptable, self-motivated worker with the ability to multitask and adapt to change
• Exceptional customer service skills with a willingness to help

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: [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.