Events and Exhibits Coordinator

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Job summary

The James Madison University Libraries are seeking an Events and Exhibits Coordinator to activate and enliven library spaces through high-quality events and exhibits. You will coordinate event spaces, manage external requests, and serve as the primary liaison for Libraries events.

Reporting to the Libraries Director of Facilities Operations, you will work with a collaborative team, supervise student staff, and ensure smooth operations during day-to-day activities and occasional after-hours

Qualifications

• Relevant experience coordinating events or exhibits in a library or similar environment.
• Strong customer service experience in a public-facing role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for event and exhibit coordination in Libraries spaces.
• Approve and schedule event requests from external parties and internal users.
• Communicate event impacts to library spaces and users; coordinate with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Libraries teams and student staff for logistics and support.
• Coordinate logistics for events and exhibits, including setup, signage, and teardown.
• Maintain policy and workflow documentation for events and exhibits.

Skills

Space coordination

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title: Events and Exhibits Coordinator

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: JMU Libraries

Department: 100113 - Libraries

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $41,000 - $44,000

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: 9/4/2026

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?

• 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 James Madison University Libraries seeks applications for a full-time Events and Exhibits Coordinator. To support the delivery of quality programming, events, and exhibits to activate and enliven Libraries physical spaces, this position will coordinate Libraries event and exhibit spaces and related activities or logistics. This position serves as a primary point of contact for Libraries-sponsored events and manages requests to use Libraries spaces from campus and the broader community.

The successful candidate will report to the Libraries Director of Facilities Operations and join a team of dedicated professionals supporting effective operations of library spaces and offering centralized support to the broader JMU Libraries organization. As a member of the highly collaborative Libraries Facilities Operations team, this position will participate in cross-training and back-up of critical core responsibilities.

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with benefits. Normal work shifts for this position will typically align with regular university business hours, with potential for occasional adjustments to include evening, weekend, or early morning hours.

The Libraries welcomes applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to building equitable and welcoming environments. We are committed to encouraging dialogue, cultivating a sense of belonging, and celebrating a broad range of life experiences and perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Serve as the primary Facilities Operations point of contact for event and exhibit coordination in Libraries spaces. Coordinate with the individuals and teams in JMU Libraries who host events and create exhibits in JMU Libraries physical spaces, ensuring successful operations.
• Approve and schedule event requests from external parties and use of spaces not available for self-reservation by Libraries employees; scheduling the use of space in a manner that supports the balance of active spaces and preserved study environments for library users.
• Communicate event or exhibit-related impact to library spaces proactively to the Libraries organization and library users as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Libraries colleagues or teams with responsibilities related to events or exhibits; involving them in logistical planning where appropriate and partnering effectively to leverage student employee assistance as needed.
• Coordinate the implementation of events and exhibits in Libraries physical spaces; managing all related logistical aspects and providing clear delegation and task-based oversight for student employees or other supporting staff.
• Examples of specific logistical tasks include but are not limited to:
  • reservation of space
  • coordinating catering or parking
  • posting of signage
  • set up and clean-up of furniture and supplies
  • space or technology orientation for event hosts
  • pre- or during-event issue troubleshooting
  • attendance or other space use data gathering
• Maintain accurate and effective policy, workflow, and other operational documentation related to events and exhibits in Libraries physical spaces.
• Serve as liaison to relevant campus partners related to events and exhibits; maintaining an awareness of processes and leveraging opportunities for connection and collaboration in the development of organizationally beneficial events and exhibits strategies.
• Support the Libraries Facilities Operations team through proactive communication of back-up needs and providing effective back-up coverage for critical duties; actively maintaining a current working knowledge of Facilities Operations activities and proactively sharing information to ensure the team remains informed.
• Participate in relevant committees, groups, or task forces within the Libraries or the University; effectively and professionally representing the work of the team and the broader organization.

Qualifications:

• Relevant experience managing spaces and coordinating logistics to provide high-quality operations, event, or exhibit support.
• Experience providing outstanding customer service to a broad constituency in a professional, positive manner.
• Excellence in interpersonal skills and both written and oral communication.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• The ability to manage priorities and exercise judgement successfully in a responsive, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and execute both timely and long-range tasks and projects concurrently.
• The ability to work both independently and as a member of an engaged team in a dynamic, collegial, and collaborative environment; the ability to effectively delegate and receive tasks from others.
• Demonstrated commitment to building environments that are accessible and welcoming.

Additional considerations:

• Familiarity with library services, operations, and academic learning environments.
• Experience working with room and reservation tools.
• A strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

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.