Working Title: Social Media & Content Assistant - FWS

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Student Access and Inclusion

Department: 100576 - Centennial Scholars Program E&G

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $14

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date

About JMU

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information

The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) is committed to increasing access to higher education for talented first-generation Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia. We provide academic resources, connect students to campus programs, facilitate a successful transition to college, and support students’ success while they earn a college degree.

The Social Media & Content Student Assistant supports First-Generation Programs by creating and sharing content that promotes events, celebrates first-gen stories, and increases awareness of departmental initiatives. This role is responsible for managing digital platforms, designing promotional materials, maintaining the departmental website, and supporting outreach efforts. Ideal candidates will be creative, detail-oriented, and excited about amplifying the voices of first-generation students at JMU. Multiple positions are available. Occasional weekend hours may be required to support university events.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design and share promotional materials for events and workshops using Canva, Microsoft Teams, BeInvolved, email, and social media.
Help write, design, and distribute newsletters and mass emails to students, faculty, staff, and other relevant audiences.
Maintain and update the content and usability of the departmental website.
Manage digital platforms — including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the website — to keep students and the community informed and engaged.
Attend key events to capture photos and videos for marketing and outreach.
Organize and archive photos and videos in the appropriate Microsoft Teams folders.
Support Tri-Alpha Honor Society events through communication and logistics.
Collaborate with campus partners and stakeholders to promote programs, events, and initiatives.
Monitor social media platforms and respond to messages and comments in a timely, professional manner.
Help increase awareness and visibility of First-Gen students and events at JMU.

Qualifications

Strong communication and interpersonal skills – including written, verbal, and digital communication, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Professionalism and reliability – demonstrate excellent customer service, punctuality, responsibility, and the ability to meet deadlines.
Creativity and content creation skills – experience or interest in using Canva, taking photos/videos, and developing engaging social media and marketing content.
Organizational and multitasking abilities – able to manage multiple projects, stay organized, and maintain digital files.
Initiative and independence – capable of working independently, solving problems, and contributing ideas while also being a strong team player.
Tech-savviness and willingness to learn – comfortable with tools like Microsoft Teams, email platforms, and social media; experience with website editing or email tools is a plus.
Must be Federal Work Study eligible.

Additional Posting Information

Mini Project – Show Us What You Can Do

If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to complete a short project that reflects the type of work you'd be doing in this role. Below are the project options so you can begin brainstorming ahead of time.

Please note: You will not need to submit a project with your application. This is for interview preparation only.

Option 1: Design a 3-Day Instagram Campaign

Create a mini-Instagram campaign to promote a fictional or upcoming First-Gen student event (such as First-Gen Week, a Tri-Alpha Induction, or a welcome event).

Your submission will include

A short campaign goal (e.g., awareness, engagement, attendance)
3 post ideas (any combination of feed posts, reels, or stories)
Captions or brief text descriptions for each post
Visual mockups or rough designs for at least 2 posts (using Canva, screenshots, or sketches)

Option 2: Storyboard or Record a Reel

Create a concept for a 15–30 second Instagram Reel or story series that celebrates First-Gen identity or promotes a First-Gen resource at JMU.

Your submission will include:
A clear concept and short explanation (What’s the message? Who’s the audience?)
Either a rough video or a storyboard with visuals, text overlays, and audio ideas
Suggested caption and relevant hashtags

Option 3: First-Gen Visibility Post

Design a single post that highlights and celebrates First-Gen identity at JMU. This could be a quote graphic, spotlight, infographic, or teaser for a larger campaign.

Your submission will include

One visual (story, feed post, or reel storyboard)
Caption text and 1–2 ideas for how it could be used across platforms (e.g., shared by other departments, saved by students, etc.)

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.

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: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. 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.

Qualifications

Department: 100576 - Centennial Scholars Program E&G
Strong communication and interpersonal skills – including written, verbal, and digital communication, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
Professionalism and reliability – demonstrate excellent customer service, punctuality, responsibility, and the ability to meet deadlines
Creativity and content creation skills – experience or interest in using Canva, taking photos/videos, and developing engaging social media and marketing content
Organizational and multitasking abilities – able to manage multiple projects, stay organized, and maintain digital files
Initiative and independence – capable of working independently, solving problems, and contributing ideas while also being a strong team player
Must be Federal Work Study eligible
Option 2: Storyboard or Record a Reel
Create a concept for a 15–30 second Instagram Reel or story series that celebrates First-Gen identity or promotes a First-Gen resource at JMU
Either a rough video or a storyboard with visuals, text overlays, and audio ideas
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

Benefits

Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: $14

Responsibilities

The Social Media & Content Student Assistant supports First-Generation Programs by creating and sharing content that promotes events, celebrates first-gen stories, and increases awareness of departmental initiatives
This role is responsible for managing digital platforms, designing promotional materials, maintaining the departmental website, and supporting outreach efforts
Occasional weekend hours may be required to support university events
Design and share promotional materials for events and workshops using Canva, Microsoft Teams, BeInvolved, email, and social media
Help write, design, and distribute newsletters and mass emails to students, faculty, staff, and other relevant audiences
Maintain and update the content and usability of the departmental website
Manage digital platforms — including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the website — to keep students and the community informed and engaged
Attend key events to capture photos and videos for marketing and outreach
Organize and archive photos and videos in the appropriate Microsoft Teams folders
Support Tri-Alpha Honor Society events through communication and logistics
Collaborate with campus partners and stakeholders to promote programs, events, and initiatives
Monitor social media platforms and respond to messages and comments in a timely, professional manner
Help increase awareness and visibility of First-Gen students and events at JMU
If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to complete a short project that reflects the type of work you'd be doing in this role
Create a mini-Instagram campaign to promote a fictional or upcoming First-Gen student event (such as First-Gen Week, a Tri-Alpha Induction, or a welcome event)
A short campaign goal (e.g., awareness, engagement, attendance)
3 post ideas (any combination of feed posts, reels, or stories)
Captions or brief text descriptions for each post
Visual mockups or rough designs for at least 2 posts (using Canva, screenshots, or sketches)
One visual (story, feed post, or reel storyboard)
Caption text and 1–2 ideas for how it could be used across platforms (e.g., shared by other departments, saved by students, etc.)

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Social Media Specialist (Communications Specialist III)

Social Media & Content Assistant - FWS

Social Media & Content Assistant - FWS