What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital Communications Specialist position at James Madison University?
- 20001555
- Communications and Marketing
- Communications / Marketing
- Full-time Staff (Classified)
- Opening on: Oct 10 2025
- Access and Enrollment
- 100242 - University Communications
Working Title: Digital Communications Specialist
State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Communications and Marketing
Department: 100242 - University Communications
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $55,000 - $58,000
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: 10/18/2025
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.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information
The Communications Specialist serves as the email coordinator for university-wide internal communications, with primary responsibility for reviewing, approving and coordinating mass email messages to ensure they are effective, appropriate and aligned with institutional priorities. The position leverages expertise in email communications to manage delivery, audience segmentation and analytics, while contributing to communications governance and strategy.
Duties And Responsibilities
Duties include:
- Maintaining workflow and dissemination of digital email communication for the university
- Creating and managing digital communication strategy
- Curating mass email submissions, with a primary focus of internal communication
- Providing consultation and training on digital email communication
- Creating, managing and analyzing digital content for multiple channels
- Supporting the University Communications team
Required:
- Experience with digital communications, primarily email and web
- Experience working within a Customer Relationship Management system and applicable applications, specifically Marketing Cloud
- Experience with email analytics and segmenting audiences
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Ability to collaborate with multiple constituencies and campus partners
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
- Experience using AP writing style
- Experience in public relations, communications or marketing fields
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: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. 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.
Salary : $55,000 - $58,000