What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Assistant for Student Organizations - Development position at James Madison University?
- 20001914
- Student Life and Involvement
- Graduate Assistant
- Graduate Assistant
- Opening on: Mar 25 2026
- Student Affairs
- 300311 - Dux Leadership Center
Working Title: Graduate Assistant for Student Organizations - Development
State Role Title: Graduate Assistant
Position Type: Graduate Assistant
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Student Life and Involvement
Department: 300311 - Dux Leadership Center
Pay Band: N/A
Pay Rate: Stipend
Specify Range or Amount: 10301
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: 04/15/2026
About JMU
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information
This position will assist with the mission of Student Life to foster belonging through the personal growth and development of an engaged citizenry by providing welcoming experiences and spaces. This position is a 20 hour assistantship for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Duties And Responsibilities
Supervision and evaluation of Program Assistant student employees (Club House and SLI front desk workers)
Meet bi-weekly with supervisees
Co-lead staff meetings
Create and implement evaluation on student employees
Assist with the hiring and onboarding of any vacancies
Direct Student Organization Support, Including
One on one advising with various student organizations as needed
Communication with student organization student leadership
Collaborating with faculty/staff advisers
Other opportunities as created or suggested
Assist the Student Organization Annual Registration Process which includes Constitution review
Confirming student leader officer positions
Communicating, teaching, and supporting student organizations
Support the Student Leadership Framework implementation
Collaborate with the Coordinator for Student Life, Student Organization to create educational workshops for current and incoming student organization leaders
Partner with the Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership to develop new leadership learning opportunities
Plan, evaluate, and facilitate leadership development opportunities for student organizations as it relates back to the Student Leadership Framework
Serve as a key contributor in supporting students through the “Start an Organization” process
Serve as a member of the Explore Madison Committee
Planning, organizing and creating engaging programs focused on increasing involvement on campus
Serve as a member of the Destress Fest committee, a department wide effort in Student Life
Planning, organizing, and implementing programs with the support of other graduate assistants
Assist in the planning, organizing, and implementation of the Adviser Welcome and Adviser Celebration
Help plan and implement Student Org Night (Fall and Spring)
Other Duties Within Reason Of The Assistantship, Including
Develop skillset in operating a campus engagement platform
Attend and support Student Life sponsored events
Communicate consistently and honestly with supervisor
Maintain a Positive Attitude About Job Responsibilities
Work to be an effective team member
Request assistance and support when approaching new situations
Gain an understanding of policies and procedures
Create and maintain a schedule designed to meet assistantship requirements
Support the mission of Student Leadership and Involvement, Student Life, Student Affairs and JMU
Perform designated tasks in a timely, organized and professional manner
Plan and facilitate one-on-one meetings with designated staff members
Attend sponsored events (including nights and weekends)
Attend conferences, workshops, and professional development meetings as deemed appropriate
Qualifications
Supervising, training, or mentoring student staff or peers
Student organization leadership, advising, or support
Planning and implementing events, programs, or initiatives
Facilitating workshops, trainings, or leadership development experiences
Collaboration and teamwork
Additional Posting Information
Some evening and weekend hours may be necessary to offer programs and events for students, but this should not be anticipated as a part of a regular schedule.
Conditions Of Employment
Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:
The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.
The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency
After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.
These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.
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.