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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant information

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Harrisonburg, VA is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Harrisonburg, VA? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Harrisonburg, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Harrisonburg, VA? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Harrisonburg, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Harrisonburg, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Harrisonburg, VA are:
What cities near Harrisonburg, VA are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Harrisonburg, VA with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


James Madison University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Graduate Assistant
Job no: 20002030
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Harrisonburg
Categories: Graduate Assistant
Working Title: Graduate Assistant
State Role Title: Graduate Assistant
Position Type: Graduate Assistant
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Office of the President Unit
Department: 100191 - JMU Center for Civic Engagement
Pay Band: N/A
Pay Rate: Stipend
Specify Range or Amount:
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:
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:
The James Madison Center for Civic Engagement, a unit within the Office of the President, is seeking a Graduate Assistant to help advance JMU's mission of civic engagement, civic discourse, and informed participation (learn more at www.jmu.edu/civic).
Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct research and writing for social media, primers, websites, and podcasts
Work directly with the Associate Director on research related to student voting and democratic participation on campus
Assist with the organizing and facilitation of nonpartisan civic engagement activities, workshops, deliberative discussions, and dialogue forums for JMU students, faculty and staff, and community partners
Assist with the organization and leadership of the Democracy Fellow program, along with other Madison Center Staff
Assist with small-grant writing, academic and non-academic conference proposals, and voter action plans and reports
Work collaboratively and productively within a diverse work environment while acknowledging and appreciating differences between colleagues, community, and national partners
Ability and commitment to nonpartisanship when representing JMU and the Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Qualifications:
Experience with basic research methods and reporting
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to complete assigned work on time
Ability to collaboratively work as an effective member of a diverse team
Commitment to nonpartisanship and appreciating differences when representing the Madison Center
Knowledge of the value of civic engagement, voting, and civic discourse
Additional Posting Information:
All employees are expected to attend our annual orientation retreat August 17-21, 2026.
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.
Advertised: 14 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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