Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: Graduate Assistant, Student Organization Management

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 300351 - SAIL/ Organizational Development

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: 10,661 

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: 08/17/2026

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:

The Graduate Assistant for Student Organization Management for Academic Year 2026-2027 will assist in creating a welcoming and developmental environment in Student Life. Working directly with the Coordinator for Student Life, Student Organizations, this position will supervise student employees, support student organizations, and manage marketing materials. This position is expected to work 20 hours a week within business hours of Student Leadership and Involvement office (Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision and evaluation of Program Assistant student employees (Club House and SLI front desk workers)
Provide direct student organization support, including: one on one advising with various clubs 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
Manage Student Organization marketing, including but not limited to newsletters and social media engagement
Serve as a key contributor in supporting students through the "Start an Organization" process
Serve as a member of the Explore Madison Committee
Serve as a member of the Destress Fest committee, a department wide effort in Student Life 
Assist in the planning, organizing, and implementation of the Adviser Welcome and Adviser Celebration
Support the Student Leader Framework implementation
Help plan and implement Student Org Night (Fall and Spring)
Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Must be a graduate student at JMU.
Must be willing to work a consistent 20 hour schedule during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm).
Strong Communication skills
Peer mentoring, advising, or supervising experience and/or a willingness to learn
Ability to problem solve and think about creative solutions
Marketing experience or a willingness to learn.

Additional Posting Information:

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.