Administrative and Communications Specialist - African, African American, and Di

Administrative and Communications Specialist - African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center
Position Type:

Full-time Staff (Classified)

Department:

100754 - AAAD Center

Pay Rate:

$38,000 - $40,000

General Information
The African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Studies Center at James Madison University invites applications for the position of Administrative and Communications Specialist. This role provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and communications support to ensure the effective functioning of the Center and its academic, programmatic, research, and community‑engaged initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage daily administrative operations, including purchasing, travel, HR paperwork, office maintenance, and support for student assistants and visitors.

Oversee AAAD budget and financial processes, including reimbursements, grant and foundation related paperwork, fundraising support, and year‑end reporting.

Maintain AAAD's digital presence by updating the website, managing listservs, coordinating newsletters, and supporting internal and external communications.

Support academic operations by setting up AAAD courses each semester, coordinating with faculty, and managing permission‑only enrollments.

Coordinate meetings and administrative tasks for internal and external advisory boards, committees, and partners.

Support the execution of AAAD events and the annual AAAD Conference, including registration, catering, travel, honoraria, venue arrangements, supplies, and budget oversight.

Qualifications

Required: Knowledge of financial information, budgetary policies, and procedures.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel, Outlook, and TEAMS).

Detail oriented, with strong organizational and time‑management abilities.

Ability to work in a team.

Additional considerations: Knowledge of JMU systems, policies and procedures.

Expertise with PeopleSoft, Chrome River, eVA, Class Scheduling, AIM, and Cascade.

Expertise with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Acrobat and Adobe Sign.

Expertise with website content management and social media.

Investment in Africana and/or decolonial studies.

Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

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.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr