Assistant to the Director - School of Theatre and Dance

Working Title: Assistant to the Director - School of Theatre and Dance

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Department: 100019 - School Theatre and Dance

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $42,950

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: 09/01/2025

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we're more than just a publicly funded institution - we're a vibrant, welcoming community nestled 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.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change - and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The School of Theatre and Dance is in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), has approximately 300 students and offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Dance. Housed in the award-winning Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the School has a collegial environment and provides practice-based training within a liberal arts tradition.

The Assistant to the School Director serves as the The School of Theatre and Dance (STAD) office manager and primary administrative assistant to the STAD Director, while serving the school at large. The ideal candidate will have the capacity and drive to deliver a wide variety of administrative duties while interfacing with staff, faculty, and the public. The position reports to and is evaluated by the STAD Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Provide comprehensive administrative support and guidance to the School Director, faculty, staff, and students.
* Manage day-to-day operations of the School office.
* Maintain and update STAD email distribution lists/listservs for faculty, staff, and students (majors, minors, and special groups), and serve as the primary communication channel for weekly newsletters and announcements.
* Maintain the School's online Outlook calendars and room usage calendars.
* Oversee scheduling and use of classrooms, performance venues, and studio spaces.
* Submit work orders, compile required reports, and maintain organized, accessible school files.
* Plan and oversee special events for the School, such as majors meetings, School retreats, and guest receptions.
* Coordinate travel arrangements for the Director, staff, and internal job searches as needed.
* Manage student scholarship administration, including online tracking and reporting. Assist with or oversee electronic Personnel Action Requests (ePARs), and prepare/process faculty contracts and relocation paperwork.
* Recruit, train, and supervise student office assistants; process student employment paperwork.
* Collaborate with CVPA staff and faculty to support and coordinate paperwork and planning for auditions, recruitment events, open houses, advertising, scholarships, and other related activities.
* Answer phones and emails throughout the day.

Qualifications:

* Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines under pressure.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and the ability to learn additional JMU online systems and applications.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey accurate information in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
* Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks, manage processes, and prepare accurate reports in an efficient and systematic manner.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in managing calendars, course schedules, and room reservations.
* Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the public.

Additional Considerations:
* Experience in higher education or arts administration.
* Familiarity with event planning and coordination in an academic or performance environment.
* Experience supervising student employees or part-time staff.

Additional Posting Information:

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.