Training Specialist - Student Affairs

Working Title: Training Specialist - Student Affairs

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

 

College/Division: Student Affairs Unit

Department: 300348 - AUX Student Affairs Support

 

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $56,000 

 

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: 03/26/2026

 

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located 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:

Student Affairs mission is to engage all students in accessible and inclusive learning, growth, and personal development opportunities and experiences. Our vision is that every student thrives. We offer staff members opportunities to learn, grow, and engage with our whole division. Professional development investment is essential and intentional for positions.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Affairs Staff Training Design & Delivery:

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of centralized student staff training in Canvas, ensuring consistency and quality across departments
• Serve as the point of contact for training structure, delivery methods, and curriculum execution
• Partner with departments to create engaging, compliant learning experiences and provide facilitation support for large-scale trainings when needed

Lead Campus‑Wide Student Online Training & Learning:

• Coordinate a cohesive, campus-wide student online training curriculum by partnering with content managers across divisions and aligning timelines with Orientation & Transition
• Own and manage the student online training platform (Canvas), including configuration, content organization, access, and ongoing updates
• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of online training using data, feedback, and emerging best practices to strengthen learning outcomes

Professional Development & Community Building Leadership (SAPros):

• Coordinate division-wide professional development and community-building initiatives, including all-staff meetings, recognition events, and programming for staff members
• Facilitate mentoring connections with external institutions through partnerships within NASPA-VA
• Assess program effectiveness using participation data and feedback, implementing improvements to enhance staff engagement and retention

Staff Acclimation & Experience:

• Facilitate a cohort-based onboarding experience for new Student Affairs staff, including 12‑week of onboarding sessions each semester
• Develop and maintain onboarding resources that support successful transitions to JMU, the division, and the Harrisonburg community
• Lead divisional collaboration to center candidate and new-hire experience, using feedback to continuously improve onboarding practices

University Compliance & Risk Reporting:

• Lead campus-wide compliance reporting for required student staff training, ensuring records are accurate, timely, and audit‑ready
• Represent Student Affairs on the University Compliance Committee, contributing expertise, data insights, and risk‑mitigation recommendations

Administrative Duties:

• Supervise graduate student
• Prepare clear, timely budget reports and financial statements
• Manage budgets for large-scale divisional initiatives and events, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship across Student Affairs

 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Project management experience
• Reporting compliance skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of current issues related to student population
• Facilitation experience

Additional Considerations:

• Canvas experience
• Basic IT troubleshooting skills
• Data management and analysis experience
• Budget reconciliation experience

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.