Assistant Director, Family Engagement

James Madison University (JMU) is a selective, public institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, known for its strong academic programs, student/faculty interaction, and innovative research. The university serves approximately 21,000 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students.

About the role

The Office of Family Engagement plans and executes programs that strategically engage parents and families of JMU students through volunteering, event attendance, communication, and giving. The Assistant Director will collaborate with campus colleagues to develop and implement leadership annual giving opportunities, college families’ programming, and communication initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Event, Relationship, and Data Management (67%):
  • Maintain accurate records of participant and donor interactions in Salesforce.
  • Chair the Family Weekend Committee and oversee coordination of weekend activities, including promotion and communication strategies.
  • Secure annual space reservations for major on-campus events (e.g., Family Weekend, Parents Council meetings).
  • Coordinate four annual First-Year Send Off events, including venue selection, catering, communication plans, and registration.
  • Manage contractual and financial agreements with internal and external vendors, ensuring compliance with university policies.
  • Support the Parents Council by organizing meetings, identifying volunteer opportunities, and maintaining board policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with the development team to cultivate Parents Council members and connect them with philanthropic opportunities.
  • Develop and implement evaluation standards for programs, research new initiatives, and administer engagement surveys for parents and families.
• Fundraising (33%):
  • Partner with the OFE Director and Director of Annual Giving to implement targeted communications and solicitation initiatives for parents and families.
  • Increase leadership-level parent and family donors, overall donor numbers, and membership in the Parent & Family Leadership Society.
  • Collaborate with Development and Philanthropic Operations teams to identify prospective donors.
  • Develop peer-to-peer fundraising strategies for Parent & Family Leadership Society members.
  • Analyze giving trends to establish and adjust annual fundraising goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two years of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or a related field.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing fundraising and engagement strategies.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Pay

$60,000 - $68,484 per year.

JMU offers a Dual Career and Community Resources Program for candidates relocating to the area. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and E-Verify verification of identity and work eligibility.