Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist

Working Title: Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist

State Role Title:Human Resource Analyst I

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Human Resources, Training and Performance

Department: 100210 - Human Resources

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $48,000 - $50,717

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:05/21/2026

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:

James Madison University's Human Resources Office is accepting applications for an Onboarding and Employee Engagement Specialist to support onboarding, new employee engagement initiatives, and recruitment outreach. This position manages onboarding operations, leads orientation and first year programming, and supports talent outreach and employment branding efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Onboarding
* Serve as an onboarding specialist by managing the onboarding process from initial contact with new hires and hiring departments through the successful completion of all required hiring documentation, including Form I 9 and state and federal tax forms
* Schedule onboarding sessions, meet with new hires to assist with completion of required documentation, and notify hiring departments when employees are eligible to begin or resume work
* Ensure compliance with all federal requirements related to the accurate completion, verification, and retention of Form I 9 documentation, including participation in the E Verify program
* Co facilitate onboarding related training in collaboration with team members

New Employee Engagement and Orientation Programs
* Plan, coordinate, and facilitate comprehensive new employee orientation and engagement programs designed to foster connection, support onboarding success, and increase understanding of the university's mission and culture
* Lead the planning and execution of large scale orientation events and monthly workshops for employees throughout their first year
* Coordinate all event logistics, including vendors, presenters, and catering, and design and facilitate meaningful networking opportunities for new employees
* Track attendance and evaluate program effectiveness using survey data and other metrics, recommending and implementing improvements based on feedback
* Oversee the development and delivery of ongoing communications and programming for new employees, including milestone events that recognize and celebrate employees during their first year

Recruitment Outreach and Content Engagement
* Lead LinkedIn recruitment efforts by posting positions, sourcing candidates, building talent pipelines, and conducting outreach to potential applicants
* Leverage LinkedIn to enhance the visibility of employment opportunities and strengthen the University's employment brand
* Collaborate with the Recruitment Graduate Assistant to develop and schedule social media content and create recruitment related marketing materials
* Maintain onboarding and employment related web content in partnership with team members

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have:
* Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
* Professional experience in human resources, particularly in recruitment, onboarding, or orientation programs
* Knowledge of federal regulations governing Form I-9 compliance
* Knowledge of onboarding compliance processes (e.g., I-9, background checks)
* Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage processes requiring accuracy and compliance
* Ability to balance operational responsibilities with program development
* Demonstrated ability to research issues and follow them through to resolution
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience creating professional materials
* Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
* Strong relationship building skills
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast paced environment
* Strong organizational and time management skills
* Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
* Proficiency in a Windows based environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Additional Considerations:
* Professional experience using LinkedIn for candidate sourcing or outreach
* Experience creating or managing social media or digital content in a professional setting
* Experience planning and facilitating onboarding or orientation programs

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.