What are the responsibilities and job description for the Client and Center Operations Specialist position at Research, Economic Development and Innovation?
Working Title: Client and Center Operations Specialist
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: Vice President - REDI
Department: 540927 - Shenandoah Valley SBDC 2025
Pay Rate: Maximum Starting
Specify Range or Amount: $42,500
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 04/22/2025
About JMU:
James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
The Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) seeks a Client and Center Operations Specialist to serve as first point of contact and front office receptionist with responsibility to provide office management, client services, fiscal, and administrative assistance to the Director, Advisors, Stakeholders and Clients of the center. We are seeking qualified applicants who are interested in assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Grant funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the SBDC has been a Sponsored Program hosted by JMU since 1987. Located near campus, there is easy access to parking and a pleasant work environment with large offices and natural light. As part of the Virginia SBDC Network, the office is supported with professional development opportunities, training and connection with centers throughout the Commonwealth.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ascertains client eligibility and assessment for course attendance and/or advisor assignment. Maintains client confidentiality and follows client journey along with business advisors to ensure best in class customer service.
- Consistently updates and maximizes the efficiency of the Customer Relations Management system to provide reports to advisors and director to meet or exceed SBA/SBDC goals.
Administrative & Financial Support:
- Provide administrative assistance to the director with an annual budget including several departments, assists with grant management, communicating regularly with other JMU departments and the SBDC Network.
- Records, monitors, and reports program income and foundation account expenses and revenues with director’s assistance. Reconciles expenses, receipts, and deposits according to Virginia SBDC and University policy.
Office Management:
- Functions as the primary point of contact for visitors, clients, partners, and investors.
- Manages the Center's shared Outlook Calendar and events, sets appointments, schedules meetings and workshops, and makes appropriate travel arrangements for staff.
- Assists the Director in hiring wage and student employees and enters payroll.
- Participates in professional development and training with the Virginia Small Business Development Network and collaborates with the Research, Economic Development, and Innovation (REDI) division at JMU.
Qualifications:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to establish and maintain strong professional relationships
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality in all client interactions
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Must be well-organized and have exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to maintain a structured work environment for efficient office operations
- Computer software knowledge in Microsoft Office, including Teams
Additional Considerations:
- Familiarity with JMU Accounting, HR processes, and systems such as eVA and PeopleSoft is beneficial but not required
Additional Posting Information:
The SBDC's mission is to advance Virginia's economy by providing small businesses the expertise and resources to succeed. Our commitment to small businesses, the SBDC team, stakeholders and partners is to uphold these values:
Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, confidentiality, accountability and conduct above reproach
Trust: Provide quality service, innovative approaches, practical advice and objective guidance.
Respect: Recognize the views and opinions of all clients, stakeholders, partners and colleagues.
Continuous Improvement: Expand our effectiveness through professional accreditations, increasing impacts, implementing effective and innovative programs, and developing staff's skills and expertise.
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.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $42,500