Graduate Assistant - Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC)

CSPDC Graduate Assistant Position Details – JMU Template

Position Information

Working Title:    Graduate Assistant - Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type:   Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part Time

 

College/Division: Research, Economic Development & Innovation

Department:      100678 - Madison Center for Community Development

 

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $9,816 ($4,098 per semester)

 

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

 

Beginning Review Date: April 1, 2025

Closing Date: Open until filled    

Proposed Starting Date: August 11, 2025

 

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

 

 

General Information:    

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is a regional planning body established by the Code of Virginia. The CSPDC serves the local governments of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro, as well as the 11 towns within the Central Shenandoah region.

The CSPDC works with its member jurisdictions, communities, and agencies to provide high-quality planning, technical assistance, and facilitation of services that address local, regional, and state needs in an innovative and cooperative manner. For more information about the CSPDC, visit www.cspdc.org.

This Graduate research assistant position will provide operational and technical support of planning activities to the CSPDC and its member jurisdictions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist planners with collecting data and information for inclusion in the planning process.
• Prepare, verify, and interpret data for possible recommendations.
• Document methodology and results for use in studies.
• Conduct outreach activities and communicate with various stakeholders to obtain information for planning purposes.
• Write, edit, and review reports and materials for planning projects.
• Present projects, data, and plans to stakeholders and respond to questions or concerns about the project or report.
• Assist planners with grant management, including identifying funding opportunities, drafting grant applications, tracking executed grants.
• Provide operational and programmatic support to the CSPDC’s community and economic development team, and the transportation and transit team as needed.
• Provide general administrative support for the office as needed.
• The graduate research assistant will also participate in workshops hosted by the Madison Center for Community Development to facilitate student oversight and professional development.

 

Qualifications   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience, coursework, and/or interest in community planning and economic development, strategic planning, or public management.
• Excellent oral, written, and intercultural communication skills.
• Ability to speak publicly and facilitate meetings.
• A friendly and professional demeanor, including detail orientation and reliability.
• Flexibility in working in a team environment or independently.
• Ability to interact with customers and colleagues in a professional, fair, and confidential manner including public officials and other government staff.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while managing tasks independently.
• Technology skills, including the use of the Microsoft Office suite of products, online survey software, and virtual meeting software. Social media and WordPress website management experience a plus.
• Willingne