The NADO Research Foundation is seeking a graduate student interested in rural and small town community and economic development. NADO is a nonprofit membership association; we provide advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation's multi-jurisdictional councils of governments, economic development districts, and regional planning commissions and councils, with an emphasis on rural regions and smaller places. Visit NADO.org for more information about our organization and programs.

The Community and Economic Development Research Fellow will work closely with NADO’s staff to conduct research and develop education and training materials to support our sustainable communities and economic development program. Responsibilities will include conducting research, preparing short case studies or fact sheets, developing website content, assisting to plan and manage workshops, and related administrative tasks. Graduate fellows at NADO typically work on a range of diverse projects, and have the opportunity to interact with planners and policymakers working across the country in a variety of settings.

This position is open to current or recent graduate students with a background in city and regional planning, public policy, economic development, the social sciences, or related fields. Requirements include:

• Familiarity with/interest in basic principles and current trends in community and economic development, city and regional planning, and sustainable development
• Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years work experience
• Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills, particularly in collecting and analyzing qualitative information
• Strong organizational skills and intense attention to detail
• Ability to conduct short interviews (phone or in-person)
• Familiarity with updating social media and website content
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Knowledge of GIS and/or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus

This is a paid position on an hourly basis. We are seeking a graduate fellow who can work 20-32 hours/week through May, with potential to extend into the summer.

To apply, please submit a cover letter describing your interests and skills along with a résumé and two short writing samples (fewer than five pages each) by email to knothstine@nado.org (knothstine null@null nado NULL.org) by February 8, 2013.