Resilience Planning and Evaluation Student Research Assistant (Student Wage)

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Institute for Engagement + Negotiation (IEN) is hiring a Student Research Assistant (SRA) to support Virginia coastal resilience projects, community engagement, and Tribal partnership development at UVA. You will design and implement engagement processes, contribute to resilience planning and policy research, and conduct research across multiple projects.

This role offers 10-12 hours per week with potential for more during workshops, open to UVA students (undergrad $17, grads $19–$21).

Qualifications

• Resume and cover letter required.
• Education: Current UVA student, graduate student preferred.
• Experience: None
• Licensure: None
• The SRA will gain hands-on experience designing and implementing stakeholder and Tribal Nation engagement processes.
• Contribute to applied resilience planning and policy research.
• Conduct research to support projects in coastal resilience and community engagement.
• Pay rate: Undergrads: $17 Graduate Students $19-$21.

Responsibilities

• Support a portfolio of projects focused on coastal resilience and community engagement.
• Design and implement stakeholder and Tribal Nation engagement processes.
• Contribute to resilience planning and policy research.
• Conduct research to support project goals and outcomes.

Skills

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Ability to work collaboratively

Note-taking and synthesis

Strong organizational skills

Public engagement experience

Tribal engagement or resilience

Qualitative research methods

Qualtrics Canva Adobe Suite

Education

Current UVA student

Tools

Qualtrics

Canva

Adobe Suite

Job description

Guinea Marsh Resilience Planning and Fight the Flood Program Evaluation

The Institute for Engagement + Negotiation (IEN) is hiring a Student Research Assistant (SRA) to support a portfolio of projects focused on coastal resilience, community engagement, and Tribal partnership development in the Middle Peninsula of Virginia. Projects include the Guinea Marsh Resilience & Innovation for Tidal Wetlands (GRIT) project and the Fight the Flood program evaluation. The SRA will gain hands-on experience designing and implementing stakeholder and Tribal Nation engagement processes, contributing to applied resilience planning and policy research, and conducting research.

Experience + Skills

• Required: Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Required: Ability to work collaboratively
• Required: Experience with note-taking and synthesis
• Required: Strong organizational skills
• Preferred: Experience supporting workshops or public engagement
• Preferred: Interest or experience in Tribal engagement or resilience planning
• Preferred: Experience with qualitative research methods
• Preferred: Familiarity with Qualtrics, Canva and/or Adobe Suite

Position dates: Remainder of Fall 2026 semester, with opportunity to continue over winter break and/or into Spring 2027 semester based on performance and fit.

Time Commitment

10-12 hours per week; additional hours possible during key workshops and events.

We encourage candidates with strong relevant skills and a passion for climate adaptation or community work to apply, even if they don't meet every listed qualification. We value passion and potential as our work is ever evolving and adapting to the needs of our clients and communities. We are committed to assisting our team members with opportunities for development, learning, and growth.

Compensation : This position is open to all UVA students, including federal work-study eligible students; however, graduate students are preferred. Pay Rate: Undergrads: $17 Graduate Students $19-$21.

You may direct questions related to this position to Kelly Altizer ( [e-mail]).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Resume and cover letter required.
• Education: Current UVA student, graduate student preferred.
• Experience: None
• Licensure: None

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .