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Graduate Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Recruiter

River Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Graduate Recruiter Department: Enrollment Management Reports To : Executive Director of Graduate ... Experience with Slate (CRM) and Jenzabar (ERP) Physical Demands * Ability to spend long durations ...

Responsibilities * Assist the Admissions Team with planning and executing recruitment events ... Currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution (preferred areas of study ...

Graduate Recruiter

River Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Graduate Recruiter Department: Enrollment Management Reports To : Executive Director of Graduate ... Experience with Slate (CRM) and Jenzabar (ERP) Physical Demands * Ability to spend long durations ...

Responsibilities * Assist the Admissions Team with planning and executing recruitment events ... Currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution (preferred areas of study ...

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Graduate Planner information

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$33K

$69.6K

$113K

How much do graduate planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate planner in the United States is $69,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate planner?

Graduate Planners are entry-level professionals who have recently completed a degree in urban planning, town planning, or a related field. They assist in the development, review, and implementation of urban and regional plans, policies, and projects. Graduate Planners typically work under the supervision of experienced planners to gain practical experience, contribute to planning applications, undertake research, and engage with stakeholders. This role serves as a stepping stone for gaining full professional accreditation and advancing within the planning profession.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate planner?

To thrive as a Graduate Planner, you need a degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of planning principles and regulations. Familiarity with GIS software, planning databases, and Microsoft Office is typically required, and some roles may prefer candidates with relevant internships or RTPI accreditation. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills help you engage effectively with stakeholders and contribute to collaborative projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring effective, sustainable planning solutions and successful integration into multidisciplinary planning teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by graduate planners when transitioning from university to a professional planning environment?

Graduate Planners often encounter the challenge of adapting academic knowledge to practical, real-world projects, where timelines and stakeholder expectations can be demanding. They may find it initially difficult to balance multiple projects while learning specific local planning policies and procedures. Working collaboratively with experienced planners, clients, and local authorities is key to navigating these early challenges and developing professional confidence. Most organizations provide mentorship, training, and gradual responsibility increases to support new graduates through this transition.

What is the difference between Graduate Planner vs Junior Urban Planner?

AspectGraduate PlannerJunior Urban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in planning, geography, or related field; internship experienceBachelor's degree; some roles prefer or require a master's degree
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, learning-focusedEarly career, assisting in planning projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsagePlanning firms, government agencies, consulting firmsMunicipalities, urban planning departments, private consultancies

The main difference between a Graduate Planner and a Junior Urban Planner lies in experience and responsibility. Graduate Planners are typically recent graduates gaining foundational experience, while Junior Urban Planners have some work experience and handle more complex tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential stepping stones in a planning career and are often used interchangeably depending on the organization.

More about Graduate Planner jobs

What states have the most Graduate Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Graduate Planner jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Planner jobs?

For Graduate Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Planner job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,591 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Graduate Assistant - External Affairs

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.
Education • 1 - 5K employees

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Grand Canyon Education rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona's leading institutions of higher learning.
Located in the Valley of the Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University.
The External Affairs Graduate Assistant supports the Office of External Affairs by researching and tracking higher education policy issues, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, preparing concise briefings and leadership materials, coordinating stakeholder meetings and events, and maintaining confidential records and communications.
What you will do:
  • Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy issues impacting the university and higher education.
  • Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and prepare concise summaries for leadership.
  • Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and preparing materials for meetings with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and external stakeholders.
  • Draft correspondence, briefing documents, talking points, meeting agendas, and follow-up communications.
  • Maintain calendars, contact databases, and records related to government relations activities and stakeholder engagement.
  • Support the planning and execution of external affairs events, community engagement initiatives, and legislative visits.
  • Track legislation, committee hearings, and policy proposals relevant to institutional priorities.
  • Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and background materials for senior leadership.
  • Conduct benchmarking and research on public policy trends, best practices, and peer institution initiatives.
  • Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and communications.
  • Perform other administrative and project-based duties in support of the Office of External Affairs and Government Relations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What you will need:
  • Be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program at GCU. (Certificate only programs do not satisfy this requirement.)
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0. (If a student is newly admitted to the University, the admission GPA is considered for this requirement.) A student must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their employment.
  • Be enrolled in as a "regular" (not provisional) degree-seeking student for at least 6 graduate level units leading to the degree. (Undergraduate or audited courses do not satisfy this requirement.) Hiring departments may require a higher enrollment.
  • Assistantships may be revoked at any time duties are not fulfilled satisfactorily.
  • Because of the role as student and employee, graduate assistants assume responsibility for upholding the University's Student Code of Conduct.
  • Graduate Assistants are eligible for waiver of tuition for the period employed. Waiver of tuition may be taxable income.
  • Graduate Assistants must follow the HR employment workflow processes and pre-employment background checks.
  • Graduate Assistants have restricted work hours (maximum of 29 hours per week).
  • After all degree requirements for the planned program of study are met, a student is no longer eligible to receive a graduate assistantship.
  • "Incomplete" grades must be removed during the period following the teaching period in which the "I" was recorded in order to continue the assistantship.
  • Graduate Assistants are part-time employees and not eligible for GCU's employment benefits, except those stipulated by law.
  • Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University's Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.

Why Work at GCU:
  • Opportunity to work closely with research consultants and gain exposure to academic review processes.
  • Access to Graduate Assistant/Employee Tuition Programs.
  • On-campus facilities include free gyms for employees.

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About Grand Canyon Education

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grand Canyon Education (GCE) is a rapidly growing educational service company that has long been an industry leader in providing educational, operational and technological support services to the post-secondary education sector. Formerly part of Grand Canyon University (GCU), GCE still works closely with GCU to benefit thousands of students, families and the local inner-city community. We put people first, drive innovation, and do good in the community that we live and work in.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1983