Assistant Outreach Specialist, CMAP - Chicago

Assistant Outreach Specialist (LTA042)
Local Technical Assistance Program
Outreach and Community Engagement Position

Company/Agency:   Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Job Category:    Assistant Planner
Experience Required:    Up to 2 years experience
Salary Range:  Commensurate with assistant level experience

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time employee
to help implement the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program.  Compensation will be
commensurate with qualifications and experience.

CMAP was created in 2005 to integrate planning for land use and transportation in the counties
of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.  In 2010, CMAP released GO TO
2040, the region’s long-range comprehensive plan.  The agency is now focusing on
implementing the plan, which includes technical assistance to local governments as a major
activity.  For more information on GO TO 2040, visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/2040.  

Position Description  
CMAP will recruit an Assistant Outreach Specialist with the knowledge, experience, and skills
to assist in the implementation of local technical assistance projects.  The position requires both
a commitment to public engagement and a firm grasp of planning and public policy.  

The LTA program was initiated in spring 2011 to create new resources for technical assistance
and coordinate with existing technical assistance activities.  It is designed to result in a series of
innovative local projects in the Chicago region that support livability principles, implement GO
TO 2040, and build capacity in local communities.  Approximately 10 projects have been
completed, and nearly 40 are actively underway, with more planned to begin later in the year.

Projects include comprehensive plans, corridor or subarea plans, studies of special topics such
as housing or water resources, and similar planning activities.  Sponsors of LTA projects include
suburban municipalities, interjurisdictional groups, and nonprofit community-based
organizations.  This program requires travel throughout the region; candidates must have the
ability and willingness to work with urban, suburban, and rural communities alike. To obtain
more information on the LTA program, please visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta. Essential Functions
The main responsibilities of this position will be to build and maintain positive relationships
and engage a diverse group of stakeholders and residents into projects pursued through the
LTA program.  The Assistant Outreach Specialist should have interest and experience in
successfully engaging populations traditionally left out of the planning process including
minority and low-income communities.  Other responsibilities will include assisting with the
development of materials and activities for planning and technical concepts to inform, educate,
and encourage public involvement within technical assistance efforts.  The position may also be
asked to assist with technical planning work to support LTA projects, depending on skills and
experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Experience in planning and an understanding of the links between transportation, land use,
housing, economic development, environment and natural resources, and community
development.
• Knowledge of local planning practice in northeastern Illinois, and ability to work with
elected officials, local government staff, or nonprofit community-based organizations on
topics related to planning.
• Interest and ability to interact with partner agencies, local governments, and the general
public.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical assistance, conduct training and workshops, and develop
innovative, collaborative solutions to build local capacity.
• Ability to work on complex projects, and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
Education and/or Experience
A Bachelors degree in Planning or a related discipline is required, and a Masters degree is
preferred.  This is an Assistant level position; positions at this level are typically filled by
candidates with up to 2 years of experience.  
Office Automation Skills: MS Word, Excel, Power Point

Contact Information 
Send resume, cover letter and contact information with Job Code LTA042
Email: hresources@cmap.illinois.gov
Mail:
Human Resources
CMAP: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800   Chicago, IL 60606
Position open until filled. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer