Program Associate
Posted: March 2013
Starting Date: Immediately
The Opportunity
Since 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region. As an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional growth.
The Metropolitan Planning Council forges innovative, pragmatic solutions, working hand-in-hand with government, business and community leaders to advance a competitive and livable Chicago region. Our solutions focus on four outcomes for all residents: 1) A Strong Economy; 2) Vibrant Neighborhoods; 3) Quality Housing and Transportation; and 4) Valuable Natural Assets.
The Position
MPC is hiring a full-time program associate to support projects advancing a strong regional economy through quality transportation and housing choices. MPC is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in urban planning, housing development, and or transportation policy and financing. Strong relationship and project management skills and versatility are absolute essentials to success. At the outset, this program associate will support implementation of targeted employer assisted housing partnerships across the region, advance parking pricing, organize regional innovative finance forums, coordinate community development technical assistance projects, and edit MPC’s Talking Transit e-newsletter.
The position will report to an MPC program director, and indirectly to another program director.
Initial duties may include:
- Developing partnerships with Chicago’s Industrial retention groups and housing counseling groups to form new employer assisted housing nodes in Chicago’s job corridors.
- Assisting with research for Chicago neighborhood parking study to determine potential for variable priced parking strategy.
- Coordinating with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to implement finance forums for local governments to access innovative financing mechanisms for construction of public assets.
- Supporting projects addressing the redevelopment of public housing in Chicago, Aurora, and other future community development partnerships.
- Researching and promoting transit best practices, authoring MPC blog posts and editing e-newsletter Talking Transit.
- Coordinating public roundtable events and workshops to further MPC’s policy initiatives.
- Other duties will depend on the background and expertise of the individual hired and MPC’s needs.
MPC seeks an organized, high-energy individual who thrives in a collegial work environment and can juggle multiple deadlines at once. The ideal candidate has at least three years experience and:
- is an excellent writer and an articulate speaker;
- is a self-starter, able to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and projects, and work in a fluid environment;
- is a creative thinker able to help build MPC’s housing, transportation, and economic development projects over time;
- is able to work collaboratively with staff colleagues;
- is passionate about the body of issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization’s mission;
- has a Master’s degree in urban planning, engineering, public policy, or a related field;
- has demonstrated the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including government officials, private sector leaders and community-based organizations;
- is familiar with ArcGIS software and geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, and basic graphic design software; and
- has experience communicating complex ideas to a diverse, public audience.
To Apply, please send:
1) A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job being filled;
2) Your résumé and salary history; and
3) A short writing sample (2-3 pages) to:
2) Your résumé and salary history; and
3) A short writing sample (2-3 pages) to:
Madeline Grennan
Executive Assistant
MGrennan@metroplanning.org
No phone calls please. Applications lacking any one of these three requirements will not be considered. For more information on MPC, please visit our website:www.metroplanning.org.
MPC is an equal opportunity employer.
Program Director: Infrastructure Finance
Posted: January 2013
Available: Immediately
The Opportunity
Since 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region. As an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional growth. MPC works with business, government, and community leaders across the expansive region of northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana, and southeast Wisconsin.
In recent years, MPC’s work on innovative infrastructure finance has included securing passage of public private partnership (PPP) legislation, guiding congestion pricing case studies for the Tollway, and advising the Tollway, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, CTA, and the City of Chicago on emerging tools. With the right leadership, this work is poised for greater impact.
Our region’s agreed-to infrastructure priorities require new funding tools. These tools, such as value capture instruments, public-private partnerships, and variable priced tolls or parking are part of the answer to aging infrastructure and constrained budgets to fund infrastructure. The goal of MPC’s innovative finance agenda is to fundamentally rethink how we invest in our communities. The public and private sector should be rewarded for working together to more efficiently and effectively deploy resources to regain the Chicago region’s competitive edge, and shape a new era of sustainable economic prosperity that supports cities’ and the region’s business plans. The Council is currently partnering with several governmental organizations on innovative financing efforts.
The Position
MPC is hiring a full-time program director to support and advance our leadership on innovative infrastructure finance. MPC is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in finance (public, real estate, investment) and economics. Strong relationship and project management skills and versatility are absolute essentials to success. This person will lead innovative infrastructure finance project, with exact responsibilities dependent on the candidate’s skills and experience.
The Duties:
Research
- Perform analysis on using innovative financing tools to build new infrastructure in our region, including value capture, public-private partnership, variable priced parking, congestion pricing, special assessment, joint development, and other tools
- Document existing state and regional structures and tools to determine how they can advance regional infrastructure plans
- Research best practices in innovative financing and infrastructure for technical white papers and policy briefs, and write original content for lay audience to be disseminated through newsletters, blog posts, and social media feeds
Advocacy
- Educate regional leaders on best practices in innovative finance for infrastructure to demonstrate application to specific local projects
- Determine if additional financing tools are necessary to implement regional infrastructure plans and lead advocacy, legislative, or existing authorities to use those tools
- Identify federal funding streams that could be leveraged with value capture or other investments and organize support to secure resources for projects
- Coordinate public roundtable events and workshops to further MPC’s policy initiatives
Implementation
- Work with regional leaders and organize stakeholders (developers, investors) to access data, assess potential, and advance implementation of innovative financing opportunities in the Chicago region such as Union Station, Bus Rapid Transit, O’Hare Western Bypass and Access
- Identify other projects in the region best suited to be implemented through innovative financing and lead a financing feasibility team
- Work with the region’s state or local authorities and with existing tools to implement key infrastructure projects
Other duties as assigned.
The Applicant:
MPC seeks a highly organized, dynamic, and motivated individual who thrives in a collegial work environment and can meet deadlines. The ideal candidate has five or more years of public finance experience and:
- is an excellent writer and speaker;
- is a self-starter, able to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and projects, and work in a fluid environment;
- is a creative thinker able to help build MPC’s innovative finance agenda over time;
- is able to work collaboratively with staff colleagues;
- is passionate about the body of issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization’s mission;
- has a Master’s degree in business, economics, public policy, or a related field;
- has knowledge of urban planning and policy issues in the Chicago region (please refer to MPC’s website for a list of issues: www.metroplanning.org);
- has demonstrated the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including government officials, developers and community-based organizations;
- has knowledge of regional actors and institutions in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin;
- is familiar with ArcGIS software and geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, and basic graphic design software; and
- has experience communicating complex ideas to a diverse set of audiences, including public officials and private investors.
To Apply, please send:
1) A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job being filled;
2) Your résumé; and
3) A 1-2 pp. persuasive writing sample to:
2) Your résumé; and
3) A 1-2 pp. persuasive writing sample to:
Madeline Grennan
Executive Assistant
Metropolitan Planning Council
MGrennan@metroplanning.org
140 S. Dearborn, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60603
No phone calls please. Applications lacking any one of these three requirements will not be considered. For more information on MPC, please visit our website:www.metroplanning.org.
MPC is an equal opportunity employer.
Development Director
Updated Posting: March 2013
Available: Immediately
The Opportunity
The Metropolitan Planning Council seeks a highly motivated and qualified candidate to fill the position of Development Director and lead the organization’s financial growth.
Since 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region. As an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional growth.
With a 2013 budget of $3.3 million and plans for significant expansion, MPC is largely privately funded (40% from foundations, 40% from corporations, and the remainder from events, gifts from individuals, government grants and endowment earnings). MPC seeks a dynamic individual who is passionate about a competitive, equitable and sustainable metropolitan Chicago region to oversee its current fundraising efforts and attract $1+ million additional resources annually to make an even bigger impact.
The Position
The position is supported by a Development Associate and an Administrative Assistant and will report directly to MPC’s President. The individual will also coordinate closely with the Vice President for Finance and Administration who has been leading development activities during a time of transition.
Duties include:
- Oversee organization’s fundraising efforts to meet and grow the annual operating budget.
- Establish an annual development plan, in coordination with the President, Executive Vice President, and Vice President of Finance and Administration.
- Coordinate and increase direct involvement of Board of Directors and manage President’s time in targeted outreach to meet development goals.
- Research and understand MPC program areas and projects to identify appropriate funding sources and trends that will help position the organization and build new funder relationships.
- Corporate Donor Cultivation:
- Build MPC’s corporate donor base by recruiting new Executive Advisors and securing sponsorships for the Annual Luncheon ($440,000 net income and 1,000 attendees in 2012) and other organizational events.
- Deepen relationships with existing corporate donors through regular communications and periodic in-person meetings.
- Work with MPC program staff to identify opportunities for new corporate donor engagement in our work.
- Individual Donor Cultivation:
- Lead intensive cultivation activities to expand MPC’s individual donor base via the high level Leadership Circle donor society.
- Work with active MPC Board members to cultivate individuals as future volunteers and donors through one-on-one and small group meetings and special events.
- Strategic Growth/Foundations:
- Support MPC’s growth strategy by engaging new foundations as donors and strengthening existing relationships.
- Work with Development Associate to shape and review grant proposals and reports, approximately 60 per year.
The Applicant
MPC seeks a highly organized, dynamic, high-energy individual who thrives in a collegial work environment and can juggle multiple deadlines. Prior fundraising or marketing experience is a must. The ideal candidate is:
- an excellent writer and a persuasive spokesperson who can represent the organization and its work to the public, board members, and donors of all kinds;
- a self-starter, able to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and projects, and work in a deadline-driven environment;
- an entrepreneurial type who is attracted by the opportunity to drive innovation and excellency by doubling the organization’s resources over the next five years;
- passionate about the issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization’s mission;
- a creative thinker who will tailor MPC’s grant seeking to meet the organization’s evolving needs;
- adept with databases such as Raiser’s Edge; and,
- able to work collaboratively with staff colleagues and motivate staff and Board volunteers’ participation in the fundraising process.
Education and Experience
- 5-10 years’ experience in nonprofit development, or combination of for-profit sales/marketing and non-profit experience
- Bachelor’s degree
To Apply, please send:
1) A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job being filled;
2) Your résumé and salary history; and
3) A writing sample to:
2) Your résumé and salary history; and
3) A writing sample to:
Madeline Grennan
Executive Assistant
Metropolitan Planning Council
MGrennan@metroplanning.org
140 S. Dearborn, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60603
No phone calls please. Applications lacking any one of these three requirements will not be considered. For more information on MPC, please visit our website:www.metroplanning.org.
MPC is an equal opportunity employer.
Mission Continues Fellow
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY: The Mission Continues is seeking one (1) Post 9-11 Veteran to serve as a Mission Continues Fellow with Metropolitan Planning Council in Chicago, IL, starting May 4th, 2013. The Fellow will serve for 20 hours a week for 26 weeks focusing on organizational communications and event logistics, while completing monthly professional development assignments, and inspiring others in the community to serve. Fellows will receive a cost-of-living stipend. Throughout the Fellowship, The Mission Continues makes every effort to connect Fellows with the resources to achieve their post-fellowship goals - in the workforce, in education, or in continuing service.
Fellowship Position Summary
- Provide comprehensive assistance to MPC’s Communications teams to present stories, advocacy materials, and data through written content, audio and video, and social media in thoughtful, compelling ways.
- Assist with promotion of MPC’s annual Placemaking contest.
- Assist with events planning, in particular Roundtables and the Annual Luncheon.
- Track federal and state legislation for internal staff briefings.
- Other tasks as needed or as appropriate to fellow’s interest or experience.
Requirements
- Post 9/11 Veteran; no longer on Active/Guard/Reserve Status (IRR/ING is acceptable)
- Minimum 24 months of time in service unless serious injury was sustained preventing further service; Attained honorable discharge
- Clean criminal record check
- Minimum 4-year undergraduate degree
- Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills preferred
- Ability to work in a professional team environment
To apply for the Fellowship, visit www.missioncontinues.org and input Metropolitan Planning Council as your referral source on the application. The application deadline is February 11, 2013. For additional information contact jdeshields@missioncontinues.org.
Research Assistant
Starting Date: Rolling start dates of May 1, September 1, January 1
Current needs: MPC is currently seeking research assistant candidates with proven abilities in survey development and analysis, GIS-based geospatial analysis and/or statistical analysis, and program evaluation. It is expected that these candidates will work primarily on MPC'swater resources, Community Building Initiative, Commute Options, Employer-Assisted Housing, and Transportation Innovation projects.
MPC is also currently seeking research assistant candidates with a strong interest in communications, social media, web content development, audio and video production, and design.
Overall program
MPC’s volunteer research assistants are a vital part of the organization’s success. Depending on the project at hand, RAs conduct original research, write blog posts and newsletter articles, organize community meetings, perform GIS and quantitative analysis, and a range of other work.
You may apply for an RA position at any time, but as a general guideline new RAs start around May 1, September 1, and January 1. Candidates receiving school credit or compensation through a fellowship program will receive preference in staffing decisions, but all are welcome to apply. As a general rule of thumb, fall and winter RAs are expected to commit at least two full days of work per week, and summer RAs at least three.
How to Apply
Please send the following materials by e-mail to Josh Ellis, program director and research assistant coordinator, at jellis@metroplanning.org:
- a current resume;
- a cover letter articulating your specific interest in MPC, the current projects you have the most interest in and what you believe you can add to them, and a proposed schedule;
- and a short (3-4 page) writing sample.
No phone calls please. For more information on MPC, please visit our website: www.metroplanning.org
MPC is an equal opportunity employer.