Planning and Policy Analyst, Openlands - Chicago

The Planning and Policy Analyst coordinates planning and policy projects that strategically

promote the protection of land and water in our region while also connecting people

to nature. The position involves conducting research, advocacy, implementation, and

community outreach to advance our policy agenda.

The Planning and Policy Analyst integrates planning efforts to facilitate interdisciplinary

work across Openlands’ urban, suburban, and rural focus areas. He/she identifies

opportunities to create strategic and systemic impact and on the ground projects for the

protection, enhancement, and expansion of open space.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage projects from scope development through on the ground implementation and

team coordination

• Research open space planning initiatives on the regional, state, and national level;

identify issues and trends; propose opportunities to implement model demonstration

projects to protect land and water

• Conduct research and analysis of policy positions and planning projects (including

designing research projects, data collection, and literature reviews; analysis of

legislation, statutes, zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, etc.)

• Draft / write policy reports, white papers, and briefing documents

• Create planning documents or graphic displays for specific projects

• Coordinate and write internal and external communications around policy and planning

• Conduct community and educational outreach on issue campaigns and projects

by engaging key stakeholders including community members, elected officials,

government agency staff, business leaders, and funders

• Represent Openlands on various conservation and planning agency working groups,

advisory committees, and various coalitions

• Assist in writing grant proposals and reports

• Plan and facilitate meetings

• Supervise part time interns on policy and planning projects

• Speak at public forums and conferences

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, political science, environmental

science, sustainability, or a related field: Master’s degree preferred

• At least 3 years experience working in the conservation, planning, sustainability, or

public policy arena

• Understanding of issues involved in land preservation, natural resource protection, and

governmental and public policy processes

• Experience in project management and team coordination

• Excellent communication skills, including both writing and public speaking

• Exceptional organizational, research, and analytical skills

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Salary range is market competitive. Benefits include health, life, and disability coverage,

a 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, and vacation time.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter including why your skills and

experience would complement this position to jobs@openlands.org. Openlands is an equal

opportunity employer.

Founded in 1963, Openlands is one of the nation’s oldest and most successful metropolitan

conservation organizations, having helped secure, protect, and provide public access

to more than 55,000 acres of land for parks, forest preserves, wildlife refuges, land

and water greenway corridors, and urban gardens. For more information, please visit

www.openlands.org.