Policy & Programming
Associate Policy Analyst – ON TO 2050 (APAO50)
October 18, 2016
Job Category: Associate
Experience
Required: 2 to 5 years
Salary
Range: $54,000
to $66,933
The Chicago
Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire an Associate Policy
Analyst to conduct research and analysis related to development of the region’s
next long range, comprehensive plan.
CMAP is our region’s official comprehensive planning organization. The
agency and its partners are developing ON TO 2050, a new comprehensive regional
plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois
implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic
development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information, and details regarding
benefits are at www.cmap.illinois.gov/about/careers#benefits.
The Associate Policy Analyst will conduct research and
analysis related to development of ON TO 2050, which is the successor to GO TO
2040, and will substantially build on its recommendations, address limited new
policy areas, and provide more specific guidance for implementers. Generally, ON TO 2050 will maintain a focus
on planning for the interconnected nature of transportation, land use, and
housing. This position will assist with
or be responsible for research and analysis regarding areas such as emerging
state and federal transportation regulations, asset management, demographic
trends, developing indicators to measure progress on inclusive growth,
identifying strategies to promote reinvestment in disinvested areas, and/or
assisting with scenario planning. This
position may also contribute to a portion of ON TO 2050 or freight plan work to
aid existing conditions analysis or assist policy development. Tasks will include collecting and analyzing
data, managing research, producing reports and issuing briefs, monitoring and
providing agency direction on federal, state and local public policy, and
communicating and coordinating with the agency's partners.
Across these projects and tasks, the policy analyst will
be expected to emphasize the recommendations of GO TO 2040 and the refinements
identified for ON TO 2050. The ideal
candidate will have knowledge of transportation and land use policy at the
national and regional level, strengths in managing research and collecting and
analyzing data, and an interest in long range planning. Final tasks will be somewhat tailored to the
successful applicant’s areas of expertise.
The candidate should have significant strengths in one or more of the
described focus areas and demonstrate a broad base of knowledge about the
interactions between infrastructure, land use, and public policy, and overall
regional economic development.
Responsibilities
·
Collect and analyze data on
demographic, land use, transportation, and other regional trends. The applicant
should have strong quantitative skills, and a creative approach to problem
solving.
·
Conduct research and analysis of topics
such as asset management, the relationship between land use and transportation
investment, promoting environmental justice in transportation planning,
intermodal policy, and planning practices at peer MPOs.
·
Write CMAP Policy
Updates, memos, and other materials that
explain data trends and the potential impacts or changes in federal, state, or
local public policy.
- Manage or
support agency projects that analyze and report on the transportation,
land use, and economic issues facing northeastern Illinois and identify
challenges and opportunities with transportation, public policy,
infrastructure, and technology.
- Present work to relevant CMAP committees and participate in regional
groups on these issues as they affect metropolitan Chicago.
Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate
effectively on issues of public policy and planning.
- Excellent data management skills and the ability to
manipulate and analyze large data sources in spreadsheets, databases, and
geographic information systems (GIS), as well as the ability to generate
findings from these data and present results.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex research projects
and produce reports and issue briefs that are factual, original,
compelling, and persuasive.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an
ability to complement existing projects via independent or team-based
work.
- A demonstrated knowledge of transportation and land use
issues and the role they play metropolitan policy. Knowledge of and connections with
regional experts in policy and planning.
- An ability to apply theory and empirical evidence
toward practical purposes, and a demonstrated interest in the complex
connections between transportation, development, and the metropolitan
economy.
- Familiarity with the governance structure of
northeastern Illinois.
Education and Experience
A Master’s degree in Public Policy,
Planning, Economics, Public Administration or a related field is required. Two to five years prior work experience in a
related field is strongly preferred. Ability to work effectively in an environment
using Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products, with adaptability to
other software. Demonstrated
skills with microcomputer databases, spreadsheets, and Arc/GIS geographic
information systems.
How to Apply
Please submit cover letter and résumé via the web at www.cmap.illinois.gov/about/careers. Please refer to Job Code (APAO50).
Posting End Date
This posting will close on November 18, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. CST. All applications must be completed and submitted
within that timeframe.
The Chicago Metropolitan
Agency for Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.