Associate Policy Analyst – Regional Economy (APA1016)
October 5, 2016
Job Category: Associate
Experience
Required: 2 to 4 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 ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a
broad base of knowledge about the interactions between infrastructure, land
use, public policy, and overall regional economic development. This position will contribute to development
of ON TO 2050 and assist in other policy development. CMAP also provides insight into the health of
the region’s economy through a set of indicators, and this position will contribute
to ongoing analysis related to these economic metrics. 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.
Previous work in this area has focused on bolstering the
region's economic advantages by nurturing its industry clusters. Recent research has focused on the challenges
and opportunities facing the region’s traded industry clusters, understanding
its role in national and regional supply chains, and refining CMAP’s
understanding of strategies to bolster regional economic resilience.
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 also have significant strengths in public policy, ability to
apply basic principles of microeconomics, and familiarity with regional
economic development. Preference will be
given to those who possess strong technical skills with strengths in managing
research and collecting and analyzing data, and an interest in the complex challenges
addressed by long range planning.
Responsibilities
·
Collect and analyze data on the
regional economy, including a focus on regional industry clusters,
transportation infrastructure, and economic indicators. The applicant should have strong quantitative
skills and a creative approach to problem solving.
·
Write reports and issue briefs that
explain data trends and their potential impact on changes in federal, state, or
local public policy.
·
Assist policy development related to ON
TO 2050, including exploration of the concept of economic resilience.
·
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 economic, transportation,
infrastructure, tax policy and other relevant public policy issues facing
northeastern Illinois, while identifying regional scale challenges and opportunities.
- Present work to relevant CMAP committees and participate in regional
groups, where appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities
·
Demonstrated understanding of and/or
interest in the complex connections between transportation, development, public
policy, and the metropolitan economy.
·
Ability to apply microeconomic theory
and empirical evidence toward practical purposes.
- 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 and databases,
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.
Education and Experience
A Master’s degree in Public Policy,
Economics, Public Administration or a related field is preferred. Two to four years of prior work experience in
a related field is required for the Associate level. 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 (APA1016).
Posting End Date
This posting will close on November 5, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. CST. All applications must be completed and
submitted within this timeframe.
The Chicago Metropolitan
Agency for Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.