UIC CUPPA Careers Blog: Placemaking and Creative Manager, Chicago Loop Alliance

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Placemaking and Creative Manager

This position requires an energetic, results-oriented professional enthusiastic about the future of the Chicago Loop. Ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience in the planning field for downtown, private sector, arts and cultural or nonprofit organizations. Ability to manage complex issues and projects, work effectively with a variety of constituencies, interface with volunteers and build consensus among diverse stakeholders are essential skills. Passion and creativity for placemaking, urban design and public space is a must.

Mission: Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) is a member-based business organization with a mission to create, manage and promote a high-performing urban experience in the Chicago Loop attracting people and investment.

Reports To: President & CEO

Summary: This person will be responsible for planning, developing and executing consumer-facing programs in a variety of formats. The person in this position will also identify, assess and recommend to CLA external programming partnerships.

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities:

 Create, plan and execute CLA consumer-facing placemaking programming and events that attract diverse populations, foot traffic for local business and media attention to the Loop.

 Integrate arts, culture and creativity in the placemaking efforts of the organization.

 Create all program concepts, budgets, timelines and track results through annual benchmarks.

 Assume a variety of administrative and operational duties to deliver program and events.

 Manage the State Street banner program and Lightscape, a LED light/audio attraction; The Gateway public space; summer alley activation series; Wabash streetscape elements and the CLA Placemaking Committee.

 Work closely with Marketing Director to generate media buzz, public attention and interest.

 Work with the President & CEO to secure annual sponsorship proposals and fulfill sponsorship benefits.

 Research, develop, monitor and benchmark streetscape, placemaking and program events to assure they advance the mission of the CLA.

Education & Experience:

 Bachelor’s degree with minimum of three years successful experience in urban planning, project management, arts administration and/or placemaking.

 Experience in conceptualizing, developing and implementing a successful placemaking event that met specific goals and advanced the organizations mission.

Knowledge and Skills:

 Knowledge of streetscape elements, street design, public fixtures and furnishing and urban design standards.

 Skilled consensus builder, able to work well within the framework of a complex and politically sensitive public-private sector environment with a broad cross-section of personalities.

 Out-of-the-box thinker with creative solutions to urban design challenges and opportunities; ability to deliver compelling arts programming to surprise and delight the public.

 Strong relationships the Chicago arts community including galleries, curators and artists from numerous disciplines.

 Excellent project management skills including the ability to facilitate staff, board members, sponsors and stakeholders from the conceptual stage to successful completion of a project.

 Attention to detail and strong communication skills.

 Ability to pursue sponsorship contribution to fund programs and events including community partners, private foundations and business and corporate investors.

 Effectively facilitate multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

 Demonstrated and proven integrity and sound judgment.

 Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong problem-solving abilities.

 Excellent time management and ability to work in team settings.

 Strong computer and web management skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Compensation:

This is a non-exempt position offered with a competitive salary; medical, dental, vision and employer contribution to a 401(k).

To Apply:

Please send cover letter, resume, reference, salary history by Friday, November 23, 2016 to:

resumes@chicagoloopalliance.com.

Please go to loopchicago.com/activate or /about CLA for additional information