Policy & Programming
Senior Policy Analyst (SPA2017)
January 13, 2017
Job Category: Senior
Experience
Required: Min 5 years
Salary
Range: $65,700
to $81,453
The Chicago
Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a Senior 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 ongoing efforts including ON TO 2050, a regional
freight plan, and assist in other policy analysis. Following the adoption of ON
TO 2050 in October 2018, the policy analyst will assist in research and
analysis related to the plan’s implementation.
Tasks will include managing research, collecting and analyzing data, producing
reports and issuing briefs, and regular communication and coordination with the
agency's partners. This position also
monitors and provides direction regarding federal, state and local public
policy.
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. Preference will be given to those who possess strong
technical skills with strengths in managing research and collecting and
analyzing data, and communicating these findings to a broad range of audiences.
All candidates should demonstrate an interest in the complex challenges
addressed by long range planning.
Responsibilities
- Manage or support agency projects that analyze transportation, land use, freight, infrastructure,
economic, and other relevant public policy issues facing northeastern
Illinois and identify regional scale challenges and opportunities.
·
Collect
and analyze data on transportation, demographic, land
use, economic, and other regional trends. The applicant should have strong
quantitative skills, and a creative approach to problem solving.
·
Write
reports, policy updates, and issue briefs
that explain data trends, synthesize qualitative analysis, and relate their
potential impact on changes in federal, state, or local public policy.
- Engage
stakeholders through
project-specific interviews, presentations to relevant CMAP committees,
and participation in regional groups, where appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities
·
Demonstrated understanding and/or
interest in the complex connections between transportation, development, public
policy, and the metropolitan economy.
·
Ability to apply empirical evidence
toward practical purposes, superior research and quantitative skills, and take
creative approaches to problem solving.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate
effectively on issues of public policy and planning.
- Ability to manipulate and analyze large data sources in
spreadsheets, databases, and GIS, as well as the ability to generate
findings from these data and communicate results to a non-technical
audience.
- 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.
- Ability to manage consultant-led projects ensuring that
work meet CMAP’s expectations for quality of work products, and adhere to
timelines and budgets, as assigned.
- Familiarity with the governance structure in Northeastern
Illinois is desired.
Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy,
Economics, Public Administration, or a Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree are
required to have a minimum five year’s prior work experience in a related field
for the senior level. Ability to work
effectively in an environment 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, résumé, and writing sample via the
web at www.cmap.illinois.gov/about/careers. Please refer to Job Code (SPA2017).
Posting End Date
This posting will close on February 13, 2017 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.