What: The Housing + Community Development Fellow is a one-year, full time position to provide programmatic support to its Housing + Community Development Program. The Fellow primarily serves as project manager for the Caucus’ Census Participation Grant, which will help suburban municipalities understand how to engage their diverse constituencies to participate in the Census and achieve an accurate count next year. The Fellow also provides support to other work areas within the Housing + Community Development Program as well as the Caucus at large. This position reports primarily to the Director of Housing Initiatives. The position may be renewed after one year, contingent on funding availability.
Nature of Responsibilities 2020 Census Participation Grant (50%): The Fellow will serve as day-to-day manager of the Caucus’ program to help municipalities maximize Census participation among their residents, particularly their hardest-to-count residents. This program connects municipalities to best practices to engage diverse constituencies, including immigrants, persons of color, older adults, and others. The Fellow will:
- Become a subject matter expert on the 2020 Census and the role of municipalities to ensure that every local resident is counted;
- Help organize three regional Idea Exchanges to help municipalities achieve a complete count;
- Develop partnerships with regional stakeholders, alongside the Director of Housing Initiatives;
- Interview local municipal leaders regarding their Census engagement activities for diverse constituencies;
- Research local and national best practices in Census engagement of diverse constituencies;
- Research national practices in Census engagement of diverse constituencies;
- Write materials, briefings, and reports on local and national practice for municipal decision makers; and
- Schedule and help facilitate monthly calls with municipalities to exchange their local activities in Census participation.
Caucus Committee Liasion (30%): Together with the Director of Housing Initiatives, the Fellow will help staff three Committees of mayors and municipal officials that advise the Community Development Program – the Housing + Community Development Committee, Diversity Issues Task Force, and the Age- friendly Communities Subcommittee. The Fellow will:
- Track policy issues and programming of interest to each Committee;
- Develop policy briefs and other written materials, together with the Director of Housing Initiatives and organizational partners;
- Research grants and other funding opportunities for each Committee;
- Record and circulate notes; and
- Attend Committee meetings as scheduled.
Special Projects (20%): The Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in other Caucus projects as assigned by senior staff. These projects may vary depending based on organizational need and demonstrated skill set of the candidate. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities The Fellow possesses the following knowledge and traits:
- Working knowledge of one or more of the following areas:
- Housing and community development issues; o Community engagement practices, particularly for diverse populations;
- Municipal government administration; and/or
- State or federal policy in related issue areas.
- Demonstrated research skills, preferably in one of these issue areas;
- An ability to synthesize policy concepts into reports, briefing materials, and other materials;
- Ability to express local policies and practices effectively to individually and groups;
- An ability to manage tasks across multiple projects and work independently;
- Strong aptitude with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Office programs; and
- An entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take on additional roles within a small organization.
Education and Experience
- The Fellow must be a graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, or a related field.
- A master’s degree and at least one year of work or internship experience in urban planning, community engagement, or local government are desired.
- Familiarity with Chicago suburbs and/or experience in engagement practices for diverse populations are both highly desired.
Employment and Working Conditions
Work will primarily be performed at the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus office in an office setting. Hours of work will generally be between 9 AM and 5 PM though regional travel or additional duties before and after these standard hours may be required. Travel will be fully compensated at federal rates. The abilities to operate a computer and office equipment; work at a desk for hours; lift no more than 25 lbs; and communicate on the phone, in-person and via email are all required.
The position is full-time, available immediately and is contingent upon grant funding. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample no longer than 5 pages to: Kyle Smith Director of Housing Initiatives Metropolitan
Mayors Caucus
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606
ksmith@mayorscaucus.org