What: Based in Chicago, Illinois, the Active Transportation Alliance (Active Trans) works to promote walking, bicycling and public transit to create safe, healthy and equitable communities. We envision a Chicagoland where all people have access to a safe, seamless, convenient and connected transportation environment that is abundant with walking, bicycling and transit options. Together with over 20,000 members, partner organizations, staff, board and volunteers, Active Trans stands poised to harness the momentum of the 21st century, building on the energy of today’s historic demand for a society that offers healthier, cleaner, and more equitable transportation options.
Active Transportation Alliance is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our advocacy team. Under the supervision of the Managing Director of Advocacy, the Advocacy Manager will support Active Trans’ strategic advocacy campaigns to advance walking, biking, and public transit throughout the region. Primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing advocacy strategies to engage grassroots supporters, community partner organizations, and decision makers in driving trail development. Activities will include, but are not limited to, leading community-based planning projects, data analysis, community outreach, coalition building, and strategic communications.
Essential Duties and Accountabilities
- Provide technical transportation planning expertise and analysis in support of advocacy campaigns and projects
- Work with local municipalities on transportation planning and policy development • Build diverse coalition of individuals, organizations and other stakeholders to coordinate advocacy efforts
- Develop communications content to support advocacy initiatives, including webpages, blogs, social media, factsheets, and reports.
- Frequent travel throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs via biking, walking, public transportation or car share • Occasional evening and weekend work hours required for community meetings, events, etc.
- Participation in obligatory Active Trans organizational events and activities as assigned Qualifying Experience
- A passion for and understanding of the transformational nature of walking, bicycling and transit on health, equity, and sustainability.
- A commitment to Active Transportation Alliance’s mission, vision and goals
- 3-5 years of demonstrated organizing, communications or outreach experience
- Experience in advocacy, community engagement and coalition building, particularly within Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and populations
- Superior communication skills, including written, presentational and media-related
- Ability to work with online media platforms, including social media and web content management systems
- Fluency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point
- Training or professional experience in transportation planning
- Proficiency in ArcGIS and Adobe Creative Suites
- Familiarity with Chicago and suburban communities and units of government
- Bilingual English/Spanish
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry items up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time
- Ability to move throughout an office setting
- Operate a computer
- Communicate and exchange information
Start Date: As soon as possible
Term: This is a full-time position. The position will be based at the Active Transportation Alliance office in Chicago’s North Loop area.
Salary & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000 annually. Active Transportation Alliance offers a progressive benefit program that includes health, dental and retirement options.
For consideration: Send a resume and cover letter to Jim Merrell at jim@activetrans.org. You must include the words ‘Advocacy Manager’ in the email subject line. Electronic submissions only; no mailed or faxed submissions will be accepted. No phone calls, please.
This position is open until filled. For priority consideration, please submit application no later than January 15, 2020. Active Transportation Alliance is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Active Trans believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as an advocacy organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.