Water Resources and Municipal Outreach Consultant - Metropolitan Planning Committe

Who: Metropolitan Planning Committee

What: MPC is hiring a full-time or part-time consultant to support a number of critical projects related to water supply, stormwater and natural resources policy. MPC is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in urban planning, land use, development, climate resilience, environmental policy, law, and/or public administration. This project will involve research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and technical assistance projects with multiple local units of government, in particular within the Little Calumet and Lower Des Plaines watersheds. Strong relationship and project management skills, versatility and entrepreneurialism are absolutely essential, as is the ability to develop and maintain a working rapport with government staff, elected officials and concerned citizens.

The position will report to Vice President Josh Ellis until a new Director of Water Resources is hired. This position will run from March 2020 until December 2020, with a possible extension into 2021 contingent on funding. If hired for a full-time opportunity, the consultant will be eligible for MPC benefits offered to employees. If hired part-time, the consultant will be ineligible for MPC employee benefits.

Primary responsibilities may include:

• Serve as the primary project manager for technical assistance to two municipalities as part of Drinking Water 1-2-3, an initiative to support Chicagoland communities to better manage their drinking water systems. 
• Depending on relevant experience, the technical assistance projects could include assisting a community in conducting a water loss audit based on the American Water Works Association’s M36 manual, convening stakeholders to identify a municipality’s water priorities and produce a recommendations report, producing a lead service line inventory and plan for removal, or helping to facilitate a pilot study to equitably set water rates. 
• Expertise in water supply is not necessary, but experience with municipal outreach is a plus. 
• Assist with data collection and analysis to establish an inventory of green stormwater infrastructure throughout the region. 
• Coordinate logistics and ensure timely follow-up and relationship management for regional stakeholder outreach for StormStore, an MPC and Nature Conservancy initiative to create a stormwater credit trading market place in Cook County. 
• The consultant will help prepare and finalize marketing materials for the opportunity, and secure willing partners to take advantage of a pilot through MWRD. 
• Collaborate with Associate Justin Keller to establish a vision and plan the event series logistics for a 2021 Drinking Water 123 Academy, aimed at municipal officials and water-related staff. 
• Develop public education materials for Will County around water conservation needs. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

 MPC seeks an organized, high-energy individual who thrives in a collegial work environment and can meet deadlines. The ideal candidate holds at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and has at least three to five years of relevant work experience.

A qualified candidate:

• is a self-starter, able to prioritize, handle concurrent tasks and projects, and work in a fluid environment; 
• is a team player and project leader who is highly organized and brings an ability to see immediate task needs with an eye to the bigger picture desired outcomes; 
• is able to communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with staff colleagues and multiple external partners; 
• is passionate about the issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization’s mission, as well as developing her/his competency in diversity, equity and inclusion; enjoys a fast-paced, challenging, intellectually-stimulating workplace; 
• is an excellent writer, and an articulate speaker in a range of settings; 
• is entrepreneurial, and executes timely and skillfully on assigned work; 
• has a working knowledge of relevant stakeholders and institutions in the Chicago region—particularly related to water management and stormwater institutions; 
• and has experience communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.

MPC has a values-driven workplace and we are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to—and willingness to have active conversations about—creating a region that is:

• Equitable: For MPC, equity means that every individual and community in our region has the opportunities they need to thrive. Promoting equity means that we recognize the harm that discrimination and racism have caused and continue to pose to our lives and neighborhoods. That’s why we drive policies, investments and ideas that ensure all current and future residents can reach their full potential. 
• Prosperous: For MPC, prosperity means that both the Northeastern Illinois region and all of its people are economically healthy and prepared for growth. MPC is focused on ensuring that everyone who lives and works in our region can provide for themselves and their families. We support commitments that bring resources, development, and fairly paid and quality jobs to all communities. 
• Sustainable: For MPC, sustainability means that our region meets the natural, human and financial needs of the present while improving conditions for future generations. MPC’s agenda supports ecological vitality, residents’ health and economic stability for the long term, and ensures that as things change, our region adapts. 
• Engaged and Responsible: For MPC, civic participation and effective government are cornerstones of our region’s viability. We drive policies that strengthen the participation and impact of residents in local and regional decisions. We also promote adaptive, collaborative, just and transparent governance at all levels.

How to apply:

Please send the following materials by email to:

Skyler Larrimore

manager@metroplanning.org

Metropolitan Planning Council

140 S. Dearborn, Suite 1400

Chicago, IL 60603

1) A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job being filled;

2) Your résumé; and

3) A short writing sample (2-3 pages)

4) Three professional references

Director, Planning and Design - University of Illinois at Chicago

Who: University of Illinois at Chicago

What: The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), a major urban research university with an operating budget of over $2.3 billion, is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Director of Planning and Design in the Office of Planning, Sustainability and Project Management. UIC serves over 33,000 students comprising what is among the most diverse student bodies in the nation with 16 colleges, the University Library and over 16,000 faculty and staff. UIC enrolled a record number of students at its campus again last fall, continuing a five-year upward trend. UIC operates the state’s major public medical center and serves as the principal educator of Illinois’ physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other health-care professionals. Visit UIC’s website (www.uic.edu) for more information.

The Office of Planning, Sustainability and Project Management (PSPM) is responsible, in collaboration with faculty, staff and students, for guiding the development of UIC’s physical campus and its sustainability initiatives in support of the University’s mission. This includes coordinating development of the campus master plan, initiating space and capital planning projects, overseeing the design and construction of new facilities and major renovation projects, setting forth UIC’s sustainability goals, developing programs to achieve the UIC Climate Commitments, maintaining campus facility records, and managing over 15 million square feet of space in 188 buildings across over 250 acres.

Associate - MUSE Community + Design

Who: MUSE Community + Design

What: Muse Community + Design (MUSE), is an innovative urban planning and public engagement firm founded in 2014 and located in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. We help communities manage change by creating plans, processes, and policies to implement a shared vision.

We are a busy and growing practice and seek to add a dynamic associate to our team who can help us communicate complex topics in fun and engaging ways. Approximately 80% of the work would be in support of client-based work; 20% is firm marketing including managing the firm’s social media presence and the preparation of proposals and related materials. We offer a generous benefit package and are committed to a high quality of work-life balance.

The ideal candidate will:

• Thrive working both independently and as part of a high-performing team, and have comfort managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment 
• Have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Be highly organized and self-motivated 
• Be a creative thinker and problem-solver 
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, and graphic) 
• Have a passion for working with neighborhoods and communities

The position is full-time and will be based at our office in Wicker Park. The position has an anticipated start date of April 13, 2020. Some night and weekend meetings are required. Starting salary is $50,000-$55,000 DOE. Benefits include company health insurance, monthly transit pass, matching retirement contributions, and paid-time off.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Passionate and perfectionist user of Adobe Creative suite 
• Ability to create graphics that are of the highest quality, on-brand, and consistent 
• Proficiency with MS Office, in particular Word and Excel, required 
• 1-3 years professional work experience preferably in a communications and/or community-facing role (e.g., outreach, events, organizing) 
• Experience creating and updating websites in WordPress 
• Demonstrated proficiency with social media 
• Proficiency in Google SketchUp desired 
• Proficiency in GIS desired 
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, communications, public policy or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides equivalent background sufficient to perform the position duties)

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and up to three (3) work samples (of which you are the primary author/creator) to Katrina Balog, Director of Operations, at katrina@musecommunitydesign.com with “Associate Position” in the subject line by Friday, March 6, 2020. The position will remain open until filled.

No phone calls, please.

Project Analyst - Full Circle Communities

Who: Full Circle Communities

What: Full Circle Communities, Inc., is a mission-driven non-profit developer and manager of affordable housing. We achieve our mission collaboratively – with our residents, our communities, our industry partners, and our fellow employees.

We look for committed and enthusiastic individuals who are energized by our mission and the challenges of creating and operating service-rich affordable housing. We invest in our team members’ growth as we expect them to invest in the organizations.

We are currently working on several exciting developments including a mixed-income development in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, an adaptive reuse of a school in Dubuque, IA for veterans and persons with disabilities, a major rehab of a portfolio of family housing in Kalamazoo, MI, and several cutting edge permanent supportive housing developments in Detroit, MI. See our website at http://www.fccommunities.org/ for more information.

Operations Associate - Illinois Housing Council

Who: Illinois Housing Council

What: The Illinois Housing Council (IHC) is a state-wide membership organization, created to promote the stabilization of communities through the production and preservation of affordable housing. IHC advances its mission through education, information and constructive relationships with state, local and federal officials. IHC has over 250 organizational members including over 1,500 individuals - consisting of owners, property managers, developers, financial institutions, investors, builders, subcontractors, local government, accountants, civic organizations, market analysts and consultants. IHC organizes over a dozen educational and networking events for our members throughout the year, including an annual conference and golf outing.

Position Description:

The Operations Associate will report directly to the Executive Director and will also work closely with the Manager of Programs and Membership. The position will have core responsibilities in the areas of event planning, program support, financial management, communications and special projects. Specific duties include:

• Directing the planning and logistics for all IHC events, including the annual conference, golf outing, networking events, and mixers. Identifying and securing venues and vendors; ordering set-up, supplies and catering; producing signage and marketing materials.
• Serving as the dedicated IHC point-person and overseeing member communications regarding member benefits and renewals, events, and finances and advising members on these issues. Managing the membership database best practices and maintenance.
• Identifying, developing, and exploring opportunities for IHC to improve its current events, programs and membership benefits with the Manager of Programs and Membership.
• Developing the content for IHC’s bi-weekly e-newsletter. Managing IHC’s website and social media accounts. Creating communications materials to support IHC’s strategic priorities including case studies, fact sheets, and marketing materials. Coordinating with graphic design consultants as needed.
• Managing day-to-day bookkeeping using QuickBooks, maintaining proper records for efficient and clear reporting, as well as processing of invoices/payments/deposits.
• Assisting with the preparation of and adherence to the IHC annual budget and preparing financial reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Optimizing office procedures and programs, and working with the Executive Director to identify and implement operational efficiencies and cost savings. Serving as the liaison to outside consultants for office operations.
• Participating regularly in IHC Committee meetings. Contributing to special projects for the Membership & Events Committee and IHC Legislative Committee.
• Providing general office support when needed, including but not limited to: answering and directing calls and e-mails, copying materials, making travel arrangements and hotel reservations.
• Other responsibilities to be determined based on the needs of the organization and the skills and experience of the chosen applicant.

This position is a key member of a small team and the chosen applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the organization.

Qualifications and Skills:

• The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of related experience in the nonprofit operations, event planning, or association management field.
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Experience in event planning
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Experience with QuickBooks and Word Press preferred
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, utilize independent decision-making, and exercise discretion in daily responsibilities
• Comfortable in a small office environment
• Interest in affordable housing/community development preferred

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package including health, dental, SIMPLE IRA, life insurance and access to pre-tax transit, FSA and dependent care accounts.

Senior Planner - City of Colorado Springs

Who: City of Colorado Springs

What: In this position, you will perform advanced planning duties by reviewing complex land development applications and performing redevelopment and comprehensive urban planning functions for the Planning and Community Services Department.

Transportation Planner - Sam Schwartz

Who: Sam Schwartz

What: Sam Schwartz is a cutting-edge planning and engineering firm known nationally for our ability to solve complex transportation and environmental problems with creative, multi-modal solutions. Our work includes diverse, high-profile projects around the country and we meet our clients’ needs through an interdisciplinary approach to planning and engineering.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a full time Transportation Planner for our Chicago office to be part of a dynamic team that provides a range of planning services for clients, including corridor studies, safety research and analysis, strategic planning, and community-wide multi-modal transportation plans. The planner will be part of an interdisciplinary team of consultants (planning, urban design, transportation engineering) and serve as a contributor on project tasks, including technical analysis; public and stakeholder outreach; and development of maps, reports, presentations, and graphics.

The successful candidate must have the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely through writing and graphical representation.

Development Associate - The Habitat Company

Who: The Habitat Company

What: The Habitat Company LLC (“Habitat”) is a leader in residential multi-family real estate management and development. We are looking for motivated, talented individuals to join our team as we pursue additional opportunities for the growth and development of our company. We are an organization of more than 800 team members operating in six states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Florida and Minnesota. We specialize in the asset management, property management and project management of market rate and affordable rentals, condominiums, student housing, public housing and commercial real estate.

At Habitat, we believe it is the quality and experience of our team members that make the difference. Our professional team provides us with depth of talent and ability that is central to our success. Habitat enjoys internal Centers of Excellence in the areas of Design & Construction, Leasing & Compliance, Transaction Legal, Insurance, Marketing, Property Management, Asset Management, Accounting, Finance and Information Technology, all of which combine to underpin Habitat’s platform form for unmatched Community Development.

The Development Associate will work in the Community Development Group, a division of Habitat Affordable. With a Chicago-based deal pipeline of more than 1,000 residential units and over 100,000 sf of commercial development, Habitat Affordable provides a platform for professional growth and success.

The Development Associate reports to the Director of Community Development, working under the Vice President of Community Development and Senior Vice President for Habitat Affordable Group, along with other heads of business lines and managers to assist in managing multiple phases of the real estate development process (e.g., due diligence, financial analysis, budgeting, and acquisitions analysis) for affordable, mixed-income and mixed-use real estate opportunities. The Development Associate will actively support the entire Habitat Affordable Group, Development Team on future and pipeline development deals in a substantial way that further the fruition of projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform market research, demographic studies, apartment database reviews, and competitive analysis Perform site selection analysis 
• Analyze Qualified Allocation Plans of various municipalities and or states 
• Coordinate and participate in multifunctional teams to analyze existing market conditions, unit mix, property and unit amenities and features, rental rates, and operational expenses at given properties 
• Develop a matrix of key competitors including property locations, specific amenities, and pricing in strategic markets and submarkets 
• Prepare and monitor pre-development budgets and schedules for proposed projects from the initial phases including land contract negotiation, entitlements, and building permit approvals to the commencement of construction 
• Research all relevant financial assumptions for underwriting including items such as all permitting fees, impact fees, taxes, etc. 
• Create financial models in conjunction with senior development team members. 
• Work with architects and contractors to develop project scope and parameters 
• Perform due diligence for partners and lenders 
• Assist in preparing LIHTC and other funding applications Prepare responses for solicitations requesting development proposals (RFP) 
• Assist the Development Team in preparing and presenting investment packages 
• Participate in consultant meetings through pre-development and development stages 
• Assist in preparing for meetings with municipalities, neighborhood groups, design teams, and public hearings throughout the entitlement and pre-development process 
• Assist in managing projects under construction to ensure compliance with federal, state and municipal development policies and procedures. 
• Assist in the transition of the projects from development to construction and construction to management 
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (Business Administration, Finance, or Real Estate preferred) 
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills 
• Knowledge of federal, state and municipal affordable housing development programs, including experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits is preferred 
• Experience working on the design and project planning for real estate development projects Strong financial and analytical skills required. 
• Accurate and detail orientated 
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential development information

EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years’ experience in multifamily acquisitions and development required 
• Experience in LIHTC and other affordable multifamily housing is preferred

Transportation Planner - City of Memphis/Shelby County

Who: City of Memphis/Shelby County

What: Works under general supervision of the Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Coordinator to assist in the development and implementation of transportation planning programs in the Memphis region. Works closely with public transportation providers, local governments, social service agencies, advocacy groups, and local communities to implement public transportation projects funded through federal programs for the general public.

Community Development Director - American Cancer Society

Who: American Cancer Society

What:

At the American Cancer Society, we're leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our singular mission: to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. We achieve our mission by drawing on our core values of integrity, compassion, courage, determination, and diversity.

It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

Leads execution against the region strategy for Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) events, and other community-based fundraising activities for a defined market-based geography. Accountable for significant income targets, as well as event-related mission and advocacy activities. Responsible for profits and loss management for assigned community development revenue activities, ensuring ROI targets are achieved. Manages a team of community development [managers]. Ensures engagement and mobilization of diverse constituents, staff and volunteers for the assigned market area in a prioritized and coordinated way to meet established market and regional objectives. Tier 1: Major Market - Top 50 market area Tier 2: Mid-Market area geography which includes nearby rural areas; position may be more management focused with less time on accounts/priority relationships

Director of Development and Communications - The MOM Project

Who: The MOM Project

What: The Mom Project is thrilled to partner with a Non-Profit in Downtown Chicago who is a faith-based organization that works with communities to address issues of racism and poverty. They are seeking a full-time (35 hour/week+ 1 day a week remote) Director of Development and Communications to join their team.

The typical work week for this role is from 9:30am-4pm Mon-Thurs in the office and Fridays are allocated for remote work capabilities. The client is very flexible if candidate requires additional scheduling needs.

Public Policy Manager - Lyft

Who: Lyft

What: At Lyft, community is who we are, it’s what we do, and it’s what makes us different. To create the best ride for all, we start in our own community, by creating an open, inclusive and diverse organization where all team members belong.

Lyft is looking for an experienced Public Policy Manager to join our fast-growing and fast-paced team! Based in a Lyft regional office in the Midwest, this position will manage our state and local policy efforts in Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and other Midwest states. This stellar policy expert will craft Lyft’s policy priorities, and work directly with elected officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders at all levels of government. They will deal with regulatory and government issues as a pivotal part of our expansion, building out Lyft’s brand, and growing our markets. Come join the exciting ride!