Welcome to CUPPA Careers!

The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at UIC is the University of Illinois System's home for the study of public policy and contemporary urban challenges. We are CUPPA.

In the heart of Chicago, we offer degrees in fields of study that can change your life and change the world. CUPPA students and alumni are uniquely skilled to build and transform sustainable urban neighborhoods and communities and to address the challenges presented in the 21st century. Find our more about our Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees at cuppa.uic.edu.

Follow our job postings below and our national job tweets at @CUPPACareers. For student internships and student opportunities, head to the CUPPA Student Opportunities Blog

Have a job or internship to post? Send an email with the title, location, job description, and contact information to cuppa@uic.edu

Project Coordinator - Resource Innovations

Who: Resource Innovations

What: Resource Innovations is an environmental consulting company specializing in energy and water efficiency and focused on helping and empowering people to make smart energy choices. With deep roots in energy efficiency program design and implementation, Resource Innovations is leading the industry with innovative program solutions, working with community organizations toward a collaborative economy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Resource Innovations is seeking a Project Coordinator to join our team in Chicago, Illinois. You will support the coordination of projects and programs providing incentive funding for energy efficiency projects, Industrial Outreach Service Professionals, and Project engineering teams. Working within a program-specific team, the key role of a Project Coordinator is to drive the work supporting the team’s processes which showcase the energy savings achieved for clients. This includes project tracking, scheduling, invoicing, performing quality control reviews, drafting summary reports, and writing proposals.

Candidates must have strong communication and time management skills with experience coordinating multiple high-quality deliverables on tight deadlines. Successful candidates will be proactive in developing new solutions and processes, adaptable to change and enjoy working in a dynamic environment.

SNAP Case Manager - TCA Health Inc.

Who: TCA Health Inc.

What: SNAP Case Manager Works closely with the program Coordinator and clients who have been referred by DHS to participate in the Employment & Training Program (E&T).

Assistant Director of Community Development - Office of Alderman Dan La Spata

Who: Office of Alderman Dan La Spata

What: Description: Alderman Daniel La Spata seeks an equity minded, hardworking and task-oriented person to serve as the Assistant Director of Community Development of the 1st Ward, reporting directly to the 1st Ward Chief of Staff. They are responsible for operation and implementation of internal and external administrative duties including office budget, letters of support and Aldermanic scheduling. They maintain relationships with 1st Ward senior citizens, Chicago Park District, volunteer neighborhood associations, individuals experiencing homelessness, CAPS office and restorative justice groups.

Assistant Village Planner - Village of Morton Grove

Who: Village of Morton Grove

What: The Village of Morton Grove, Illinois, is seeking an entry-level planner to assist the Department of Community and Economic Development with a variety of planning, zoning, and development activities. The Department supports long-range planning activities, zoning administration, and community and economic development initiatives. The Department works closely with other Village departments, developers, property owners, builders, investors, public agencies to achieve its department objectives and the common vision for the Village of Morton Grove.

The Assistant Village Planner will, under the direction of the Land Use Planner:
  • Serve as the initial point of contact on zoning and compliance inquiries 
  • Review permit applications for zoning compliance 
  • Review plans and proposals for new development 
  • Help prepare Zoning Board of Appeals and Plan Commission agendas, case materials, and staff reports 
  • Attend and participate in public meetings held by Village Boards and Commissions (evening meeting attendance required) 
  • Research and report on issues relating to land use and economic development to help shape Village regulation and policy 
  • Participate in long-range planning projects, business outreach, and community development initiatives Produce graphics and exhibits to support 
  • Department reports and projects Assist the Department of Community and Economic Development as needed and directed to carry out department responsibilities
The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2 years private or public sector planning experience OR a Master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, or administration. In addition, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:
  • Knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of urban planning, economic development, and land use regulation 
  • Clear and professional writing skills 
  • Attention to detail 
  • Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills 
  • Ability to make accurate mathematic calculations 
  • Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement 
  • Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite desired
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample no later than 5:00 PM (CST) on Friday, August 7, 2020. Writing samples should be no longer than 5-10 pages in length. Technical and academic writing samples preferred. A planning portfolio (less than 10 MB) may be submitted, but is not required.

Salary range $43,000 - $47,000 DOQ. IMRF pension and excellent benefit package included.

Mailed applications must be postmarked on or before August 7, 2020, in order to be considered. Applications may be emailed to commdev@mortongroveil.org or mailed to:

Department of Community & Economic Development 
Village of Morton Grove 
6101 Capulina Avenue 
Morton Grove, Illinois 60053

For more information, please visit https://www.mortongroveil.org/government/employment-opportunities/.

Economic Development Manager - Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

Who: Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

What: The mission of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is to create and support a thriving business environment, contributing to a vibrant Edgewater community. We organize and present marketing, education, networking, and advocacy programs to increase commercial activity and strengthen existing businesses and Chamber members in the Edgewater community. Founded in 1984, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization and the Edgewater Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting organization, serving the Edgewater business community.

Community Project Coordinator - Hamline Midway Coalition

Who: Hamline Midway Coalition

What: As part of the District Council system of the City of Saint Paul, the Hamline Midway Coalition fosters citizen participation in government and community decisions that make our neighborhood a great place to live, work, learn, and play. HMC helps to identify and organize around community-based initiatives, develops leadership among residents, and strives to create social capital -- with a particular emphasis on expanding access to and representative voice for marginalized community members. The Hamline Midway Coalition also serves as a communication network in the neighborhood, providing information and resources to stakeholders.

Description of the Role:

The Community Project Coordinator will work across disciplines and with a diverse range of community members to increase Hamline Midway’s vitality through community development efforts and neighborhood activation while participating and leading a wide variety of projects. Additional responsibilities will include communications and administrative management.

Principal Functions:

1. Serve as lead coordinator for neighborhood projects + initiatives (65%)
  • Coordinate and co-lead ongoing projects 
    • Neighborhood Investment Cooperative 
    • 10-Year Neighborhood plan 
    • Grant-funded projects 
    • Transportation and Development projects 
  •  Serve as liaison between HMC and resident-led groups to plan and support neighborhood projects. 
    • Community Gardens + Parks + Sustainability 
    • Block Clubs 
    • Mini-Grant Program 
  • Lead small and large group meetings to gain consensus and advance neighborhood initiatives. 
    • Attend and participate in community programs and meetings. 
    • Expand outreach and engagement to ensure broad, inclusive representation in defining and implementing neighborhood initiatives 
  • Work with HMC staff and residents to plan and support community-based events. 
    • Recruit and coordinate volunteers, as needed 
    • Assist in grant and fundraising efforts Staff HMC’s Committee Meetings (Development, Transportation, Environment) 
2. Communications (25%)
  • Assist in drafting content for monthly e-newsletter and print mailings 
  • Develop communications content including flyers and articles 
  • Assist in submitting monthly updates + articles to the local newspaper 
  • Collaborate with staff on various means of neighborhood communication and respond to calls from neighbors on a variety of neighborhood and citywide issues. 
  • Post on social media channels
3. Organizational Support (10%)
  • Assist in providing staff support for committees including logistics, assembling, and distributing meeting agendas and minutes. 
  • Assist staff with regular administrative duties including record-keeping and correspondence. 
  • Assist staff with maintaining organizational Google groups, database, calendars, and shared documents. 
  • Assist the Executive Director with special projects.
Skills and Experience
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment. 
  • Demonstrated ability and commitment to intercultural communication. 
  • Committed to furthering the organization’s work to racial and social justice. 
  • Interest in and understanding of neighborhood development and urban planning. 
  • Solid time management skills; ability to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and function independently. 
  • Must have demonstrated experience managing multiple projects at once. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with strong attention to detail. 
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to independently and thoroughly seek out answers to problems and questions. 
  • Passionate about neighborhood development, resident participation, and the idea of people working together to create positive change. 
  • Has demonstrated vision and creativity. 
  • Personable and positive attitude, both within the office and out in the community. 
  • Proficient in computer programs such as G-Suite and Microsoft applications. 
  • Graphic design experience + email marketing experience will be looked upon favorably. 
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, in order to attend community meetings and events. 
  • Background in community planning, community development, and/or economic development is preferred. 
  • At least three years of relevant experience.
Salary Range: $43,000-46,000/year. Includes generous PTO and health care stipend.

To apply: Submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position to apply@HamlineMidway.org

Research Analyst - Chicago Fed

Who: Chicago Fed

What: The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has an immediate opening for a Research Analyst in the Community Development and Policy Studies (CDPS) division of the Economic Research Department. CDPS works to improve the socioeconomic prospects of low- and moderate-income people in part by working with community leaders to bring development and reinvestment opportunities to underserved communities. If you are looking for a career opportunity that allows you to address current community development issues, work alongside policy experts, and grow your skills in a diverse work environment, we encourage you to apply and learn more about this role.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Community and Economic Development, you will perform and support research and analysis on public policy and community development issues at an intermediate level. You will prepare analysis to support department projects, compile statistical data and prepare forecasts and develop recommendations and presentations on topics studied. You will also contribute to project teams and apply broad knowledge of analytical concepts, practices and procedures to complete assignments and projects.