Associate Planner/Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Who: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)

What: This Associate role will produce analyses and develop recommendations on a variety of topics relevant to ON TO 2050, with special emphasis on work related to issues of economic development, climate, transportation, and/or equity and inclusive growth. Immediate assignments could include analysis of the 2020 Census and its impact on the region’s Economically Disconnected Areas, policies to promote infill and community reinvestment, or implementation activities supporting the Fees, Fines, and Fares project. Longer-term assignments will include research and analysis to implement other aspects of CMAP’s policy and programming agenda depending on both agency need and the skills and interests of the selected candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Manages or assists on project teams as assigned, conducting high quality analyses and preparing planning and policy recommendations and reports.  
• Contributes research, data collection, data quality assurance, and data contextualization through analysis, data visualization, and writing to policy analysis and development projects, and assists in other project-related tasks.  
• Effectively communicates technical information to external and internal audiences orally, in writing, and in presentation form.
• Supports outreach for policy analysis projects, including strategy development, coordinating, planning, attending, and leading meetings with external partners and stakeholders, including agendas, meeting notices, meeting notes, and / or minutes and correspondence. 
• Works to support external consideration of projects with Government Affairs and Communications staff and contributes effectively to various efforts to promote policies and projects to broader audiences (e.g.,  through policy analysis of legislation, editing and distillation of content, visualization, video, or social media development). 
• Contributes to other work plan items as assigned, such as research and development of new policy topics and approaches or plan implementation. 
• Attends internal department meetings as well as external committee meetings, outreach events, and workshops as assigned. 
• Builds and maintains positive relations with external partners, stakeholders, and communities.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered)

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in urban public policy, public administration, planning, economics, statistics, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of two years of experience is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES including competencies that may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position. 

  Thorough knowledge of public policy, urban and/or regional planning practice, and an understanding of environmental, social, land use, and transportation considerations in planning. 

• Strong working understanding of the data provided by the Census Bureau and its limitations.
• Skill in general principles of research, data collection and analysis, and technical writing and data visualization. 
• Skill in statistics and the use of spreadsheets, databases, and geospatial tools like ArcGIS. Knowledge of programming languages like R or python preferred. 
• Ability to work successfully under limited supervision and develop subject matter expertise.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, community or civic leaders, public sector officials and staff, partner agencies and organizations, and the general public.

Apply here.

Management Analyst, Village of Libertyville

Who: Village of Libertyville

What: The Village of Libertyville, IL (20,800), a northern suburb of Chicago, is seeking to fill a full time opening for a Management Analyst in Administration and Finance Department.  The Village provides a challenging work environment that encourages, rewards, and recognizes employees for hard work, responsibility, and innovation in the performance of their jobs of delivering quality services and programs. This entry level public administration position will provide professional administrative assistance to the Administration and Finance Department. The Management analyst supports various aspects of Village operations which includes developing and implementing the Village’s communication plan and strategy, budgeting, human resources and policy development analysis. The position will also be responsible for special projects as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Completes routine and special assignments by conducting studies and surveys, writing reports, assembling materials, attending meetings and making presentations.
• Participates in the preparation of the annual department Budget.  Prepares supporting documents as needed.
• Participates in the preparation, review, assembly and distribution of Village Board Committee and Board Commission agenda packets.
• Assists with managing Village communications including social media platforms
• Coordinates updates to the Village website assuring all information is timely, accurate and literate. 
• Develops and edits articles for the Village’s quarterly Newsletter, monthly employee newsletter and weekly e-newsletter.
• Assists in the management of various special projects.
• Answers general questions from the public concerning department matters and, when directed, participates in the investigation and resolution of citizen complaints.
• Maintains regular contact with counterparts in other local governments to coordinate activities and furnish or obtain information related to policies, procedures, programs, rules and regulations.
• Assists with responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Coordinates general liability insurance claims.
• Assists with administration of employee policies and procedures
• Provides general administrative support to the department, which may include preparing documents, filing, scheduling meetings, transcribing minutes, etc.
• Serves as a liaison to various Commissions and Committees as assigned.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and Experience: Must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in public administration or related field with a master's degree preferred and a minimum of one-year municipal government experience. Required Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of: • Municipal management and legislative processes, including budget process and procedures as well as financial management. • General computer operations including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office. • Applicable laws and ordinances related to municipal government operations. • Record management principles and practices. • Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person, in writing and over the telephone. Skills in: • Business writing including written correspondence, report writing, and general communications. • Project management, policy analysis and program evaluation. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Village employees, elected officials and the public. • Ability to work beyond regular workday, including attending evening meetings and responding to emergencies as required. • Ability to speak in meetings and publicly both with preparation and without. • Ability to be detail oriented while facing multiple deadlines without losing control of projects or missing deadlines. • Ability to work independently with only general direction. • Ability to read, comprehend and analyze complex proposals, contracts and reports. • Ability to apply problem solving principles to resolve common and unusual problems in situations where only limited guidelines exist. • Ability to respond to diverse questions quickly and effectively either with direct answers or referral to other sources of information. • Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

Apply here.

Planning Analyst, Metra

Who: Metra Regional Rail

What: Reporting directly to the Department Head, Long Range Planning, the Planning Analyst will serve as lead Metra representative in various station area planning studies. Perform planning activities in support of Metra's strategic planning efforts and other regional, corridor, and station planning studies of the Metra rail system including planning for major capital expansion projects.  Participates in and executes elements of commuter rail planning studies. Research various proposals, initiatives, and regulatory guidelines. Collaborate with other departments to facilitate projects; provide analytical data and other support to Metra departments and outside agencies and represent Metra at regional committees and task forces. Perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

Apply here by 5/29.

Project Manager, Community Development Strategies (Chicago)

Who: Community Development Strategies

What: This is an opportunity for a new team member to develop into an advisor delivering industry-focused services. You will work side-by-side with the company’s owner to serve clients and build the business, having a direct impact on the company’s success. CDS has the ability to offer you professional growth, flexibility in how and where you complete assignments and meaningful, satisfying work.

Responsibilities:

• Developing and managing project timelines and action items lists
• Systematically ensuring deadlines are met
• Researching data from multiple sources, creating spreadsheets and summary assessments
• Coordinating due diligence and work by other contractors
• Drafting applications for tax credits and other federal, state and local funding sources
• Preparing meeting agendas, leading meetings, coordinating workflow
• Maintaining detailed and organized project files
• Drafting project summaries and reports
• Reviewing program regulations for compliance
• Completing weekly and monthly reporting

Qualifications:

Experience Required: Two years of experience and a bachelor’s degree or a master’ degree in Urban

Planning, Real Estate Finance, Economics, Public Policy/Administration, Business Administration.

Apply by please submitting a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to humanresources@commdevstrategies.com. 

Planner Intermediate, State of Minnesota

Who: State of Minnesota

What: This one-year temporary unclassified position that may be extended up to two years pending funding. To provide professional planning support and analysis related to for the Office of Transit and Active Transportation’s public transit planning activities. To support coordination with partners and provide coordination for implementation of initiatives tied to transit in Minnesota and within MnDOT.

Responsibilities:

To provide professional planning support and analysis related to for the Office of Transit and Active Transportation’s public transit planning activities. To support coordination with partners and provide coordination for implementation of initiatives tied to transit in Minnesota and within MnDOT.

Qualifications:

One-year professional planning experience that demonstrates the following below:

** Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy, or Public Health substitutes for one year of experience.

• Knowledge of basic theory and practice of planning and/or transportation
• Knowledge of statistical analysis with spreadsheets or database applications
• Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to prepare written documents and establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research techniques
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, etc.)
• Organizational skills to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Apply here.

Economic Development Coordinator, City of Chicago

Who: City of Chicago

What: Under direction, the Economic Development Coordinator manages and directs staff engaged in economic development activities, developing strategies and negotiating business agreements to promote and stimulate economic growth within the City of Chicago; and performs related duties as required.

Responsibilities:

Assigns and supervises the work of professional staff and private consultants engaged in researching industry trends and identifying future development opportunities
Develops and implements strategies, programs, and incentives to stimulate economic and business growth, ensure industries remain current with trends and develop future economic markets
Plans and supervises the conduct of land use studies and the compilation and analysis of survey data identifying business opportunities with the greatest economic development potential in the City
Oversees the preparation of requests for proposals announcing development opportunities within the City
Evaluates complex development proposals of substantial magnitude and potential economic impact submitted by prospective developers for feasibility, incentive requests, and compliance with City development goals and prepares recommendations and submits for review by the appropriate legislative body
Provides technical assistance and works with businesses in obtaining financing and tax incentives for very large and major redevelopment agreements
Develops marketing strategies and assists in securing funds to promote Chicago as a viable business location
Functions as a liaison to governmental agencies, other City departments, and public and private agencies relative to collaborative projects
Monitors legislation that may affect the economy as well as the City’s economic development programs and prepares position on same

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban planning, or a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, supplemented by five years of experience in business development, industrial development, or economic development, and two years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Apply here.

Sustainability and Resilience Coordinator, City of Evanston

Who: City of Evanston, Illinois

What: Evanston has a long track record of leading nationally on climate action and social justice activism. This position will serve as the primary staff lead on the community-wide implementation of the City’s unanimously adopted Climate Action and Resilience Plan. This plan established a framework of achieving equitable carbon neutrality by 2050, Zero Waste by 2050, 100% Renewable Electricity by 2030 and preparing the community for the impacts of the accelerating climate crisis. Implementation of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan will center on racial equity and the experiences of historically marginalized communities when developing programs, policies and plans.  This position will be heavily focused on engaging the Evanston community regarding environmental initiatives. The position will work closely with key community partners, all City departments, elected officials and will be part of the City Manager’s Office and report to the Deputy City Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Lead community-wide implementation of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP)
• Facilitate the integration of climate, resilience and sustainability initiatives into all City-operations, programs, plans and policies
• Lead integration of racial equity into all climate, sustainability and resilience programming, policy and planning
• Collaborate with the Health and Human Services Department, the Fire Department and community organizations to conduct a community climate risk and vulnerability assessment
• Coordinate the development and implementation of comprehensive affordable housing retrofit programs to increase energy efficiency, strengthen building climate resilience and improve community health indicators
• Lead implementation of Environmental Justice policies and programs
• Coordinate the implementation of the community solar program, community electricity aggregation program and energy and water benchmarking ordinance
• Develop and lead an internal City staff climate action task force
• Actively collaborate and co-create policy and programs with community based organizations, frontline organizations and community leaders
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Environment Board, regularly attend other relevant board, committee and commission meetings
• Partner with the Public Works Agency to ensure infrastructure (roads, transit, vegetation, stormwater, lakefront, open spaces, natural areas, buildings, etc.) projects enhance community resilience to climate change
• Collaborate with the Community Development Department to establish policies and programs that strengthen the resilience of the community’s built environment, including private development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Manage compliance with external commitments including CDP, GCoM, and participation in Climate Mayors as needed
• Convene large employers in the community in order to work collaboratively to deepen their impact and commitment to the City’s climate goals
• Collaborate with internal and external workforce development partners to integrate workforce development into climate/sustainability initiatives
• Participate in regional and national learning groups and professional networks and organizations
• Support Administrative Services and Public Works Agency in implementation of the Municipal Operations Zero Emissions Strategy
• Establish an internal City-staff energy team to manage municipal energy agreements and building energy and emissions reductions
• Support strategic negotiations with the City’s utility partners to achieve the City’s Climate Action and Resilience goals including with ComEd and Nicor Gas
• Regularly represent the City at external conferences, events and programs
• Attend and present information at public meetings including City Council and relevant boards, committees and commissions; meetings are often after normal work hours and on weekends

Qualifications:

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural or environmental science or studies, sociology, sustainability studies, public policy, or a substantially similar area.
• Must possess five (5) or more years of work experience in sustainability policy, program development, community organizing, research and analysis, or project management. Experience working in or with local government is preferred. 
• Must be able to travel to off-site meeting locations as required.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
  • Considerable knowledge of issues, laws and regulations related to all areas of sustainability, including resource conservation, transportation, pollution prevention and public health protection, and community and economic development.
  • Knowledge of racial and social equity and the ways in which historical inequities further marginalize communities of color, immigrant communities and lower income populations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including making presentations to a variety of audiences throughout the City and community.
  • Ability to research new initiatives and implement in a seamless fashion.
  • Ability to identify, analyze and problem solve, assisting departments in incorporating sustainable practices into the organization.
  • Ability to develop, manage, implement and evaluate projects and programs.
  • Ability to provide effective project management oversight.
  • Ability to interact effectively with City staff, the public, and City boards and commissions.

 

Apply here.

Planner (Entry-Level), St. Louis County

Who: St. Louis County

What: St. Louis County is currently seeking a planning professional to work on a variety of tasks. For more information regarding Department of Planning, please visit https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/planning. The typical starting salary range is between $40,539.20 - $48,651.20 annually depending on the candidate's qualifications as well as budgetary considerations.

Responsibilities:

• Research, compile and analyze data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use, and prepare graphic and narrative reports.

• Confer with civic and local municipal leaders and other authorities to devise and recommend arrangements of land and physical facilities for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.

• Prepare and provide reports and data to support the governmental recommendations affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, and housing and transportation to control and guide community development and renewal.

• Educate and assist citizens to increase awareness of existing conditions, solicit their input and address their concerns.

• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field with two years of planning experience or a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field.  

Apply here.

Project Analyst, Johnson Consulting

Who: Johnson Consulting is a nationally recognized real estate consulting firm specializing in market and financial feasibility studies, economic impact studies, operational audits, and strategic planning for public assembly facilities, including sports facilities, convention centers, hotels, performing arts centers, and fairgrounds. We also provide expertise on complex traditional real estate districts, public-private partnerships, downtown master plans, tourism destination strategies, TIF projects, and the utilization of alternative funding strategies to execute development projects. Our clients consist of government entities, authorities, colleges and universities, private developers, professional and amateur sports organizations, arts and cultural organizations, and economic development agencies. 

What: The Project Analyst is responsible for conducting data collection and analysis, financial modeling, demand forecasting, market assessments, and other research activities that will support the team's work. The Project Analyst will take a leadership role in the documentation of the team’s observations, analysis, and conclusions and the creation of client deliverables. The Project Analyst will work closely with other members of the project team and will play an active role in schedule management and client relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Performs data collection and analysis including economic and demographic research, real estate market analysis, leading and documenting in-person and virtual interviews and focus groups, survey design and analysis, site analysis, space planning, and other research within the company’s established methodologies
• Creates reports, presentations, and other deliverables that concisely summarize observations, analyze data, draw conclusions, and make strategic recommendations in order to meet client expectations
• Coordinates project activities including corresponding with clients, scheduling or participating in meetings, and tracking project action items
• Meets regularly with and provides support for the project executive and project manager
• Attends virtual and in-person project meetings, including occasional overnight travel to locations throughout the United States
• Performs quality control activities that ensure error-free reporting to clients
• Participates in business development activities to include article writing, conference attendance, and prospective client tracking or follow-up
• Performs additional duties as assigned with the effort and skills required to contribute to our continued growth

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years minimum work experience in finance, economics, hospitality, real estate, urban planning, sports management or equivalent
• High level of interest in public assembly facility and hospitality development

• Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Powerpoint, and Word
• Esri and/or other GIS and mapping programs
• CoStar and/or other real estate market data systems
• Data analysis and visualization, graphic design, and graphical communication
• Analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Group facilitation and presentation skills
• Understanding of real estate, finance, and accounting principles
• Articulated support for the firm's mission, values, and operating paradigm
• Demonstrated commitment to client satisfaction
• Strong commitment to ethical business practices
• Proven adaptability, flexibility, and creativity
• Demonstrated ability to thrive within a team structure
• Ability to work independently to prioritize and respond to day-to-day issues as required
• Self-starter, well organized, efficient

Apply here.

Solutions Specialist, Mountain Ltd.

Who: Mountain Ltd, Since 1979, MOUNTAIN, LTD. has successfully created and supported turnkey engineering solutions for traditional and wireless telecom providers across the United States. We are a national leader in the industry, providing high-quality engineering, on-time service delivery, and skilled personnel paired with innovative technology and creative solutions. Specialties include OSP/ISP engineering, design, permitting, right-of-way and CAD for traditional and wireless telecommunications companies.

What: The Solution Specialist for Site Acquisition will perform site identification, leasing, zoning and permitting services on wireless site development projects. The ideal candidate should be comfortable meeting landowners and have an interest in Real Estate and/or Telecommunications.

Responsibilities:

• Confirming jurisdictions and verifying permit application process  • Preparing permit package submittals

• Following up for permit reviews, addressing resubmittal requirements

• Corresponding with GC's to complete registration requirements

• Submitting check and credit card requests to pay for permits 

• Updating internal trackers with forecasted dates and substantive comments  

• Submission of applications to tower companies  • Completing SCIP visits 

• Attending A&E walks, as necessary

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Land Use, Urban Planning or related field. 

• 1-3 years of professional experience in a related field.

• Proficient in MS Office, Google Drive, Adobe and Google Earth.

• Valid US driver’s license and safe driving record.

Apply here.

Management Analyst, Village of Libertyville

Who: Village of Libertyville, Illinois

What: The Village of Libertyville is seeking to fill a full time opening for a Management Analyst in the Fire Department. The Village provides a challenging work environment that encourages, rewards, and recognizes employees for hard work, responsibility, and innovation in the performance of their jobs of delivering quality services and programs. This entry level public administration position will provide professional administrative and technical assistance to the Fire Department in the areas of advanced office administration, budget and capital planning; program analysis and policy development; customer service and communications; and purchasing. The position will provide general support and assistance to all areas of the Fire Department, as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Participates in the preparation of the annual department Budget. Prepares supporting documents as needed.
• Completes routine and special assignments by conducting studies and surveys, writing reports, assembling materials and attends meetings.
• Assists with information technology initiatives for the Department and maintenance of Fire Department related software programs.
• Supports the department’s purchasing process by reviewing past purchases, programs and services provided contractually, and using this information to develop purchasing documents, including bids.
• Participates in the preparation, review, assembly and distribution of Village Board and Committee agenda packets.
• Assists with updates to the department’s website assuring all information is timely, accurate and literate. 
• Develops and edits articles for the Village Newsletter.
• Maintains regular contact with counterparts in other local governments to coordinate activities and furnish or obtain information related to policies, procedures, programs, rules and regulations.
• Will staff the front desk for the Fire Department and answer and route phone calls and walk-in inquiries.
• Answers general questions from the public concerning department matters and, when directed, participates in the investigation and resolution of citizen complaints.
• Provides general administrative support to the department, which may include preparing documents, filing, scheduling meetings, transcribing minutes, etc.
• Compose, type, edit and proofread legal notices, correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other material requiring judgment as to content and attention to accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with troubleshooting issues with mobile data terminal tablets and laptop computers.
• Maintain and update EMS reporting, fire inspections, and mobile response software as needed.
• Process Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests made to the Department by coordinating with Village FOIA Officer, communicating with requester, researching records, and preparing responses.
• Maintains ambulance reports, process ambulance billing, and act as liaison between the Village and the ambulance billing service.
• Assist at special events conducted by the Department which may require working evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Assist with accounts payable and monitoring of accounts and expenses; prepare forms to pay invoices and maintain Department supply inventories.
• Maintain a working office environment, including ordering supplies and monitoring the proper functions of office machines.
• File documents and manage office filing systems and historical documents.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in public administration or related field with a master's degree preferred and a minimum of one-year municipal government experience. 

Knowledge of: • Municipal management and legislative processes, including budget process and procedures as well as financial management. • General computer operations including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. • Applicable laws and ordinances related to municipal government operations. • Basic Fire Department Operations. • Record management principles and practices. Skills in: • Business writing including written correspondence, report writing, and general communications. • Project management, policy analysis and program evaluation. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Village employees, elected officials and the public. • Ability to work beyond regular workday, including attending evening meetings. • Ability to speak in meetings and publicly both with preparation and without. • Ability to be detail oriented while facing multiple deadlines without losing control of projects or missing deadlines. • Ability to work independently with only general direction. • Ability to read, comprehend and analyze complex proposals, contracts and reports. • Ability to apply problem solving principles to resolve common and unusual problems in situations where only limited guidelines exist. • Ability to respond to diverse questions quickly and effectively either with direct answers or referral to other sources of information. • Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

Apply here.