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

GIS Analyst - Village of Schaumburg, IL

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.  This position will remain open until filled.

STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $75,244.00 - $83,709.00 annually dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is $75,244.00 - $109,104.00.

Please attach as part of your application all necessary documents verifying that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position assists with maintaining the village’s Geographic Information System (GIS), including updating GIS-related data, preparing exhibits and thematic maps, providing technical support, and training to departmental GIS users, and maintaining web map services.  

To succeed in this role, applicants will need to effectively and clearly communicate to a full range of people and have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels with sound judgement.  We are looking to add a team member capable of managing and prioritizing multiple projects with thoroughness and accuracy.

Full description and application available here.

Program Manager - Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

Introduction – Old Town Merchants and Residents Association 

The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is a 501(c)(6) community organization that functions simultaneously as a chamber of commerce and residential association in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. Our goal is to continue Old Town’s evolution as a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and laugh. The association organizes events through the year, including the Wells Street Art Festival and Networking events. OTMRA is a delegate agency of the City of Chicago and the Sole Service Provider for Special Service area #48. 

Introduction – Special Service Area #48 – Old Town

 Special Service Areas (SSAs) are locally controlled, locally funded taxing districts used for local community development. They are governed by local taxpayers, and the funds generated are used for programs related to public way beautification and maintenance, enhanced security, snow removal and landscaping services. 

Old Town SSA #48 was established on December 9, 2009, and was reconstituted in 2018. On January 1, 2019, the boundaries of SSA #48 were expanded and granted a 15-year extension. There are eight active Commissioners. 

Job Description Summary 

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Program Manager oversees the operations of Special Service Area #48 and ensure that all services and programs are effectively managed and implemented. The Program Manager is an employee of the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association with primary duties and responsibilities to SSA #48. The interaction of these entities reflects a ‘checks and balances’ approach that supports transparency and accountability. Communication and respect are the hallmarks of a successful SSA.

Interviews targeted to start the week of 12/11/2023 

Please email cover letter and resume to otmra@oldtownchicago.org. Full Description also available here.

Sustainable Transportation Programming Manager - City of Seattle, WA

Salary: $43.89 - $65.83 Hourly
Job Type: Temporary, Benefit Eligible
Department: Seattle Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 11/21/2023
Closing Date: 12/12/2023 at 4:00 PM Pacific
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Number: 2023-02055

Position Description

Vision: Seattle is a thriving and equitable community powered by dependable transportation.
 
Mission: To deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities.

Full description and application are available here.

Senior Policy Analyst - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

Salary: $74,300.00 - $85,000.00 Annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Opening Date: 11/21/2023

Closing Date: 12/5/2023 at 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Number: 23-19850

Location: 10 Park Plaza, Boston


At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Full description and application are available here.

Project Coordinator (Solid Waste Diversion) - Department of Streets & Sanitation (Chicago)

Job Posting

: Nov 8, 2023, 12:00:00 AM 

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

: Nov 22, 2023, 11:59:00 PM
Salary: $65,688.00 

Pay Basis

Yearly

This position will support the department’s material management diversion programs, including its recycling, composting, and source reduction programs.


Full description and application available here by searching for job number 859823.

Associate Position - Cityfi

Full description and application available here

About the Role

We are seeking a self-driven, highly competent US-based Associate (location flexible). This individual will be responsible for:

Project Management

  • Developing project strategies with project managers and directors.
  • Designing and confirming project plans, workstreams, and deadlines
  • Supporting the execution of project plans and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and with the highest quality. 
  • Taking on project tasks that may include writing, editing, and building presentations.
  • Maintaining and monitoring project plans, project timelines, and budgets
  • Providing administrative support as needed - billing, subcontractor/vendor management, invoicing, etc.
  • Facilitating and documenting internal and client meetings, and converting to action steps.
  • Handling and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously

Program Associate - Shared-Use Mobility Center

Date Opened: November 15, 2023

Date Closing: December 31, 2023 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Position Details: Full-time salaried position with benefits. Salary range dependent on qualifications: $50,000 - $65,000

Location: Based in Chicago or Los Angeles area , with hybrid remote/in-office work location model


General Overview: 


The Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) is a non-profit public interest organization promoting multimodal transportation systems that work for all. Through pilot projects, research, capacity-building, and advocacy, SUMC helps communities realize a vision of an equitable and sustainable mobility future.


SUMC is expanding its research, convening, and technical assistance efforts through partnerships with the Federal Transit Administration, the State of California, and other public partners.  In particular, the Mobility Innovation Collaborative is a partnership with the Federal Transit Administration to support transit agencies, cities, and regions across the nation in adopting innovative, multimodal mobility solutions, encompassing mobility-on-demand, automation, new payment and data approaches, and improvements to transit access and information.


Full description and application are available here.

Associate Transportation Planner - WSP

This Opportunity

As a world-wide leader of transportation consulting and planning services, we invite you to be a part of this future. Our Transportation and Environmental Planning Team in Portland, Oregon is looking for a full-time Associate Transportation Planner to join our team and support and grow our diverse range of transportation planning services. Our current projects include congestion pricing, multi-modal transportation and high-capacity transit planning, new mobility, and major infrastructure modernization. We offer a hybrid work model with three days in our office and up to two days working from home or another location of your choice each week. 

Full description and application available here. Additional opportunities with WSP are available on their full job board.

Senior Environmental Planner - WSP

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full Time Senior Environmental Planner for our Honolulu, HI Office! Be involved in projects with our Advisory & Planning Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.

Provides technical environmental planning assistance to minimize the environmental impacts of commercial, industrial, utility, transmission, development, infrastructure, construction, pipeline, and/or transportation related projects.  Tasks may include providing support and guidance for multi-site/phase environmental permitting projects, site and impact assessment, restoration, land use management plans, public involvement, and ensuring environmental regulatory compliance.  Substantiates documentation to advise on project areas by applying and integrating urban and regional planning with a focus on sustainability.  Assists project leadership with environmental impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy development, permitting, and/or restoration activities. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Full description and application are available here. Additional opportunities with WSP can be found on their full job board.

Sr. Environmental Planner, Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting Team - WSP

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a full time Sr. Environmental Planner for our Northwest Pacific District.  The successful candidate will report to one of the following locations:  Portland OR, Seattle, WA, or Bend, OR.  Be involved in projects with our Earth and Environment Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. 

Provides high level technical assistance and guidance for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of natural resources.  Provides support and guidance for environmental permitting projects across multiple sectors with a focus on renewable energy and transmission.  Ensures that documentation and recommendations accurately describe the results of analyses and addresses environmental impact and complies with applicable laws, regulations, and policies suitable for permit documentation.  Assists project leadership with environmental impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy development, permitting, and/or restoration activities.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Full description and application are available here. Additional Opportunities with WSP can be found on their full job board.

GIS Analyst, Data Analysis - Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)

GIS Analyst I:   $49,801-$74,702
GIS Analyst II:  $60,506-$90,759
GIS Analyst III: $66,739-$100,108
*Depending On Qualifications, with annual performance-based merit increase program
First Review of Applications: December 5, 2023 (open until filled)
Role and Responsibilities

SEMCOG (EOE) is seeking two (2) experienced professionals with relevant Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience to join the Data Analysis team, in support of our work in forecasting, transportation planning, data analysis, and modeling. At SEMCOG, GIS Analysts update geospatial data, produce maps to explain data sets using GIS software, and develop applications for data analysis. GIS Analysts focus on providing updates on authoritative geographic data, seeking updates and tools regarding mapping and analysis, and supporting the agency’s demographic, employment and land-use forecast modeling. 

Full description available here.

Associate Developer - Pennrose

Job Type: On-Site, Full-time, Entry level
Location: Chicago, IL

This position assumes exposure to and participation in all aspects of multi-faceted real estate development projects – both market-rate and affordable - from inception through construction completion and lease-up. This individual is responsible for timely and accurate support to an in-house team of Developers, Senior Developers and Regional Vice Presidents. This individual will gain exposure to external team of financiers, architects, designers, engineers and contractors. Most follow up will be their responsibility. Each Associate Developer simultaneously participates in multiple projects in varying stages of development. This position demands strong financial skills, meticulous accuracy in all work and effective written and oral communication.

Full description and application available via LinkedIn.

Chief Data Officer (Office of the Public Defender) - Cook County Offices Under the President

Job Posting: Nov 15, 2023, 8:22:39 AM
Closing Date: Nov 29, 2023, 11:59:00 PM
Job Type: Full-time
Shift Start Time: 8:30 A.M.
Shift End Time: 4:30 P.M.
Posting Salary: $117,422 - $140,330

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief of the Trial Technology Division, the Chief Data Officer (CDO) oversees and serves as process owner of the data of the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender. The CDO provides a mix of strategic advice on office operations, along with engaging in tactical implementation work. The CDO works directly with the Chief Public Defender and the Executive Team to improve the Office’s internal governance and to facilitate robust data-driven decision-making and works with the Office’s Policy and Communications team to better inform external policy and advocacy. The CDO develops methodology enabling consistent application and utilization of data analytics and advances a culture of leveraging data to identify trends and support performance management. Additionally, the CDO works both internally with the Deputy of Central Operations, Chief of the Trial Support Division, and externally with Systems Administrators, County-wide IT leaders, and other leaders in the criminal legal system. Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is Actively Recruited and is At-Will. 

  Full description and application available here.

Sustainability Planner (Community Development) - Village of Schaumburg, IL

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:

Sustainability Planner (Community Development)

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.  This position will remain open until filled.

STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $80,997.44 - $99,225.94 annually dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is $80,997.44 - $117,454.44.

Please attach as part of your application all necessary documents verifying that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position performs administrative and management responsibilities for the implementation of the village’s sustainability initiatives, plans, and programs; provides technical advice and assistance to other staff, departments, boards, and commissions related to sustainability initiatives, and manages and coordinates the farmers market.; The position also performs analysis of and reports about development proposals, acts as case manager/lead planner to assist developers through the zoning approvals/entitlement process;  researches and prepares code amendments; and administers other special projects.  May be eligible for flexible schedule/hybrid work options.  The ideal candidate will need to effectively communicate to a full range of people, organize time and prioritize responsibilities with accuracy.  We are looking to add a team member capable of remaining calm and professional under pressure and has the  functional skills to do the job at a high level. 


Full description and application are available here.

Urban Land Use Planner - City of Decatur, IL

Salary: $50,000.00 - $65,000 Annually
Job Type: Full-time Benefited Employee
Department: Economic & Community Development - Management
Location: Decatur, IL
Job Number: 18-00281
Opening Date: 11/09/2023

Job Summary

The Urban Land Use Planner performs, coordinates, develops, designs, and administers professional and technical planning work for the City to include preparing and updating functional plans and assisting City officials in formulating policies addressing urban design, community development, and physical development issues.

Full description and application available here.

Communications Director - Morreale Communications

Salary: $90,000-$110,000.00/annually 

This position works remotely today and will be transitioning to a hybrid-work schedule requiring 2-3 days per week in office, beginning in 2024.  

Morreale Communications offers competitive health benefits, summer hours, professional development opportunities & additional perks throughout the year. 

This role supports our clients within the Transportation, Infrastructure & Mobility industries. 

Full description and application are available here.

Background
Morreale Communications is an award-winning woman-owned public relations firm with a specialty focus in transforming outcomes in the areas of Transportation, Infrastructure & Mobility (TIM), Health & Wellness, Energy & Utilities and Public Affairs. We are looking to fill this newly created position to lead and manage project teams with an eye on measuring key outcomes for our clients in our TIM practice. 

The Director works closely with the project and creative teams to develop and execute comprehensive communications plans. These plans may include content development, earned media, social media, stakeholder engagement, public education and outreach campaigns intended for diverse audiences using both traditional and emerging resources. Together with the project team, they will transform complex issues into visual stories with compelling narratives.  

Communications Manager - Transportation & Infrastructure - Morreale Communications

Salary: $75,000-$80,000.00/annually  

This position works remotely today and will be transitioning to a hybrid-work schedule requiring 2-3 days per week in office, beginning in 2024.  

This role supports our clients within the Transportation, Infrastructure & Mobility industries. 

Morreale Communications offers competitive health benefits, summer hours, professional development opportunities & additional perks throughout the year.  

Full description and instructions for applying are available here.

Background: 
Morreale Communications is an award-winning woman-owned public relations firm with a specialty focus in transforming outcomes in the areas of Transportation, Infrastructure & Mobility (TIM), Health & Wellness, Energy & Utilities and Public Affairs. We are looking to fill this newly created position to support our project teams for our clients in our TIM practice. 

The Communications Manager is a critical thinker with excellent communication and client relations skills. This role develops strategies for public education and outreach campaigns intended to reach diverse audiences, using a combination of traditional and emerging resources.  

Housing Law Practice Assistant - North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic

Location: 3500 Western Ave., Highland Park, IL, 60035

Pay: $45,000 to $52,000 a year

Type: Full-time, Hybrid Remote

Full description and application available via Indeed

Housing Law Practice Assistant

The mission of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) is to provide accessible, quality, equitable, free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to give low-income, at-risk community members access to justice and the opportunity to live productive and secure lives.

NSLAC is an 8-year-old dynamic nonprofit with a collaborative culture and the goal of becoming the model legal aid organization focused on suburban communities.

Planning Data Specialist - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Council (DVRPC)

SALARY RANGE: High $50,000s to High $60,000s (position level & salary commensurate with education & experience)

LOCATION: Planning Innovation, Community Planning Division

CLOSING DATE: When position is filled

AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: All sources

Full description is available here.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is the Philadelphia region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. DVRPC is a place to work, learn, and create a career in a professional and stimulating environment that values diversity, innovation, and bringing your best self to work. If your background and experience match the following vacancy, we would like to hear from you.

Job Description

The Planning Innovation unit at DVRPC seeks a motivated and organized individual to provide thoughtful guidance in applying advanced data analysis and visualization technologies to support regional planning initiatives. The Planning Innovation unit directly supports planning projects and teams across the commission to develop better analysis results and ensure the usability of final products by planners and public stakeholders.

Planner III (Department of Transportation and Highways) - Cook County

Organization: Offices Under the President
Work Locations: Cook County Administration Building 69 W. Washington
Job Posting: Nov 7, 2023
Closing Date: Nov 28, 2023, 11:59 P.M.
Full-time: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Posting Salary: $57,735 - $82,682

Full description and application are available here by searching for Requisition ID: 00132897

Job Summary
Under managerial supervision, develops, designs, monitors, and implements transportation planning studies, policies, strategies, and programs.  Demonstrates and utilizes a wide range of quantitative and qualitative skills and knowledge to produce transportation analyses, proposals, and grant applications and to relate them to sustainable land use patterns and community and economic benefits.  Coordinates assignments with staff in other divisions of DOTH and ensures performance targets are met in a high quality, timely fashion.  May represent the Department in joint local and regional projects.  Recognizes and identifies problems and recommends appropriate course of action; may provide guidance and direction to Planner II in a team-based environment.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Capital Planning Coordinator (Engineering and Public Works) - Village of Schaumburg, IL

STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $92,462.00 - $102,868.00 annually dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is $92,462.00 - $134,084.00.

Full description and application are available here. Requisition ID: 13432

Please attach as part of your application all necessary documents verifying that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.  This position will remain open until filled.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the development and monitoring all Engineering and Public Works’ capital projects within the annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This includes identifying, securing, and tracking the receipt of capital grants, project expenses, and capital project progress. This position regularly serves as the division’s liaison with internal and external stakeholders, and governmental agencies and will be responsible for administering functions related to the Engineering and Public Works (EPW) annual operating budget and assisting the Village Manager’s Office, Director of Engineering and Public Works, Engineering Division Manager and Project Managers with analyzing data, producing reports, and monitoring the use of funds, as necessary.

Coordinating Planner - Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)


Starting Salary: $88,308.00
Location: 2 N. LaSalle, 9th Floor
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Job Posting: Nov, 2023, 12:00 AM
Closing Date: Nov 17, 2023, 11:59 PM

Full description and application are available here by searching for Job Number 377421

The Citywide Services Division manages critical and diverse contracted and licensed services including the Divvy bikeshare system, shared scooters, and other micromobility programs.  Under direction, functions as a project manager responsible for coordinating these shared micromobility programs and  as a senior level, technical expert engaged in researching and managing specialized planning initiatives, and performs related duties as required.

Senior Director of Real Estate Programs

Title: Senior Director of Real Estate Programs 
Reports to: CEO Employee 
Status: Full-time Exempt 
Salary: Starting at $90,000, based on qualifications 

Please email a cover letter and resume to hr@communitydeskchicago.org for consideration.

Position Summary 

Community Desk Chicago (“The Desk”) is a community development intermediary leveraging relationships, aggregating risk tolerant capital, and working intentionally in underserved communities to shift power dynamics and create a path to advance economic prosperity through community wealth-building and small-scale infill commercial real estate development. 

Transportation and Mobility Coordinator - City of Evanston, IL

Salary Range: : $38.05 - $57.08/Hourly* (which is $74,197.50 – $111,306/Annually based on 37.5 weekly hours)

  • Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range. The City seeks to implement new salary grades for FY23 which may affect the current minimum - maximum pay range for this position.

Application is available via LinkedIn and the City of Evanston's website.

Nature Of Work

The City of Evanston aspires to be recognized as a world-class leader for providing and coordinating a full array of quality mobility transportation options with innovation, integrity and teamwork.

This position performs professional and administrative work coordinating City-wide transportation and mobility goals and programs within the City Manager’s Office in collaboration with the Public Works Agency and Community Development Department. Responsibilities include formulating and administering transportation policies and procedures, working closely with and addressing day-to-day and policy issues with RTA, CTA, Metra, Pace, Divvy, and other transportation agencies, collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to assist in the implementation of the City’s Comprehensive and Strategic Plans, the Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP), 2014 Bike Plan, Multi-Modal Plan, transit-oriented development (TOD), Health Department’s EPLAN, and the Complete Streets Policy. May provide support to boards and commissions. Additional responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the Deputy City Manager.

Planner II - Shorewood, IL

Title: Planner II
Status: Exempt
Department: Community Development
Reports To: Economic Development Director

Planner II is responsible for performing a variety of zoning, planning and economic development activities. Under the supervision of the Economic Development Director, Planner II assists with the design, promotion and administration of long-range, short-range and current planning efforts. Planner II works closely with the public to assist and provide information regarding the Comprehensive Plan and zoning, land subdivision and business licensing ordinances.

Online description is available here.

Development Manager - Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000
Grade: S9
FLSA: Exempt
Union: None
Full description and application are available here.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Development team is responsible for the preservation, creation, implementation, monitoring/evaluation of development proposals/plans for mixed-income and public housing sites with the goal to create and preserve vibrant communities and new housing opportunities for public housing residents. Activities include development of mixed income communities, family development improvements, development and preservation of market-quality affordable family and senior housing, and the acquisition/disposition of real estate assets.

Senior Policy Analyst - MBTA, Boston, MA

Salary: $74,300.00 - $85,000.00 Annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: MBTA - Office Perf Mgmt & Innov

Opening Date: 10/31/2023

Location: 10 Park Plaza, Boston

Job Number: 23-19820

Closing Date: 11/14/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

Full description and application are available here.

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Senior Policy Analyst at the Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) will be responsible for managing and creating OPMI’s data products, as well as leading and creating technical solutions for reporting, research, and other processes for both MassDOT and the MBTA. Additionally, the Senior Policy Analyst will oversee the MBTA’s Open Data Portal, ensuring data is regularly updated and accurate.