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

City Planner - City of Crest Hill, IL

The City of Crest Hill (population 20,459), a progressive, growing community in the north central region of Will County, seeks a dynamic professional to become the City’s full-time City Planner.

The Position

This position administers various land-use related procedures, processes, and regulations in support of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other important community and economic development related policies.  This position collaborates with the Community and Economic Development Director, the City Engineer, Building Commissioner, various planning and economic development consultants, the Plan Commission, and the City Council to facilitate high-quality private investment and development, promote business development and retention, and address zoning code enforcement issues in the community in a professional and efficient manner.  The City Planner reports to the Director of Community and Economic Development.  

Village Planner - Village of Lake Zurich

POSITION
The Village of Lake Zurich has an immediate need for qualified candidates for the position of Village Planner. This position assists in the development and implementation of the Village’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations; is responsible for GIS data maintenance, enhancement, data entry and manipulation of GIS data; reviews development applications and land use proposals; processes permits, variances, text amendments, PUDs and subdivision plats; assists citizens, developers, officials, and the general public; conducts background research and data collection; and prepares planning reports. The starting salary range for this position is $64,286 – 78,891 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to: Division of Human Resources, Village of Lake Zurich, 70 E. Main Street., Lake Zurich, IL 60047, or e-mail hr@lakezurich.org

Director, People and Culture - Center for Neighborhood Technology

Position Description 

The Director, People and Culture at CNT plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission by strategically managing all aspects of human resources to foster a positive and inclusive work environment. This leadership position requires a seasoned HR professional with a passion for the nonprofit sector, a commitment to justice, diversity, equity and inclusion (JEDI) and ethical practices, and a drive to attract, retain, and develop top talent. 

Full description here.

Development Coordinator - Latino Policy Forum

POSITION: Development Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Development/Administration
REPORTS TO: Director of Development
STARTING SALARY: $45,000, plus commensurate with experience
DATE: February 2024

Mission

The mission of the Latino Policy Forum is to build the power, influence, and leadership of the Latino community through collective action to transform public policies that ensure the well-being of its community and society as a whole. Through advocacy and analysis, the Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and strengthen community leadership.

Position Summary

The Forum is expanding its development department. The Development Coordinator works with the CEO, Director of Development and Associate Director to leverage increased resources in support of the organization’s Development operations and overall fundraising strategies. This position coordinates and supports activities pertaining to special events, institutional fundraising, individual giving and other key areas that support the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of the Latino Policy Forum’s individual and institutional donor base. This position requires a, detail-oriented, highly organized individual. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are important. 

Full Description available here.

Assistant Commissioner (Underwriting) - Chicago Department of Planning and Development

Job Posting

: Feb 13, 2024, 12:00:00 AM  

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

: Mar 12, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 09  Salary: $118,128.00 - $133,524.00 

Pay Basis

Yearly


The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning & Development is responsible for the economic development growth of the City and it’s neighborhoods. This work is largely done through the Department’s Bureau of Economic Development (“the Bureau”), whose mission is to create equitable economic growth throughout Chicago, by investing financial resources and support in people, businesses, and neighborhoods. To do that, the Bureau administers a variety of programs including Community Development Grants (CDG), Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and property tax abatements. In total, the City has used these programs to make approximately $1.7 billion in investments in Chicago’s neighborhoods over the past five years

 

The Assistant Commissioner of the Underwriting Group is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Bureau’s evaluation of projects requesting the use of City funds and the oversight of staff members primarily responsible for this work. This principally involves reviewing application materials, identifying community benefits and alignment with the Department’s overall goals, and conducting financial and feasibility analyses in order to make recommendations regarding the use of the City’s financial incentive resources. For recommend projects, the Assistant Commissioner also manages the internal review process, contract negotiations, legislative approvals, and the execution of the agreement. The Assistant Commissioner also works in close coordination with the Bureau’s Deputy Commissioner in order to assist and facilitate the operation of the City’s various incentive programs.


Full Description available here (Search Job # 396318)

Project Coordinator, Chicago Housing Trust - Chicago Department of Housing

Job Posting

: Feb 9, 2024, 12:00:00 AM  

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

: Mar 1, 2024, 11:59:00 PM BU: 10  Salary: $67,656.00 

Pay Basis

Yearly


Project Coordinator – Marketing role description:

The Chicago Housing Trust expands access to homeownership while preserving long-term affordability in rapidly appreciating communities. The Project Coordinator – Marketing position works under the direction of the Executive Director. Externally focused work includes promoting Housing Trust homes and programs to prospective buyers and community partners via program orientations, housing fairs, trolley tours, open houses, print media, website, newsletter, and social media; internally focused work includes engaging Housing Trust homeowners via workshops, annual meetings, one-on-one interviews, and newsletters.

 

Project Coordinator – Administrative role description:

The Chicago Housing Trust expands access to homeownership while preserving long-term affordability in rapidly appreciating communities. The Project Coordinator – Administrative position works under the direction of the Executive Director. Externally focused work includes processing intake documents for prospective homebuyers and responding to their inquiries, following up with participants after outreach workshops/events; internally focused work includes accounts receivable, accounts payable (AR/AP), scheduling, project management, minute-taking, and annual compliance audits for homeowners.


Full Description available here (Job # 394772)

SOCAL Community Engagement Coordinator - Community Housing Development Corporation

Title: SOCAL Community Engagement Coordinator 
Department: Transportation Department- Community Engagement 
Reports to: Senior Community Engagement Coordinator 
FLSA Status: Full-time, 
Non-Exempt Hourly Rate: $58,580- $68,243 

About Community Housing Development Corporation 

We strive to create vibrant communities by providing housing and supportive services. We aim to create a foundation for low to moderate-income individuals, families, and seniors to thrive. Our goal is to promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life within the communities we serve. CHDC is committed to building a staff that is rich in cultural, social, and experiential diversity. 

Full description available here.

Community Outreach Coordinator, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability - Chicago

Job Posting

: Feb 9, 2024, 12:00:00 AM  

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

: Mar 1, 2024, 11:59:00 PM 
Salary: 71,004 

Pay Basis

:Yearly

Summary

Under general supervision, Community Outreach Coordinators will coordinate and perform community outreach activities for District Councils, help plan and organize District Council public meetings, support District Council efforts to improve public health and public safety and address concerns about policing in the police and perform related duties as required. 

 

Under an ordinance passed by the Chicago City Council in July 2021, District Councils will be created in each of the city’s 22 police districts and will be made up of three people elected in regular municipal elections beginning in February 2023. The District Councils’ roles include: building stronger connections between the police and community at the district level, where the community is a true partner in making the community safer; holding monthly public meetings where district residents can work with the police on local initiatives, and raise and work to address concerns about policing in the district; working with the community to get input on police department policies and practices; and providing input to the citywide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, a citywide, community-based oversight body with the power to advance systemic reform. 

 

Full description available here (Search Job #395021)

Project Coordinator, Bureau of Community Health - Chicago Department of Public Health

ROLE SUMMARY

As an essential member of the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for enforcing the environmental ordinances in the Municipal Code, as well as state laws and regulations through delegation agreements. 

Full description and application available here (Search Job #1912).

Manager of Arts and Social Practice - The Obama Foundation

Location

Chicago; Hybrid | 2-3 days per week in office required

Purpose of the Role

The Manager of Arts & Social Practice Programs, Obama Presidential Center (OPC), will play a key role in shaping and implementing the preview and inaugural arts programming at the Center. The Manager will advance program concepts; collaborate with external and internal program partners; and support a variety of arts-related initiatives including events, fundraising, and communications. Informed by cutting-edge museum and equity-based social practice, the Manager will work collaboratively to develop and implement impactful visual, music/performing, and media arts-related programs to attract, engage, and serve diverse audiences. The Manager should have a strong background in engaging a variety of audiences, including teens and/or young adults, in dynamic cultural programming that advances participation, trust, and pathways for engagement in our societies.

Full description available here.

Curator of Public Programs - Obama Presidential Center

Location

Chicago, IL | Hybrid, 2-3 days per week in office required

Purpose of the Role

The Curator of Public Programs, Obama Presidential Center (OPC) is responsible for advancing program concepts within the Foundation’s early OPC Programming Strategy; building and managing a team of Program Managers; supporting the development of external program partnerships; and overseeing the implementation of programs that will take place across select spaces on the OPC campus, including in the auditorium, media suite, program rooms, library, fruit and vegetable garden, and other public outdoor spaces. The Curator of Public Programs will report to the Director of Programming (Strategy) and work closely with the Museum Director, to hire, train, and oversee a team of program managers experienced in the areas of arts and social practice (visual, music/performing, media arts), democracy and civic culture, gardening and cooking, and large-scale public and cultural programs to translate the OPC Programming Strategy into a suite of meaningful engagements and public offerings, with a focus on local residents. The program plans will integrate with and amplify the existing programming operated globally and in the United States by the Foundation, such as the Foundation’s flagship annual Democracy Forum.

Full description available here.

Research Analyst - Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

Overview   

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KyPolicy) seeks to hire a Research Analyst to address Worker Justice issues. The research analyst will conduct analysis of worker justice issues and collaborate with unions and community partners to build power and advance economic justice in Kentucky.  

The position will carry out research to support organizing and advocacy efforts aimed at empowering workers and improving job quality. The analyst will conduct data analysis and author reports, briefs and other products that clearly and compellingly describe issues and conditions. They will also support organizing and issue campaigns through communications, coalition building and outreach. A special initial focus will be on new opportunities created through the implementation of federal industrial policy, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act. 

Full description available here.

Senior Data Analyst - Chicago Public Schools

Posting Date: Feb 2, 2024, 10:57:52 AM
Primary Location: Central-42 West Madison Street (School Quality Measurement)
CPS Non-Union Job Grade: S08
Estimated Annual Salary Range : 76,000.00 - 100,500.00
Position Type: Non-Union Position
Overtime Status: Exempt
Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

School Quality Measurement and Research (SQMR) builds a foundation of high-quality, research-based evidence to inform district practice, policy, and vision. Through the timely and accurate reporting of school and district performance metrics, SQMR supports stakeholder involvement in district decision-making and school efforts to improve instructional effectiveness. SQMR is also actively engaging stakeholders to co-design an improved system for driving these conversations. 

Full description and application here.

Financial Planning Analyst - Chicago Department of Housing

Job Posting: Feb 22, 2024, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Mar 14, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 20 | Salary: $86,520.00 Pay Basis: Yearly


Under direction, performs financial planning, underwriting, and financial analysis of requests for Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and other sources of funding assistance for affordable housing developments.


Full description and application available here.

Housing, Health, & Safety Specialist - North River Commission

 Position Description: Health, Safety and Housing Specialist
North River Commission (NRC) seeks a temporary, full-time Health and Safety Specialist. Excellent candidates will be dynamic and engaging with strong skills in community engagement, communications, and project management. The Health & Safety Specialist is an essential team member for delivery of programs serving a broad range of community stakeholders. The Health & Safety Specialist reports to and is supported by the NRC Housing, Health and Safety Director. This position also serves as staff to the Health and Safety Committee. This position is grant-funded until June 2024. NRC will continue to pursue funding for this position and work beyond June 2024.

Full time and in person. Expected salary range is $25.00 to $30.00/per hour and is commensurate with work experience

Submit a cover letter, resume, and two references including name, email and phone number via email to: Dalia Aragon, Housing Health and Safety Director at dalia@northrivercommission.org

More information can be found here.

Economic Development Specialist - North River Commission

Job Description: North River Commission (NRC) seeks a full-time Economic Development Organizer. Excellent candidates will be dynamic and engaging with strong skills in community engagement, communications, business, and project and financial management. This position serves as staff to the NRC Economic Development Committee, the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area #60. The Economic Development Organizer is also an essential team member for delivery of programs, reporting, and finances of the Chicago Business Center (CBC) and Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) funded by the City’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). The Economic Development Organizer reports to their Supervisory Manager and is supported by the NRC Executive Director. 

Salary is commensurate with work experience and the anticipated range is $55,000 to $62,000.
Qualified individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, and two references including name, email, and phone number.
Send application by email to: info@northrivercommission.org

Energy Efficiency Outreach Specialist

Applications Due: March 10th

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is a nonprofit organization that works on local government public policy issues to improve the quality of life for residents in the region. The Caucus currently has an exciting career opportunity for someone to serve as a full-time Energy Efficiency Outreach Specialist in the Environmental Initiatives division. The ideal candidate is dedicated to collaborating with local governments, community partners, and individuals to create awareness and connect residents to energy efficiency programs, particularly home energy assessments, in order to maximize participation in these programs.

Full time, salary range $50,000 to $58,000, commensurate with experience

Please fill out a brief application and submit your resume, cover letter, and optional writing samples through our application website by March 10th at: https://metropolitanmayorscaucus.submittable.com/submit

Associate Planner - Village of Bartlett, IL

 

Associate Planner

  • Type:Full Time
  • Salary/Pay Rate:$60,000 - $67,000 DOQ
  • Posted Date:02/14/2024 12:46 PM

The Village of Bartlett, IL (population 42,000), is a progressive, growing community located 35 miles west of downtown Chicago in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties. The Planning and Development Services Department is seeking an Associate Planner to assist with reviewing permit applications for compliance with zoning and subdivision codes, conducting site inspections, processing development applications and preparing staff reports for Village Boards and Commissions. This position has potential for advancement into a more senior role.

Applicants must apply on-line here.

Director of Transportation - Colorado Energy Office

Salary: $95,000-$125,000 Annually
Job Type: Full time
Closing Date: 3/5/2024 11:59 p.m. Mountain
Location: Denver Metro, CO

This position will lead CEO’s growing Transportation Fuels and Technology team. Over the last couple years, CEO has received a significant amount of new state and federal funding to accelerate transportation electrification. The team is in the midst of launching new programs and scaling up existing programs that ensure all Coloradans, particularly income-qualified Coloradans and those living in disproportionately impacted communities, have access to transportation electrification and its benefits. This position will support team members as they do this important work, while also leading high profile projects, drafting and testifying on legislation, and writing testimony and serving as an expert witness in utility proceedings.

Full description and application available here.

Planner - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)

Associate: $57,746 - $70,739
Planner: $66,409 - $81,351
Senior: $73,375 - $93,553

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time employee at the Associate, Planner, or Senior level in the Planning Department. We are interested in applicants with a general planning or public administration background; however, we are particularly interested in applicants with experience and/or interest in economic development planning, housing planning, or bike and pedestrian planning (including the Americans with Disabilities Act planning (ADA)).

Full description and application also available here.

Research Associate II, Outreach and Dissemination - UIC Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Hiring Department: Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Location:  Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1023493
Posting Close Date: March 6, 2024
About the University of Illinois Chicago

Description:

Position Summary
The Research Associate II works within the CCTS's administrative hub to support the execution of the center's research and community outreach and engagement strategies. This position is responsible for disseminating grant related scholarship and research findings through content that simultaneously promotes the work and impact of the CCTS and CCTS-sponsored research projects among the broader scientific community, policymakers, sponsors, the clinical and translational science community and the general public. The Research Associate II will also track engagement and activity across CCTS's digital platforms and interpret analytics to inform overarching strategies that promote research outcome dissemination, increase community engagement and participation, as well as demonstrate impact of research on public health.

Full description and application are available here.

Regional Planner II, Climate Resilience Planner - Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

Official Title: Regional Planner II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-10 Park Plaza
Job: Planning
Agency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Job Type: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Feb 8, 2024, 7:17:37 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 73,432.58 - 98,762.04 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Moneesha Dasgupta - 6176450358
Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

Regional Planner II - Climate Resilience Planner - (240001LV)

Description

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Regional Planner II - Climate Resilience Planner, located at 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA.  Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is a dynamic agency responsible for the stewardship of close to 500,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes and ponds, cultural resources and a diverse array of recreational infrastructure to provide experiences for the benefit, enjoyment and well-being of all.  As the state's conservation agency, DCR is charges with protecting the natural, cultural and recreational resources under its stewardship and ensuring that operations, management plans and infrastructure design addresses projected climate changes and impacts through mitigation, avoidance and adaptation.

Full description and application are available here.

Proposal Coordinator - OpenGov

 Job Summary:

The Proposal Coordinator will be responsible for working directly with the Marketing and Sales Teams to develop high-quality, compelling proposals and responses to Requests-for-Proposals (“RFPs”). As a key driver in both Marketing and Sales Team initiatives, this role plays a critical part in increasing annual recurring revenue and new business for the company. This position involves close collaboration with each team of the Go-To-Market organization. 

Full job description and application available here.

Strategic Planner I - Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

Job Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago 
Job: Strategic Planning 
Job Posting: Jan 26, 2024, 11:00:00 AM
Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)
Strategic Planner I - (2400002E)

Description

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direction, supports the development of comprehensive transportation plans that serve as a guide for future transportation projects and development of long-term goals and strategic objectives for CTA. Works with other Planning staff and other departments/agencies as needed in the oversight and execution of planning and project activities pertaining to capital investments, bus and rail system improvements, transit-focused urban planning and public policy strategies, and transit-focused research and analytics regarding transit performance, customer demographics, travel behavior and preferences. Assists in all areas of Strategic Planning for the CTA.


Full description and application available here.

Community Development Fellow - The Resurrection Project

Position Title Community Development Fellow

Reporting Relationship: Chief Real Estate Development Officer

General Job Description

The Community Development Fellow will work closely with the Chief Real Estate Development Officer on a variety of projects ranging in stages of planning and construction. The Fellow should understand the effects of displacement and gentrification on communities of color, be interested in mitigating these effects through the development of affordable housing and be inclined to work on the financing aspects of development.

Community Development Planner - Village of Westmont, IL

What Does a Community Development - Planner Do?
Under general supervision of the Community Development Director, Deputy Director of Community Development/Planning, or Village Planner, performs a variety of routine and complex technical and professional land-use planning work for the Village including: assisting the public in applying planning and zoning regulations; reviewing building permits and business license applications for conformance with zoning regulations; processing applications for zoning entitlements; providing planning support such as research and analysis of technical data, assisting the general planning process, gathering data and administering the Village’s Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.

For more information, please click here to see the full job description. Online Application is available here.

Program Coordinator/Senior Program Coordinator - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

SALARY RANGE: Low $60,000s to Mid $70,000s (position level & salary commensurate with education & experience)
LOCATION: Office of Sustainable Energy
CLOSING DATE: When position is filled
AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: All sources

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is the Philadelphia region’s Metropolitan Planning

Organization. We believe 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 entry-level vacancy, we would like to hear from you. 

Job Description

This new position will support DVRPC’s Office of Sustainable Energy in positioning Greater Philadelphia as a leader in the clean energy transition. This position will advance existing clean energy transition planning efforts underway at DVRPC. 

Full description and application are available here.

Policy Director - Parking Reform Network

The Parking Reform Network is hiring a policy director! This position is full time, remote, funded for two years, and reports to the president of the organization. This is a unique opportunity to work full-time on parking reform. The policy director will map out advocacy opportunities across the country and guide PRN’s efforts to work with partners and accelerate reforms nationwide.

PRN offers an engaging and supportive work environment with competitive benefits. We look forward to welcoming a new policy director who shares our passion for parking reform and sustainable equitable urban development.

Full Description and application process available here.

Transportation Planner I/II - City of Bellingham, WA

Salary: $86,496 - $110,040 Annually
Job type: Full Time
Department: Public Works
Location: City of Bellingham, WA
Opening Date: 01/19/2024

Nature of Work

The Bellingham Public Works Department is looking for an experienced transportation planning professional who wants to help plan and implement the City’s commitment to provide an interconnected, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of the community. This position offers the opportunity to continue the city’s ongoing leadership and innovation in multimodal and active transportation planning. Join our team today!

This position is open until filled with a first review of applications on Monday, 2/12/2024 at 8:30 am. The position may be closed at any time following the first review.

Full description and application are available here.

Statewide Transit Planning Manager - Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Closing at: Feb 12 2024 at 23:55 EST

Job Duties

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Statewide Transit Planning Manager position. The position is responsible for managing strategic planning efforts for DRPT’s Public Transportation Division and will both manage and facilitate various types of statewide public transportation projects, planning studies, and initiatives. This position will also manage planning needs with the Public Transportation Division by leading staff and consultant teams that are conducting studies on behalf of DRPT and/or its customers. The position will represent DRPT’s Public Transportation Division in studies, projects and initiatives conducted by other agencies and organizations as needed.

Full description and application are available here.