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

Economic Development Specialist - North River Commission

Job Title: Economic Development Specialist
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: $62,000/yr

Job description: 
North River Commission (NRC) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and sustainability within our community. We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our diverse community through collaboration, engagement, and coalition-building. We strive to create a vibrant, thriving economy that benefits all residents and businesses. As we expand our efforts, we are seeking a motivated and experienced Economic Development Specialist to join our team. Our office is located in Albany Park, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. The NRC service area covers a large chunk of Chicago’s northwest side, starting from the Chicago River on the east to Cicero Ave on the west, from Devon on the north and to Addison Ave on the south. NRC is also the sole service provider for Special Service Area #60 (SSA 60) which covers the commercial corridors of Albany Park and Irving Park.


Position Overview: 
The Economic Development Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting and implementing economic development strategies and initiatives within the NRC service areas. This role involves working closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to promote economic growth, enhance business opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life in the NRC service area. NRC’s economic development work, and all of its work, is centered on equity and social justice. Our work creates equity, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

As part of the economic development work will include housing initiatives, including affordable housing and senior housing developments, building relationships with landlords and property owners, as well as tenants. This role will also carry out duties and programs for the SSA 60 and coordinate meetings with commissioners on a monthly basis. 

Application Process: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and at least 2 professional references to jobs@northrivercommission.org. Please include “Economic Development Coordinator Application” in the subject line of your email and direct email to Kay Villamin, Executive Director at kay@northrivercommission.org.

More information can be found here.