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

Urban Planning and Zoning Manager - Decatur, IL

Title: Urban Planning and Zoning Manager

Type: full-time

Location: Decatur, IL

Salary Range: $99,000- $116,000 per year 

Summary: The City of Decatur is seeking a seasoned urban planning leader to guide citywide planning, zoning, and land use policy. Reporting to the Economic & Community Development Director, this role serves as the City's principal advisor on planning and development while shaping policies and initiatives that support sustainable growth, economic vitality, and quality of lifeThis position provides executive-level exposure with direct influence on city policy and development outcomes. You'll lead a talented planning team, oversee the City's Municipal Planning Organization (MPO), modernize development regulations, and guide community-focused planning initiatives that support sustainable growth and livability.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, or related field required ;
Master's degree preferred 
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification required within 18 months of hire
-  5 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including work in comprehensive planning, zoning administration, land use regulation, or development review 
- Local Government Planning experience preferred
-  Minimum of 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience with demonstrated leadership, team-building, and conflict resolution skills
- An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered

How to Apply: The link to submit an application as well as find out more info regarding the position is listed below; 





Part Time Program Coordinator - American Restroom Association

Title: Part Time Program Coordinator

Type: 5-10 Hours a Week

Location: Remote

Salary Range: $20-$25/hr

Summary: The American Restroom Association is looking for a part-time program coordinator to support its mission and growth. This is a part-time (5- to 10-hour per week) position beginning in the spring of 2026. The American Restroom Association (ARA) is an organization dedicated to improving and advocating for restroom facilities across the United States. In this role, you will support our mission by providing essential administrative and programmatic support, with the opportunity to learn about fundraising and advocacy initiatives. Joining the ARA as a Program Coordinator offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on restroom facilities and policies across the United States. If you are passionate about improving access, inclusivity, and hygiene in public restrooms, this role will allow you to contribute to
positive change.

Responsibilities:
 ● Working with the ARA and its associated consultants on planning programs,
advocacy initiatives, and campaigns around public restroom access
● Monitoring and supporting the operations and day-to-day functioning of programs
● Serving as a “first point of contact” for members of the public and stakeholders contacting the ARA
● Providing budget, documentation, and organizational support to ARA leadership, stakeholders, and consultants
● Supporting the reinvigoration and consolidation of the ARA’s web presence, and leading the maintenance of the renewed/consolidated site after project completion
● Creating and disseminating public communications for the ARA through email newsletters and social media

Hiring process: Please send a resume and brief cover letter to jonathan@americanrestroom.org by March 3, 5pm ET. Depending on the volume of applications, we may only be able to reach out to candidates selected for an interview.
Selected applicants will participate in a 30–35-minute first-round Zoom interview
conducted by consultants from Opossum House Accessibility. Finalist candidates will
proceed to a second Zoom interview with ARA leadership. The selected candidate will
undergo a reference check prior to hiring.

Link to the Posting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4373990924/

Portfolio Performance Manager - Chicago

Title: Portfolio Performance Manager

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: $105,000- $115,000 per year

Summary: Full Circle Communities, Inc., is a mission-driven non-profit developer and manager of affordable housing with a focus on expanding access to quality affordable housing. We achieve our mission collaboratively – with our residents, our communities, our industry partners, and our fellow employees, and provide targeted supportive services to our residents and the surrounding communities. Full Circle currently has ownership/affiliated interests in and/or manages over 1,500 apartment units in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan. We look for committed and enthusiastic individuals who are energized by our mission and the challenges of creating and operating service-rich affordable housing. We invest in our team members’ growth as we expect them to invest in the growth of the organization.

Job Description: 

As FCC continues to grow its portfolio and deepen its impact, the organization is committing to strengthening its internal operational capacity by focusing on the development and implementation of asset management systems that support long-term sustainability.

Full Circle is seeking a Portfolio Performance Manager (PPM) to drive the systems and processes that support Full Circle’s asset management strategy. Reporting to the COO, this role acts as a technical and administrative project manager who translates property- and portfolio-level data into actionable insights for FCC’s leadership team. The PPM helps design and maintain analytical tools used to identify and track portfolio trends, and facilitates the interdepartmental communication and accountability required to maintain the operational health of the organization.


The PPM will conduct performance analysis, reporting, and dashboard management. They will also work cross functionally to lead relevant internal committees, support operational transitions and manage internal budgeting and communication structures


Please include a cover letter with your application. We will review applications on a rolling basis and encourage candidates to apply by March 9, 2026. 

See our website at http://www.fccommunities.org/ for more information.


Vice President - Real Estate Management

 Title: Vice President

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: $145,000- $180,000 per year

Summary: Full Circle Communities, Inc., is a mission-driven non-profit developer and manager of affordable housing with a focus on expanding access to quality affordable housing. We achieve our mission collaboratively – with our residents, our communities, our industry partners, and our fellow employees, and provide targeted supportive services to our residents and the surrounding communities. Full Circle currently has ownership/affiliated interests in and/or manages over 1,500 apartment units in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan. We look for committed and enthusiastic individuals who are energized by our mission and the challenges of creating and operating service-rich affordable housing. We invest in our team members’ growth as we expect them to invest in the growth of the organization.

Job Description: 
Full Circle is seeking a Vice President of Real Estate Development (VPRED) to join our Real Estate Development Team as a senior officer-level role to take affordable housing projects from idea to reality, while managing the people, money, risk, and community relationships required to do so at scale. They will oversee the entire lifecycle of a portfolio of affordable housing projects, secure and structure funding for projects, manage external relationships and community engagement, manage and develop a team and serve as a proxy for executive leadership. 
The position reports to the Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development (EVPRED). Specific duties of the Vice President, Real Estate Development are outlined below

Please include a cover letter with your application. We will review applications on a rolling basis and encourage candidates to apply by March 9, 2026. 

See our website at http://www.fccommunities.org/ for more information.



MPA/MPP Internship Opportunity

 Title: Illinois Policy Intern 

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay: $16.60/hr

Summary: Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is a champion for early learning and care from a child’s very first moments, so every child has the opportunity to thrive in school and life. Our desire to close the opportunity gap and create more inclusive experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy, and research through partnerships nationwide.


We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.


To advance Start Early’s comprehensive policy agenda in Illinois, the intern will support the Illinois Policy Team’s systems-building strategies, which include administrative advocacy, legislative advocacy, coalition and partnership building, thought leadership, leadership and consultation, and outreach and engagement. 


Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree.

- Enrollment in a master’s degree program in a relevant field (e.g. social work, public policy and administration, law, public health 

- Interest in public policy and/or early childhood issues. 

- Ability to commit to both 8-10 weeks full-time in the summer and two days/week during the school year.


How to Apply: The link for more information + a link to apply is listed below

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3834716/START-EARLY/Illinois-Policy-Intern


Seasonal Planning Intern - Downers Grove

Title: Seasonal Planning Intern

Type: full time

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Pay: $20/hr

Summary: The Village of Downers Grove is accepting applications for a Seasonal Planning Intern.
Duties: Performs a variety of planning duties as assigned under the direct supervision of AICP
Planners. Duties may include assistance with the following:
● Permit review and inspections
● Production of maps using GIS
● Development and site plan reviews
● Conduct on-site fieldwork
● Assist with ongoing departmental work responsibilities
● General office work, including scanning and filing of plans
● Other related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications: At least two years of college completed; students majoring in Urban Planning
or a similar field are preferred. Computer skills in Word, Excel, and GIS are required. Ability to work
independently and work effectively in a team environment is required. A valid driver’s license is required.

APPLY NOW! Interested applicants can apply online by visiting https://villageofdownersgroveilemployees.munisselfservice.com/employmentopportunities/default.aspx. Only online applications will be accepted, except for providing reasonable accommodations. The position will remain open until filled. The Village of Downers Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information or assistance,

Program Fellow - SUMC

Title: Program Fellow

Type: 20-40 hrs a week(hybrid)

Location: Chicago, IL or Los Angeles, CA

Pay: $28/hr, depending on qualifications

Summary: Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) is a non-profit organization working to replace car-centric transportation with people-focused shared mobility to fight climate change, promote equity, and strengthen community. 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 LA and Chicago offices to serve a growing set of programs that support practitioners and stakeholders in pursuing transportation equity and innovation. These capacity-building programs disseminate knowledge and resources throughout a rapidly-growing mobility ecosystem of local agencies, community-based organizations, Native American tribes, and private sector mobility providers. Foremost among these programs are the California Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program (CMO) and the Accelerating Innovative Mobility National Network (AIM-NNet). CMO is a partnership with the California Air Resources Board to support zero-emission shared mobility pilots in the State’s disadvantaged communities. AIM-NNet is a partnership with the Federal Transit Administration to support transit agencies, cities, and regions across the nation in adopting innovative mobility solutions, encompassing mobility-on-demand, electrification, automation, and improvements to transit access.

SUMC also convenes change leaders in regional, national, and international workshops and conferences, including the New Shared Mobility Summit, the California Clean Mobility Form, and later this year, the 1st Global Convening on Informal and Shared Mobility. SUMC is looking for a Fellow to support research, develop resources, plan events, and contribute to SUMC’s technical assistance efforts within these and other programs.

Ideal Candidate Background: Students or recent graduates in Public Affairs, Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, or Science, or related programs. Candidates with equivalent work experience are also encouraged to apply. The Fellow should be a flexible team player who is well-organized and detail-oriented, adept at research, planning and writing, and knowledgeable about transportation, environmental justice and social equity.

More Information + Link to Apply: https://sharedusemobilitycenter.org/careers/
Applications due February 27th



Fellowship Opportunity - Healthy Schools Campaign

Title: Sustainability Fellow 

Type: full or part-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay: $4,350 to $5,200 for full-time, or $2,175 to $2,600 for part-time.

Summary: Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making schools healthier places where children can learn and thrive. This work is at the intersection of health, education, equity, and sustainability, supporting health and learning in under-invested schools through on-the-ground work and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. HSC succeeds in these efforts by recognizing parents, caregivers, and a diverse set of school stakeholders as leaders and advocates in school health, ensuring programs are rooted in community and designed to be equitable and reflective of the communities served. Space to Grow, Chicago’s green schoolyards program, was co-founded by HSC and Openlands, and transforms schoolyards into vibrant, community-centered spaces that foster outdoor learning, active play, climate resilience, and community engagement.


HSC is seeking a Sustainability Fellow to play a strategic role in strengthening and supporting how the program works with and engages schools, educators, and communities, and facilitates the inclusive school community design process. This one-year fellowship offers the opportunity to shape long-term tools and practices for green schoolyard programming, maintenance, and impact. The fellow will also lead a special research or implementation project, support the development of educator materials, and support deeper engagement with schools and program partners. 

The fellowship may be structured as full-time or part-time, depending on the fellow’s academic or professional situation. Candidates who are currently enrolled in a graduate program are encouraged to participate part-time, while candidates who are recently graduated or between roles are encouraged to participate full-time. For current students, HSC can work with your university to explore opportunities for receiving academic credit as part of this fellowship.


How to apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples (combined into one PDF) to fellow@healthyschoolscampaign.org.

More info can be found at http://bit.ly/hsc-fellow

Deadline to Apply is March 2nd

CPAH Housing Development Intern Position - Libertyville

Title: Affordable Housing Development Intern

Type: full-time (hybrid)

Location: Libertyville, IL

Pay: $22/hr

Summary: CPAH is looking for a compassionate person who wants to join our efforts to help ensure that everyone has a place to call home. We are a nonprofit organization that develops affordable housing and provides services that empower individuals and families to secure and retain quality housing. The Affordable Housing Development Intern will assist in all aspects of the development process from initial planning to project completion. The intern will get exposure to research and analysis, funding and grants, regulatory compliance, community engagement, financial documentation, reporting, sustainability initiatives, and other aspects needed to bring an affordable housing project from concept to closing. CPAH is deeply committed to equity and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. 

Disclaimer: For clarification, this position is with Community Partners for Affordable Housing through the IHC Emerging Leaders Intern Program. All interested applicants must complete the application in the link attached below. 



Deadline to Apply is February 27th