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

Downtown Strategy and Partnerships Lead - Dubuque Forward

Title: Downtown Strategy and Partnerships Lead

Type: full-time

Location: Dubuque, IA

Salary Range: $85,000- $100,000

Summary: Dubuque Forward seeks a full-time senior Lead to drive organizational placemaking success through implementation of the Downtown Core Strategy. This role is responsible for translating vision, plans, and community priorities into on-the-ground results—advancing redevelopment, public and private investment, business vitality, and economic growth in Downtown Dubuque.

Reporting directly to the Board Chair, this position serves as Dubuque Forward’s primary implementation lead for project management, urban design–informed planning, public–private collaboration, and multi-stakeholder facilitation. The role works side by side with the Dubuque Forward Community Facilitation & Engagement Lead in coordination with city departments, private developers, legislators, institutional partners, consultants, and community stakeholders to ensure coordinated execution of downtown priorities. This position is ideal for a professional who combines urban design and planning expertise, economic development fluency, and strong project management skills, with a bias toward action and delivery. This role supports fundraising and grant development by ensuring that downtown implementation projects are clearly defined, investment-ready, timely, and aligned with funding opportunities.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in urban design and planning, project management, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
  • 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
  • Strong project management and facilitation skills.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial reporting.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Track record of success in doing the work in addition to motivating people
  • Experience in community and urban design.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Passion for the mission and goals of the organization.
on