Smart Growth Planner/Research Analyst - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission - Philadelphia, PA

Smart Growth Planner/Research Analyst
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Philadelphia, PA

Experience: 1-3 years

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) seeks a motivated planner/research analyst with interest and experience in the fields of smart growth, transportation/transit planning, and community revitalization. This is a planning and policy research position assisting and performing analytical work, conducting studies, and facilitating outreach and dialogue to member governments and planning partners.

The Office of Smart Growth conducts planning activities and technical studies throughout the nine-county Philadelphia metropolitan region.

The purpose of this work is to better coordinate transportation planning and investments with land use planning, to foster efficient land use patterns and zoning that supports a diversity of housing choices, walkable neighborhoods, and livable and equitable communities. Studies and initiatives can focus on broad policy issues for the entire region, or specific place-based work, on topics such as community revitalization, transit-oriented development, master planning and visioning, zoning, shared services, place-based marketing, and travel and tourism infrastructure.

Beyond studies and plans, the Office of Smart Growth also develops tools and technical assistance to member governments, such as our municipal implementation tool brochure series and our interactive web map, the Smart Growth Project Database, among others. The Office also leads ongoing programs including the Transportation and Community Development Initiative grant program, the Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia marketing program, and the Strategies for Older Suburbs (SOS) Roundtable Series. In addition, the Office of Smart Growth plans several small and large events for member governments and the planning community each year to harness the experience of our region’s community and economic development practitioners, and share best practices.

The Planner/Research Analyst’s work is to be performed in accordance with well-defined objectives and professional standards under the close technical supervision of the Senior Planning and Design Analyst.

Responsibilities

• Perform data collection, research and data analyses and interpretation for studies and initiatives.
• Conduct field work for place-based studies, assessing existing conditions and community concerns.
• Assist with managing study steering committees and organizing meetings.
• Create and give presentations to internal and external groups.
• Assist with developing surveys for member governments and evaluating the results.
• Write reports, memoranda, and summaries of findings and recommendations.
• Assist with planning events, such as our SOS Roundtables and Breaking Ground Conference, including developing agendas, soliciting speakers, leading question and answer sessions, and organizing event logistics. 
• Assist with writing and developing social media content for our Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia website.
• Represent DVRPC in outside meetings as directed.
• Perform related work as directed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and interest in the principles, practices, and objectives of city and regional planning, with a focus on smart growth, community development, and/or integrated transit and land use planning.
• Strong quantitative skills with an ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Excellent writing skills with ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise, and technically sound.
• Ability to make oral presentations to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, planning officials, and the public; strength at listening and drawing conclusions; skill at bringing different viewpoints to consensus.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and willingness to take supervisory direction.
• Ability to focus on details and possess strong organizational skills.
• Experience in, or demonstrated interest in learning, effective use of social media platforms.
• Expertise with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. The ability to conduct geographic analysis and create maps, graphics, and document layouts using ArcGIS and the Adobe Suite is a plus.

Minimum Experience & Training
ONE to THREE YEARS of professional experience in city/regional planning and such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four year college/university, with major course work in a planning-related discipline. A master’s degree in city or regional planning or related discipline may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

TO APPLY, SEND RESUME / CV WITH COVER LETTER TO HUMAN RESOURCES VIA:
EMAIL: RESUMES@DVRPC.ORG; OR
FAX: 215-592-9125; OR
MAIL: 190 N. INDEPENDENCE MALL WEST / 8TH FLOOR / PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-1520

Economic Development Director - NeighborWorks Affiliates - Philadelphia, PA

Economic Development Director

NeighborWorks Affiliates
Philadelphia, PA

The innovative, community-based work that we do has many stakeholders – residents, businesses, partners, funders, media—and a lot of moving pieces—programs, resources, politics-- and you would be the one to make sure economic initiatives are moving these pieces in a direction that builds community wealth and supports equitable economic revitalization. One day you're placemaking and the next day you're negotiating corridor services for the community. You are part strategist, part community organizer, part advocate for equitable economic growth. A big part of your job will be managing department resources to improve the community's economic conditions, neighborhood redevelopment efforts, planning, and business attraction. You will be making sure your team has a creative, happy and productive workplace culture, developing partners, increasing financial resources, ensuring multiple programs work as one, and making sure your departmental communications functions at a high level of effectiveness and efficiency. 

You're probably the ideal person for this position if you:

· Are a planner or community organizer at heart and love strategy to deliver the mission
· Believe no community is sustainable unless there's economic opportunity and equality
· Can move quickly to tap new opportunities, develop partnerships, and reroute programs when changes in environment occur without upsetting the apple cart
· Can mediate various personal and community politics before they erupt and turn them into positive interactions
· You are a quick study on various topics and you make things work when there is no answer
· Are discerning and strategic, self-motivated, and eat ambitious deadlines for lunch.
· Have an eye for language and tone for resource development (including grant writing & fundraising)

Reports to: Deputy Director
Supervises: 2 Commercial Corridor Coordinators; 2 Commercial Corridor Stewards
Responsibilities:
· Ensure development of strategic short and long range economic development plans with a specific focus on the development of neighborhood commercial corridors such as Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor, Girard Avenue, E Allegheny/Richmond corridor, and the Front/Kensington corridor
· Set departmental priorities and policies in support of NKCDC's strategy & goals; develop new departmental programs and/or strategic efforts to deliver mission-driven outcomes; ensure programming is organizationally sustainable and assist leadership team in identifying and pursuing development opportunities to adequately staff and deliver new programs
· Build capacity and develop leadership of local business associations, including Fishtown Area Business Association and Port Richmond Business Alliance
· Provide direction & leadership for efforts to establish new business community development opportunities (Business Improvement District process, new business association on Front/Kensington corridor)
· Manage strategic planning and market research/market analysis initiatives
· Manage reporting to funders for specific economic development contracts, ensure
benchmarks are met, maintain relationships with contract managers
· Supervise the planning and facilitation of NKCDC-led business meetings or workshops
· Develop and maintain an inventory of all businesses in the community; manage production of an annual Business Directory
· Coordinate work with other NCKDC departments on various projects
· Ensure all new businesses opening in target area are welcomed, i.e., letting them know how they can get involved, giving them help with L&I, connecting them to city programs, etc.
· Encourage new businesses to locate on area commercial corridors and work with existing
building owners to appropriately develop their properties, i.e. expose to city assistance
programs, marketing materials and organize promotional events
· Ensure that technical and strategic assistance is provided to existing community businesses
· Supervise collaboration with neighborhood association zoning committees and the
Neighborhood Advisory Committee in the creation, implementation, and adaptation of
community created design guidelines
· Provide oversight to arts-related programming, public art projects and implementation of
arts driven revitalization strategy, manage annual Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
· Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications:
· Bachelor's degree required. Additional training/certification or advanced degree relevant to economic development is highly beneficial.
· Minimum 3-5 years of economic development and project management experience with asuccessful track record of program success.
· Knowledge of City of Philadelphia processes and regulations (L&I, Streets, Police, Health Dept., etc.) is desirable.
· At least 2 years experience in management or leadership positions. Knowledge of human
relations policies and procedures.
· Professional manner and good interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written
communication skills, including ability to communicate with a broad range of constituents.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize work, take initiative, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated flexibility in managing time-sensitive tasks and projects.
· Experience in event planning, promotion and marketing is desirable.
· Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
· Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility and attention to detail.
· Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, graphics programs, CRM systems, online newsletter formatting, web content management systems, social media, etc.
Compensation:
Competitive salary with excellent benefits including HMO health plan, long- and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid vacation and 403 (b) retirement plan.
Application process:
Email cover letter and resume to Shanta Schachter, Deputy Director, sschachter@nkcdc.org

Transportation Planner - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission- Philadelphia, PA

Transportation Planner, Office of Corridor Planning
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Philadelphia, PA

Experience: 1-3 years
Contact person: Beth Wichser
Phone: 215-238-2843
Fax: 2155929125
Email: resumes@dvrpc.org
Website: https://www.drvpc.org

This is a transportation planning position focused in transportation engineering and multi-modal planning for the Office of Transportation and Corridor Studies. The employee will be an integral player in actively conducting innovative corridor and area studies in the 9-county greater Philadelphia region. This position requires both excellent technical abilities and an understanding of the planning process to advance creative concepts and ideas. The successful candidate will actively participate in problem identification and in developing improvement plans for multi-modal safety and mobility improvements. The position involves interacting with public and private sector agencies, decision-makers, and the general public as well as working cooperatively with other professionals on project teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and coordinate multi-modal transportation projects, including specification of the problem, data collection and analysis, interpretation and reporting of results, and the development of recommendations and cost estimates for project implementation.
• Conduct technical studies which evaluate the effectiveness of a transportation system (on a systems level) and then analyze alternative improvement strategies to determine how well they meet desired measures of effectiveness.
• Use planning and engineering computer software such as geographic information system software, Highway Capacity Software, travel simulation software, and other techniques to evaluate corridor and area-specific traffic problems and develop solutions.
• Prepare input data for simulation models. Tabulate travel simulation model outputs using basic GIS tools and tabular forms. Compare model results with current and historical data.
• Prepare reports summarizing findings and recommendations of various studies, including text, tables, maps, charts, photos and other appropriate graphics, and presents results to technical committees and the public.
• Make oral presentations to member governments and technical committees.
• Provide technical assistance to member governments, consultants, and the public.
• Conduct field views of project locations to compile an inventory of existing physical and operating conditions.
• Organize and manage technical committee meetings.
• Perform related work as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and objectives of transportation engineering and transportation planning, and ability to relate this knowledge to the development and analysis of a regional transportation system and its components.
• Experience with VISSIM or other traffic simulation software, such as Synchro, considered a plus.
• Working knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), graphics programs, word processing, spreadsheet software, and their applications.
• Experience in conducting field surveys, data analysis, and system evaluation.
• Knowledge of the socioeconomic factors involved in transportation planning.
• Ability to organize, plan, and direct research projects.
• Strong oral, writing, graphic, organization, and presentation skills to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, planning officials, and the general public.

Minimum Experience & Training
ONE TO THREE YEARS of professional experience in transportation planning or engineering; and such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four year college/university, with major course work in Transportation Planning, Transportation or Civil Engineering, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree or internship/ co-op experience can be substituted for one year of experience.

Part-time Marketing - Philadelphia, PA

Marketing Sales Assistant

CHPlanning

Philadelphia, PA

Professional Area: 

Planning Management, Budgeting and Finance

Experience: 

1-3 years

Contact person: 

Charnelle Hicks

Phone: 215-751-1400 ext. 206

Email: Charnelle.Hicks@chplanning.com

Website: http://www.chplanning.com

Location: 

Philadelphia, PA

CHPlanning is seeking a part-time candidate to join our growing staff in Philadelphia, PA. We are forward-thinking firm of innovators and problem solvers. We engage people to transform our communities, transportation systems, and local economies to enable better performance, sustainability livability. The candidate will be providing support to client managers and the company president. Candidate must be dependable, outgoing with potential to build strong professional relationships and generate sales leads. The marketing sales assistant must have potential and an ambitious drive and must be able to prioritize daily tasks.


DUTIES

• Create brochures and sales pitches using Adobe Suite.
• Prepare and produce office marketing materials and project sheets.
• Will be the primary point of contact for prospective clients.
• Able to resolve customer service issues.
• Willing to work out of the office with occasional travel and maintain high standards of activity.
• General office upkeep
• Assist with creating and launching new marketing materials.
• Assist with tradeshow and meeting logistics.
• Providing sales data, news and market trends, forecasts, account management and competitive market analysis.
• Answering phone
• Assist with corporate websites and social media campaigns.
• Provide sales vs. projection results by preparing and forwarding sales tracking reports.
• Track sales expenses.

REQUIREMENTS

• 1 – 2 years’ experience or training in sales, marketing, customer service, customer service, customer acquisition and retention, sales management, marketing management, territory management, or communications preferred.
• Must have a sense of Professionalism and be able to work well with others in a team environment.
• Knowledge of AP style guide, grammar, spelling, strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite and MS Office Professional suite.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Must have a positive attitude, great people skills, and strong writing and verbal communication skills.

Community Research Intern, Scout Ltd - Philadelphia, PA

Community Research Intern

Scout Ltd

Professional Area: 

Community Development and Redevelopment

Experience: 

Internship

Contact person: 

Kristin Vessio

Email: 

kristin@scout-ltd.com

Website: 

http://www.buildingbok.com

Location: 

Philadelphia, PA

Scout is seeking a part-time Community Research Intern starting early January 2016 to work closely with Scout staff on various projects involving community mapping, needs assessment work, outreach strategies, and nonprofit/organizational partnership building.

This position requires an enthusiastic, outgoing, personable, and detail oriented candidate who understands the relationship between neighborhood community members, their holistic needs, and how those needs interact with the landscape of institutions, nonprofits, and organizations. The ideal candidate is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Urban Sociology/Urban Studies, Non-profit Leadership, Cultural Anthropology or relevant equivalents.

We are seeking serious candidates willing to commit to a part-time schedule for no less than three months. Successful candidates will have a relevant background, applicable skills and enthusiasm for Scout’s work. We’re looking for engaged thinkers with diverse skill sets, who will bring creativity, experience and enthusiasm to our dedicated team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Produce comprehensive neighborhood analysis, including mapping existing assets and analyzing neighborhood data
• Support the development of our communications strategy with target organizations, partners, programs and/or tenants that fulfill needs as evidenced by assessment
• Prepare and execute outreach strategy as needed
• General administrative tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, as well as mapping and qualitative research skills
• Experience with social media and press outreach
• Editing, copy editing and research skills
• A highly professional demeanor with strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated, personable, and proactive individual with enthusiasm for Scout’s work
• Must be comfortable performing administrative tasks as assigned
• Interest and awareness of South Philadelphia

Intern will be expected to work from their own laptop or computer and should have access to Microsoft Office.

Intern will be paid a stipend which reflects their experience level and time availability on a monthly basis. Role could start in December if suitable candidate is available and able to start.

Location: Bok, 1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia
Duration: January 2016 - March 2016

APPLICATION

To apply, send your cover letter and resume with “Community Research Internship” in the subject line to kristin@scout-ltd.com by November 12, 2015.

Finance and Real Estate Internship, Scout Ltd - Philadelphia, PA

Finance and Real Estate Internship

Scout Ltd

Professional Area: 

Real Estate Development

Experience: 

Internship

Contact person: 

Kristin Vessio

Email: 

kristin@scout-ltd.com

Website: 

http://www.buildingbok.com

Location: 

Philadelphia, PA

Scout is seeking two part-time interns to focus on the financing of this complexed mixed-use development. The ideal candidates will demonstrate maturity and initiative, excellent analytical ability, strong communication (written and oral) and teamwork skills. In this role you will be assisting our Director of Development, researching funding streams, producing financial models, completing funding applications, drafting term sheets, and providing general ledger support.

This position requires enthusiastic, highly motivated, and detail oriented candidates with an interest in applied research and research experience. Interest and experience in complex financing modeling and confidence in Microsoft Excel is essential. The ideal candidate is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate or Urban Development, or relevant equivalents.

We are seeking serious candidates willing to commit to a part-time schedule for no less than three months. Successful candidates will have a relevant background, applicable skills and enthusiasm for Scout’s work. We’re looking for engaged thinkers with diverse skill sets, who will bring creativity, experience and enthusiasm to our dedicated team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop financial models
• Complete funding applications and grant applications in collaboration with Bok’s partners
• Process interested leasing applicants
• Schedule and organize building tours and write up findings
• Draft term sheets for prospective tenants
• Create detail sheets and summary packets for leasable spaces
• Assist with office booking-keeping and general ledger
• General administrative tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated experience in real estate, business, and economics
• Experience developing financial models
• Editing, copy editing and research skills
• A highly professional demeanor with strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, personable, and proactive individual with enthusiasm for Scout’s work
• Must be comfortable performing administrative tasks as assigned

Intern will be expected to work from their own laptop or computer and should have access to Microsoft Office.

Intern will be paid a stipend which reflects their experience level and time availability on a monthly basis. Role could start in December if suitable candidate is available and able to start.

Location: Bok, 1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia
Duration: January 2016 - March 2016

APPLICATION

To apply, send your cover letter and resume with “Finance and Real Estate Internship” in the subject line to kristin@scout-ltd.com by November 12, 2015.

Manager, Philadelphia District Council, Urban Land Institute - Philadelphia, PA

Manager, Philadelphia District Council

Urban Land Institute

Experience: 

5-7 years

Location: 

Philadelphia, PA

ULI Philadelphia hasan exciting new opening for a Manager to support the District Council. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a global non-profit research and education organization founded in 1936, which provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.  ULI Philadelphia is one of ULI’s largest and most robust District Councils, with nearly 1,000 members across the region, including regional satellites in Central Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey. The District Council brings public and private sector leaders together to share and exchange ideas, information and experiences in shaping the way communities grow.  It also fosters collaboration among every profession and sector in land use and real estate development statewide, and in every career stage, from rising star to world-renowned luminary.  ULI Philadelphia engages members to grow professionally and personally through education, networking and community outreach.  To learn more about ULI Philadelphia, please visit philadelphia.uli.org.

The Manager is an integral part of the team, serving as a professional liaison between the District Council, ULI global headquarters, and Philadelphia real estate, land use planning and development professionals.   This individual will be responsible for the maintenance of the District Council’s operations (including event planning, membership, sponsorship, communications and community outreach) in coordination with the Executive Director, District Council staff team, and volunteer leadership.

The Manager will work closely with various committees, and manage logistical aspects of planning and implementing programs, events, and meetings for the District Council. The ideal candidate must have strong organizational and management skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, the ability to multi-task and respond to situations quickly and the ability to manage meetings with volunteer members who include high-level business professionals, public officials, corporate executives, and senior members of the real estate and land use community. The position necessitates that the Manager be able to travel to District Council events and functions throughout the tri-state region and work occasionally in the early mornings or evenings. 
For a full job description, please visit http://uli.org/about-uli/career-opportunities/.

Specific requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5-10 years of progressively responsible and relevant experience.
• Prior experience in events management desired.
• Active interest in real estate, land use and/or planning desired.
• Advanced computer skills:  strong aptitude with computer software for applications in word processing, spreadsheets, and downloading documents, files and spreadsheets into text files, and familiarity using shared files.   
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and strong interpersonal skills to work with senior business and public sector executives.
• Ability to initiate tasks and assume responsibility, and to work with minimal oversight in a high-visibility position.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple tasks concurrently and completely, with responsible follow-through.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Use of personal vehicle is required as well as ability to lift and transport often-heavy and bulky materials.
• Ability to attend frequent early morning and occasional evening events.
  

To apply, please submit your letter of interest and résumé to jobs@uli.org, with the subject line “Manager, Philadelphia” No phone calls, please. EOE/m/f/d/v

Vice President, Economic Development, University City District - Philadelphia, PA

Vice President, Economic Development 

University City District

Professional Area: 

Economic Planning and Development

Experience: 

More than 10 years

Email: 

HR@universitycity.org

Website: 

http://www.universitycity.org

Location: 

Philadelphia, PA

Organizational Context
University City District is a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, business leaders and community members that invests in world-class public spaces, brings life to commercial districts, connects low-income residents to careers, and promotes job growth and innovation. We work to change places and to change lives. Increasingly, our efforts foster innovation and impact at the confluence of economic growth, urban placemaking and economic opportunity.

Position Background
University City District (UCD) seeks a seasoned, creative and entrepreneurial executive to lead our economic development efforts in a 2.5 square mile area of West Philadelphia. We are at a critical and exciting inflection point in the evolution of our work, and the Vice President of Economic Development will advance and help shape:

• $3 million of high visibility, high impact public space projects at advanced stages of planning, including the transformation of the 40th Street Trolley Portal – the busiest at-grade rail station in Philadelphia - and a coordinated set of civic infrastructure projects in eastern University City; our goal is to foster a lively, people-first district by undertaking investments that complement the accelerating construction, population and employment growth in University City;
• Ongoing investments in established and successful public space projects, including The Porch at 30th Street Station;
• Relationship-building with new and existing commercial development partners, and the extension of special services district offerings and partnerships to a newly developing commercial core east of 38th street;
• New ways of supporting and driving partnerships to advance the University City innovation economy; to forge physical and strategic connections between University City and Center City, and between University City and the Lower Schuylkill River district; and to complement the interests and investments of anchor institutions, private developers and neighborhood residents;
• The creative re-use and transformation of undervalued public and private assets in University City, including the incubation of imaginative commercial and civic uses of dormant spaces;
• Data- and research-informed initiatives to activate street life; attract and support retail enterprises; and advance pedestrian and bicycle mobility;
• Policy and data dissemination events, discussions and publications that inform civic and business decision-makers about University City’s role in the regional economy, and about lessons drawn from UCD’s inventive placemaking work.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 4+ professionals with broad expertise in urban planning, design and creative placemaking; commercial development; distressed property rehabilitation; high-level research and data analysis; and transportation planning.
• Serve as an integral member of UCD’s executive management team;
• Assume bottom-line responsibility for major capital projects, city and state contracts, and complex, multi-year grants;
• Work with UCD planning team to create, implement and manage new initiatives that help redefine University City’s civic infrastructure – broadly defined to include public realm, street level amenities, and an environment supportive of “serendipitous collisions” among innovators, researchers and residents;
• Manage retail, restaurant and other commercial partnerships intrinsic in UCD’s public space development;
• Build and nurture relationships with city officials, civic leaders, community groups, business and property owners, funders and institutional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s or equivalent experience preferred;
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, real estate development, and/or key civic investments and initiatives;
• Entrepreneurial drive and demonstrated ability to build creative solutions that meet the challenges and opportunities of dynamic commercial and institutional development.
• Demonstrated ability to move projects of all sizes – from a single block to an entire community - from vision to action;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a committed and creative team with a track record of success and impact;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-million dollar project budgets;
• Superior community relations and community engagement skills, and ability to engage in high level discussions and partnerships with major developers and anchor institution leaders.

Competitive salary and benefits package; growth-oriented, creative, entrepreneurial environment. Position reports to Executive Director.

University City District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, handicap, or sexual orientation.

To apply, please email thoughtful cover letter, salary requirements and resume to HR@universitycity.org, with the subject line “Application for VP, Economic Development”.