Municipal Advisor - Ehlers & Associates - Chicago, IL

Municipal Advisor 

Ehlers & Associates

Chicago, IL

Since 1955, Ehlers has designed financial solutions to help counties, municipalities, townships, school districts and other local government units build better communities. We are experts in financing public sector projects including schools, civic buildings, water & sewer systems, parks, roadway construction and more.

Community leaders rely on us for our debt issuance, economic development & redevelopment and financial planning services which promote economic development and civic pride.  As a Municipal Advisor, you will partner with clients and our internal team of experts to facilitate financial planning solutions for our clients.

Key Result Areas and Functions:

• Develop public finance solutions for the consideration by local, county, state, school district or other government bodies that address the needs of the community. Responsibilities include researching sources and types of financing, analyzing financial and economic data, preparing computer planning models and understanding the implications of applying alternatives. Organize and present information in such a manner that it is understood by a variety of audiences. 
• Structure bond issues to meet the capital finance needs of client. Includes understanding statutory criteria governing the structuring and issuance of debt, working knowledge of federal regulations affecting tax-exempt and taxable municipal debt, understanding market and rating considerations for issuing bonds. 
• Present financial solutions to the decision making bodies or individuals for approval. 
• Address economic development and redevelopment needs for communities. Includes understanding the rules for use of tax increment financing, tax abatement and grants available and evaluating alternatives for risks. 
• Oversee the financing process which is the implementation of communities’ financial solutions 
• Prepare and deliver presentations at seminars, conferences and other meetings 
• Market Ehlers services to clients and prospective clients. Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, other professionals and public officials to identify possible opportunities for the company. 
• Work with team members to create annual business development plan. 
• Performs other duties as required to fulfill the mission of the company. 

Minimum Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in related Public Finance field or equivalent experience. 
• 2+ years previous applicable work experience preferred. Salary will be commensurate with experience. 
• Must be able to become certified as a Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Thoroughly understands the field of municipal financing, bond issuance and tax systems. Is able to explain to others. 
• Highly skilled at analysis of technical data and able to develop creative solutions to clients' problems. Ability to perform math functions quickly with a high degree of accuracy. Understand algebraic functions and solve for unknown factors. 
• Must be able to design and modify complex spreadsheets. 
• Demonstrates well developed interpersonal skills that create and maintain positive relationships with employees and clients. Provides exemplary customer service to clients and prospects.
• Uses clear and concise written and oral communication skills to exchange information in person and on the phone. Ability to explain complex concepts and modify communication style to fit the needs of the audience.
• Comfortable and confident when making presentations at public meetings or at educational seminars. 
• Able to work, actively contribute and share ideas in a team environment to achieve individual, team and company goals. 
• Must be able to recognize issues and work with team to effectively solve problems. 
• Ability to understand relationships between budgets and actual performance of an enterprise fund and sensitivity analysis required for financial projects. 
• Must be proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, databases and the Internet. 
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Able to proof and edit documents and communications so they are clear and grammatically correct. 
• Able to manage multiple work activities and uneven workloads in a stressful environment. Prioritizes tasks and organizes work so that deadlines are met and essential work is completed.
• Able to proactively ask questions and request guidance or assistance. Provide assistance as needed. 
• Able to plan and implement work requirements independently. 
• Seeks continuous opportunities to market Ehlers services. 
• Recognizes and pursues opportunities for professional development for self and team. 

Physical Demands of the Position:

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to client meetings. 
• May need to operate and transport presentation equipment such as overhead projectors, flip charts, etc. and lift and carry up to 25 pounds on a regular basis.

Ehlers & Associates is an Employee Owned company that offers an excellent salary, rich benefit plan and a great working environment!

To learn more about Ehlers & Associates or about this opportunity go to www.ehlers-inc.com or call Jarrin at 651-697-8500.

Ehlers & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Senior Fiscal Researcher - Public Policy - Milwaukee, WI

SENIOR FISCAL RESEARCHER

Public Policy Forum

Milwaukee, WI
Positions reporting to occupant: None
Position reports to: President, Public Policy Forum

About the Public Policy Forum: 

Founded in 1913, the Public Policy Forum was established as a local good government watchdog and is now the region’s premier public policy think tank. The Forum prides itself on producing nonpartisan, credible and accurate information on public policy issues that impact the local community, the state, and nation. The Forum does not advocate on behalf of specific policies.The Forum is a financially stable organization led by a strong and engaged 60-person Board of Trustees consisting of business, government and community leaders from across Southeastern Wisconsin. The Forum currently is engaged in strategic planning with the broad goals of increasing its research capacity, broadening and strengthening its reputation in the community, and increasing the impact and awareness of its work.

Position description: 

The Senior Fiscal Researcher will play a key role in furthering the organization’s commitment to monitoring and improving the fiscal health and performance of governments and school districts in southeast Wisconsin. In particular, the researcher will be responsible for keeping track of and analyzing the finances of Greater Milwaukee’s largest local governments (e.g. the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and Milwaukee Public Schools), and will be expected to develop and maintain contacts with key fiscal staff in those governments. Other activities will include serving as primary investigator on fiscal research projects (including data collection, analysis, communication of findings, and overall project management); writing annual budget briefs and lengthier research reports for publication on the organization’s web site and presentation to elected and civic officials; and assisting other researchers with fiscal analysis pertaining to research projects in various policy areas.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitor the financial activities of major local governments in Greater Milwaukee by accessing financial documents, attending government committee hearings, and cultivating/maintaining regular contact with fiscal officials.
• Design, plan, and implement fiscal research projects and write research briefs and reports.
• Contribute regularly to Forum’s public policy blog with posts on financial issues and insights related to local governments and school districts.
• Design qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments.
• Conduct data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Prepare charts and graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses.
• Contribute to editing and proofing of Forum publications.
• Clearly communicate each project’s purpose and objectives to members, potential funders, and other stakeholders.
• Cultivate/maintain contacts with potential funders, write grant proposals, develop project budgets. 
• Staff advisory and policy committees consisting of Forum Trustees and other stakeholders pertaining to local government finance projects.
• Apply writing, presentation and other communication skills to interact with Forum members and key policy audiences, including the media, elected officials, and government agency staffs.
• Represent the Forum in a professional manner as an attendee and presenter at community events, public meetings and hearings, and conferences. 

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in a related field. Preferred fields include public policy, public administration, public finance, accounting, statistics. Substantive work experience may be substituted.
• 2–4 years of related experience; direct experience in local government/school district finance or public sector administration strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic research principles and research design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public finance issues related to southeast Wisconsin and local governments in general.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings.
• Knowledge of various analytic software, such as SPSS, Excel, and Microsoft Access
• Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders and audiences.
• Ability to work independently, as a member of a team, and as a leader and manager. The Forum values and works hard to maintain a productive, respectful, and collegial staff culture. All positions require a positive, “can-do” demeanor.
• Commitment to the Forum’s mission as a reliable, objective, nonpartisan research organization. 

Compensation: Total compensation package in the $60,000 to $70,000 range, depending on
experience. Those who lack the preferred levels of professional and/or academic experience but who
otherwise can demonstrate excellent policy research/writing skills, a strong interest in local
government finance, and an ability to learn on the job, may be considered for the title of "Researcher"
with downgraded responsibilities at a lower compensation package ($45,000 to $50,000 range).


Available benefits include generous health and dental insurance package, employer-paid life/disability coverage, employer-paid parking, and a matching 401(k) program after vesting. 

The Public Policy Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to Rob Henken,

President, at rhenken@publicpolicyforum.org.

ASSOCIATE – Community Development Finance, KANE, MC KENNA AND ASSOCIATES, INC. - Chicago, IL

KANE, MC KENNA AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

ASSOCIATE – Community Development Finance

Location: Chicago, IL

Type: Full-time

We are seeking an Associate to participate in Economic Development and related projects.

Assignments could include Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District designation, Business District

(BD) designation, project financial analysis and municipal finance analysis.

We are seeking candidates with a background in Community/Economic Development and

Economics/Finance Research. Responsibilities would include: research, quantitative and

qualitative analysis and technical writing (including memoranda and reports). Multiple project

assignments are expected and applicants should demonstrate the ability review information

and to present summaries based on such reviews.

Requirements of Position

Candidates must have a graduate degree in urban planning, business or finance and

demonstrate the following:

 Quantitative analysis skills, particularly using Microsoft Excel

 Communication skills

 Ability to organize presentations and/or project summaries

 Strong writing skills

Other Areas Helpful to the Position

 Ability to conduct demographic and economic analysis

 Real estate financial analysis and feasibility

 Tax projections

The firm supports the professional growth of its staff and encourages all professionals to

become active in professional and trade organizations. Salaries and benefits are competitive,

based on experience, and are augmented by performance-based bonus compensation.

All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color,

religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status,

age physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status or an unfavorable discharge

from military service.

Application Process

Please respond by submitting the following via email to rrychlicki@kanemckenna.com, address

your materials to Robert Rychlicki, Executive Vice President:

 Relevant samples of your professional or academic work

Cover letter

 Resume

Urban Planner II, City of Alexandria, Department of Planning & Zoning - Alexandria, VA

Urban Planner II

City of Alexandria - Department of Planning & Zoning

Professional Area: 

Urban Design

Experience: 

3-5 years

Location: 

Alexandria, VA

An Overview

An Urban Planner II performs professional planning work involving research, analysis, plan development, and presentation and interpretation of concepts and data pertaining to urban planning and plan implementation. The planner in this position will review development plans and applications, including large-scale and complex projects, coordinate City-wide reviews of development, prepare written reports and present recommendations to City Council and the Planning Commission.  This planning position will be responsible for a wide range of development projects, as well as working within an interdisciplinary team environment to bring new planning efforts forward.

What You Should Bring

Skills required for this position include the ability to:

• Apply a strong knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning, urban design, real estate economics, municipal finance, construction and plan implementation to the urban planning process;
• Write and present detailed staff reports;
• Create/edit graphics for presentations and printed materials using PowerPoint, GIS, InDesign, Sketch Up, AutoCad, or other design software;
• Work closely in a team environment;
• Communicate effectively in public presentations and with smaller citizens' groups;
• Demonstrate good knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of public sector planning; and
• Perform related work as required.

About the Department of Planning and Zoning

The Department of Planning and Zoning works closely with the community in each area of the City to carry out City Council's Strategic Plan for vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhoods, protected historic resources, and vital local businesses. With the community as our partner in developing neighborhood plans and reviewing proposals for development projects and businesses, we continue to deliver on the Vision we have developed together.

MINIMUM & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Four-Year college degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, or a closely related field such as Architecture or Landscape Architecture; three years of experience or Master's degree with one year experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Masters Degree plus 2 - 3 years of experience; registered or Certified Landscape Architect or other professional in a related field with design and construction experience; considerable knowledge of the spatial principles/practices of urban design, construction methods, documents and materials, strong analytical and communication skills; and some understanding of the development process.

Salary: $56,272.58 - $90,418.64

NOTES:

This position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment Criminal Records Check.

To apply for this position, please go to www.alexandriava.gov/jobs to submit an application.

Deadline: November 12, 2015

Urban Planner I - The City of Alexandria, VA

“Preserving the Past, while Innovating our Future!” Urban Planner I (Temporary position with Benefits) If you are ready for your next career move to a public sector agency that is progressive and strategic in the way we approach business, manage people and serve our citizens, The City of Alexandria is the place for you. The Department of Planning and Zoning is seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Urban Planner I. Alexandria is a dynamic and diverse planning environment located within the core of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The City has a progressive government and informed residents. The position offers an opportunity to work on the creation of new, urban, mixed-use Master Plans, Design Guidelines, and development review within the City. An Overview An Urban Planner I performs entry level professional planning work involving research, analysis, development, presentation or interpretation of concepts and data pertaining to city and urban planning and plan implementation.  What You Should Bring This position is exclusively for a highly-responsible planner with outstanding analytical, design, planning and communication skills. You must have a strong knowledge of the principles and practices of City planning, economics, municipal finance and sociology as applied to the city planning process. Good knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of public sector planning. The Opportunity Major responsibilities will likely include:  Preparing and reviewing new Master Plan(s) and Design Guideline(s) for urban areas of the City;  Establishing urban design and planning solutions and alternatives for complex land use and Master Plan(s) projects;  Presenting and coordinating with various community groups;  Reviewing and coordinating various zoning, site-development plans and regulatory approvals associated with the implementation of Master Plan(s) within the City;  Interpreting Master Plan(s) site-development plans, codes and regulations;  Preparing staff reports, applicable graphics and public presentations;  Coordinating with other divisions within the Department;  Coordinating with all applicable agencies and departments;  Development review; and  Other duties as assigned.  About the City The City of Alexandria is located a few short miles from Washington, DC and sits on the beautiful Potomac River waterfront.  With a population of approximately 140,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Our City has a rich history and adopted the Council-Manager form of government in 1922. We proudly embrace the rich history of our past and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead for the great City of Alexandria!   About the Department of Planning and Zoning  The Department of Planning and Zoning works closely with the community in each area of the City to carry out City Council's Strategic Plan for vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhoods, protected historic resources, and vital local businesses. With the community as our partner in developing neighborhood plans and reviewing proposals for development projects and businesses, we continue to deliver on the Vision we have developed together. Why You Should Apply Find a personally rewarding short-term opportunity with the Department of Planning and Zoning that allows you to utilize and grow your talents by serving the public. We value diversity in our work environment and know that employees treated with respect not only perform better, but further.
Minimum & Additional Requirements:
Four-Year College Degree from an accredited college or university in regional or urban planning, or a closely-related field such as architecture, landscape architecture, geography, urban studies, public administration, physical sciences, historic preservation or environmental studies; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working for a local government; working and coordinating with community groups and design advisory committees and presenting to Planning Boards or Commissions. Experience with InDesign, AutoCAD, and SketchUp software.
Notes:
This position is funded through September 30, 2015. This position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment Criminal Records Check.

Planner, City of Alachua - Alachua, FL

Planner

City of Alachua  Alachua, FL

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********************************APPLY AT: www.cityofalachua.com********************************

DEPARTMENT: Planning & Community Development

REPORTS TO: Planning & Community Development Director

SUPERVISES: None

FLSA: Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Professional planning work in carrying out research projects related to planning and development; conducting independent studies; reviewing development applications, such as site plans, re-zonings, and comprehensive plan amendments, for consistency with applicable regulations; preparing staff reports and presenting such reports to the Planning & Zoning Board and City Commission. Work is performed under the general direction of the Planning & Community Development Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists in the development of procedures and methodologies for information systems; creates and maintains databases; prepares and updates all map series for the department, including, but not limited to the Future Land Use and Zoning Atlas; communicates actions to regulatory agencies, as required.
2. Issues zoning determinations for consistency with the Land Development Regulations; recommends revisions to Zoning Atlas; ensures Zoning Atlas is current and up to date.
3. Prepares agendas and supporting materials for Planning & Zoning Board (Local Planning Agency), Commission appointed committees, and Board of Adjustment.
4. Prepares agendas for Board of Adjustment on special exceptions and variances.
5. Prepares staff reports with recommendations and presents them to the Local Planning Agency at publicized Board meetings and to the City Commission during public hearings for citizen comment and Commission approvals.
6. Oversees public notice requirements on land use actions; ensures that proper notice is provided and that published content is correct in accordance with Florida Statutes.
7. Assists with the update and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan; writes plan elements and text amendments.
8. Assists with the update and maintenance of the Land Development Regulations.
9. Collects, compiles, and analyzes data from a variety of sources to support amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.
10. Assists with the evaluation and appraisal of the Comprehensive Plan.
11. Reviews applicant and staff initiated requests for both small and large-scale amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for consistency; coordinates process throughout the City; communicates legislative actions to Department of Economic Opportunity, Regional Planning Council, and affected and interested parties.
12. Coordinates Development Review Process with applicants, developers, agents, and the general public; reviews applications for completeness.
13. Evaluates development and land use proposals for consistency with both the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations.
14. Communicates final actions of the Local Planning Agency and City Commission to applicants, agents, and affected and interested parties.
15. Prepares ordinances and resolutions for Commission consideration.
16. Prepares position papers on a variety of subject-matter as requested.
17. Tracks projections on populations and other community indicators.
18. Performs related work as required
    (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)
    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
    KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
    Knowledge of the planning principles and practices as applied to the collection of community planning data and in the preparation of community planning reports and studies, in both graphic and written form. Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering and architecture as applied to public planning. Knowledge of economics, municipal finance, and sociology as applied to public planning. Ability to direct and participate in complex planning studies and to analyze information and formulate substantive recommendations based upon such studies. Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations. Ability to direct work of others and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in writing, orally or graphic form. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with division heads, outside agencies and the general public.
    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
    Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Government, Law, Engineering, Urban Design, Economics, Social Science, Geography, Statistics or a related field. Two (2) years of professional work experience in urban planning.
    (A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)
    LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS
    Valid Florida Driver's License.
    ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
    Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
    Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
    Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
    ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
    Works inside in an office environment with occasional outside site visits.
    (Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

********************************APPLY AT: www.cityofalachua.com********************************

About City of Alachua:

The city of Alachua is a vibrant, small-town community located in the heart of North Central Florida. Alachua has a population of approximately 10,000 and is home to international corporations and Fortune 500 companies. With a superb quality of life and all the tools for self-sustainability, Alachua is a great place to visit and an even greater place to live.

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Financial Advisor, Ehlers

Financial Advisor

With 60 years of experience in navigating the maze of financial options, Ehlers has been helping local governments in the Upper Midwest to build better communities.  Our team of experts offers clients the best in a variety of economic development and municipal financial services.   We currently have an opening for a Financial Advisor in our Illinois office.  

Among other responsibilities, you will work closely with clients in developing public finance solutions for consideration by municipal, county, and other government bodies that address the needs of the client; meet their economic development and redevelopment needs; structure bond issues to meet capital finance needs of clients; oversee the bond sale process; and prepare long term financial plans.  Preferred candidates will have experience with economic development tools including Tax Increment Financing as well as Community Development/Planning.

Ehlers employees share in the ownership of the company through a company sponsored stock purchase plan (ESOP).  We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes the ESOP, as well as 401K and profit sharing.  See www.ehlers-inc.com for a complete job description.  For consideration please email your resume to:  hr@ehlers-inc.com.  

Ehlers is an equal opportunity employer.