Program Specialist at Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA)

Type: Full Time / Hybrid

Location: Chicago Illinois

Salary: $67,565.63 to $84,457.58

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), located in downtown Chicago, is currently accepting applications to fill the Program Specialist, Strategic Plan Implementation position. The RTA oversees financing, secures funding, and conducts transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. The RTA manages these three Service Boards’ five-year capital programs. Also, to help riders with disabilities and older adults across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, the agency issues Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits, assesses eligibility for ADA Paratransit service, and oversees specialized travel training. The RTA offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible work arrangements and a hybrid work environment.

Full job information and application available here.

Senior Policy Analyst - Future Energy Enterprises, LLC (Chicago, IL)

Who: Future Energy Enterprises is a majority woman-owned business with experience with all aspects of energy efficiency program design and administration for business, commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

What: The Policy Analyst will handle an array of responsibilities to assist in the facilitation of statewide low-income energy efficiency advisory committees (Income Qualified Energy Efficiency Advisory Committees – one in Northern Illinois, covering the northern third of the state, and one serving central and southern Illinois) in Illinois including meeting planning; communications and outreach to participants; tracking follow-up and action items; and providing background research and analytic support, when needed. Some travel is required for the purpose of attending large group meetings and individual meetings with committee participants and community-based organizations. The position will require reaching out, in person and by phone, to community-based organizations and other leaders who serve economically-challenged communities, Environmental Justice communities and diverse communities. This role will include a focus on outreach in central and southern Illinois, including traveling to meet individually with organizations interested in participating in the Income Qualified South Advisory Committee. The Policy Analyst may also support other energy consulting work for Future Energy Enterprises. Position will be either a Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst depending on years of experience and level of education.

Qualifications: A minimum of two (2) years professional experience desired. Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred candidates will also have a Graduate Degree in related field (Ex: Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, or related experience). Seeking candidates with demonstrated interest and/or experience serving low-income, economically challenged and/or diverse communities. Interest and/or experience working on clean energy or environmental issues preferred. Access to car required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Policy Specialist – The University of Illinois System, Office of Business and Financial Services

Who: The University of Illinois System, Chicago Campus, Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS), Business Solutions and Support

What: OBFS is seeking a Policy Specialist (Business Administrative Associate) to support the Policy function by coordinating activities related to OBFS processes for establishing, developing, and implementing business and financial policies and procedures in support of overall OBFS operations and services, and to ensure their alignment with applicable University guidelines and regulations. Responsibilities include:

Director of Research, Metropolitan Planning Council (Chicago)

Who: Metropolitan Planning Council

What: MPC is hiring a full-time Director of Research responsible for the oversight, execution and growth of all of the organization’s research activities. The Director of Research provides cross-organizational leadership to enable MPC to create a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous region.
MPC is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in public policy research. Strong writing, external relationship-building, project management, analytical and policy development skills are required. The ability to work in teams and lead others is essential. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with multiple colleagues, functions and teams, both internally and externally.
The Director of Research contributes to the development of organization-wide research strategies and ensures that all research activities are advancing the goals within MPC’s annual workplan. This position supervises a Research Associate and several undergraduate and/or graduate student research interns, and shapes research products of a range of project-specific staff. Primary responsibilities include:

Senior Policy Analyst – Future Energy Enterprises (Chicago)

Who: Future Energy Enterprises, LLC

What: The Senior Policy Analyst will handle an array of responsibilities to support facilitation of statewide low-income energy efficiency advisory committees (Income Qualified Advisory Committees – one in Northern Illinois and one serving Southern Illinois) in Illinois including meeting planning; communications and outreach to participants; tracking follow-up and action items; and providing background research and analytic support, when needed. Some travel is required for the purpose of attending large group meetings and individual meetings with committee participants. The position will require reaching out, in person and by phone, to community-based organizations and other leaders who serve economically-challenged communities, Environmental Justice communities and diverse communities. The Senior Policy Analyst may also support other energy consulting work for Future Energy Enterprises.

Policy Analyst – Natural Resources Defense Council (Chicago or DC)

Who: Natural Resources Defense Council, Healthy People and Thriving Communities Program

What: Policy Analyst for Water & Climate Team. The Water & Climate Team is an important voice for much-needed policy changes in the way our nation prepares for and responds to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. The Water & Climate Team’s efforts focus on addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise, inland and urban flooding, and ensuring the nation’s water infrastructure is more resilient to future conditions. The Team is currently comprised of one Senior Policy Analyst, one Attorney, and one Program Assistant.
The Policy Analyst will play a key role in acquiring and analyzing data on natural disaster risks, damages, and costs; developing policy proposals; working with partner organizations around the country; and conducting advocacy. The Water & Climate Team’s work places a priority on solutions that benefit low-income individuals and communities, who often lack the financial resources to invest in the long-term solutions they will eventually need in order to adapt to climate change.

Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Health (Baltimore)

Who: The Baltimore City Health Department

What: Under the supervision of, and reporting directly to the Commissioner, the Special Assistant occupies a critical role, providing high-priority executive and project management support to the Commissioner. The Special Assistant to the Commissioner supports various critical, agency-wide functions that are central to BCHD’s overarching mission.
A successful candidate must be committed to social justice and health equity and have the following attributes: efficiency, creativity, flexibility, commitment, and an exceptional ability to plan, think, and act quickly and in the best interest of the Commissioner, Health Department, and the residents of Baltimore. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, policy analysis, and public health, with exceptional writing and communication skills. The Special Assistant will:

CMAP Executive - Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programming

Who: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

What: CMAP seeks a Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programming to manage a large department and provide strategic direction for CMAP’s policy development and analysis activities, with an emphasis on performance-based programming for the region’s transportation investments. As a member of CMAP’s executive management team, this person will work closely with the CMAP Executive Director, Chief of Staff, Deputy Executive Directors, Directors, and Principals on overall strategic initiatives, the allocation of resources, implementation of CMAP’s ON TO 2050 plan, and compliance with federal transportation planning requirements. This person will also be responsible for setting short- and long-term research agendas for CMAP’s policy focus areas, including transportation, land use, economic development, housing, tax policy, and governance.
As part of the executive team, the Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programming will participate in development of CMAP’s strategic priorities, plans, and initiatives and collaboratively implement those strategic objectives through the Agency’s annual work plan and other programs. The Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programming will also provide leadership and direction to the creation of the public policy analysis agenda. Specifically, the position would:

Clinical Professor, Public Administration, the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, IL

New Clinical Professor Appointment in Public Administration
The Department of Public Administration (DPA) in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) (http://www.uic.edu/cuppa/pa) plans to hire a new non-tenure-track faculty member at the Clinical Assistant or Clinical Associate Professor level beginning in August 2016.

The public administration program offers two graduate degrees: the Master in Public Administration (MPA), which is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, and the Ph.D. The DPA also offers a new undergraduate degree (B.A.) in Public Policy. We also have a large and active program of international students.

The successful applicant’s primary duties will be teaching in the department’s undergraduate public policy program including courses in the policy process and policy analysis. A strong commitment to excellent teaching, especially at the undergraduate level and a commitment to curriculum and program development is expected.

Candidates with an earned PhD or who can demonstrate high likelihood of degree completion by August 2016 in public administration, political science, public policy, or a related field are preferred. Candidates with demonstrated expertise and the capacity to teach courses in public policy are preferred. In exceptional cases candidates without a PhD may be considered if they have sufficient relevant experience. Successful candidates will have teaching and service responsibilities equivalent to eight courses over two semesters. 

Individuals who are members of a recognized underrepresented group are particularly encouraged to apply.
Clinical faculty are a valued and crucial element of the DPA’s workforce and hold positions through which they contribute to the service and teaching missions of the department and university. At UIC clinical faculty have clear career ladders and generally receive multi-year renewable contracts. Non-tenure system faculty including clinical professors are represented by UIC United Faculty Local 6456, IFT-AFT, AAUP. The most recent contract can be viewed at http://uicunitedfaculty.org/docs/NTS-CBA-8-16-12-through-8-15-15- copy.pdf.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is located just west of Chicago's Loop, it enrolls 29,000 students and is the largest public research university in the Chicago area. The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs was created in 1995 as part of UIC's Great Cities Initiative. It houses two academic programs (Public Administration and Urban Planning and Policy). The College also hosts nine research centers: the Survey Research Laboratory, the Great Cities Institute, the Urban Transportation Center, the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, the Great Cities Urban Data Visualization Lab, the Center for Urban Economic Development, the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement, Center for Public Safety and Justice and the Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement.

Application Procedure. For fullest consideration, please apply by January 4, 2016 via the University application system: https://jobs.uic.edu (Job ID # 57814). A completed on-line application and the following attachments are required for consideration: a cover letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience and contact information, including email addresses, of three professional references. For specific questions about the position, please send an email to Ms. Sari Buffill (buffill@uic.edu). Active screening of applicants begins on January 5, 2016 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the University of Illinois at Chicago not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era and to comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations.

ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN APPLIED MICROECONOMICS Department of Public Administration & Policy Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy University at Albany – State University of New York

ASSISTANT OR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN APPLIED MICROECONOMICS
Department of Public Administration & Policy Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy University at Albany – State University of New York

The Department of Public Administration & Policy in the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy seeks a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor with expertise in applied microeconomics. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in economics or allied fields, such as public policy, by August 2016, and will have strong research and teaching skills.
We prefer candidates with experience in the practice of policy analysis or teaching microeconomics and econometrics. We also prefer candidates who can contribute to our established areas of instruction and research. 

The Department is nationally ranked in public finance/public financial management, IT/e-government, public management, and non-profit management. Additionally, the Department has highly active programs of research in health policy, retirement policy, homeland security, nonprofit management, financial market regulation, and criminal justice policy.

Rockefeller College is home to a diverse group of scholars interested in teaching and research on issues of importance in the public and nonprofit sectors. The College’s strategic location in the state capital provides numerous opportunities for collaborative research projects with government agencies. Ranked 16th overall in public affairs by US News and World Report, the Department of Public Administration and Policy offers an undergraduate major, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA), a Masters of International Affairs (MIA), and a PhD in Public Administration and Policy. We actively seek and support demographic diversity in our faculty and student body. To learn more about the Department visit our website at http://www.albany.edu/rockefeller/pad.shtml.
Rockefeller College is a unit of the University at Albany, State University of New York. Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages 18,000 diverse students in eleven schools and colleges across three campuses. Located in Albany, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

Review of applications will start immediately upon receipt of applications. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 1, 2015. We strongly encourage applicants to file their materials immediately. Use this link to apply: https://albany.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=63940 Letters of reference and transcripts should be sent to PADSearch@albany.edu.

Candidates should have demonstrated the ability to work with and instruct culturally diverse groups of people. The Ph.D. must be from a college or university accredited by the US

Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization. Address correspondence to: Victor Asal, Chair, Department of Public Administration and Policy. Inquiries about the position can be sent to PADSearch@albany.edu. Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a writing sample, teaching evaluations, and three letters of recommendations.
Federal regulations require notice to all prospective employees with information on crimes that occurred on campus. Please refer to the following website for complete
details: http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml 

Senior Associate, Policy, Data as a Strategic Asset; Pew Charitable Trusts - Washington, D.C.

Pew Charitable Trusts

Washington, DC

Senior Associate, Policy, Data as a Strategic Asset

For more information and to apply - senior associate policy

Overview:

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and invigorate civic life.

We are an independent nonprofit organization – the sole beneficiary of seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew.

Project Overview:

Pew’s new Data as a Strategic Asset project is assessing administrative data use across the 50 states, taking an in-depth look at whether and how effectively states are leveraging data for decision making. Because the field is so new, there is no comprehensive source of information about what states are trying; whether they face common challenges; and the effectiveness of different approaches. This 18-month research project will provide policy makers with a better understanding of how states across the country are using data to inform policy and budget decisions and make operations more efficient.

Position Overview:

The Senior Associate will help conceptualize, design and implement a 50-state assessment on the ways states are using data to inform policy and budgeting and to improve organizational effectiveness. The Senior Associate will provide strategic support to all aspects of the project’s research, with a particular focus on designing the research methodology and leading the team’s data collection and analysis efforts. The Senior Associate will co-author research papers, critically review project materials, work collaboratively with experts in the field, and present research findings in appropriate venues.

The Senior Associate will be based in Pew's Washington, DC office and will report to the Research Manager. It is expected that this position is for a term period through March 31, 2017, with the possibility of renewal pending the success of the program, funding sources and board decisions on continued support.

Responsibilities:

• Under direction of the initiative’s senior staff, design and implement a 50-state assessment on states’ use of administrative data to inform policymaking, budgeting and operational effectiveness.
• Lead the team’s data collection and organization efforts, and analyze legislation, rules, policies, and other documents related to states’ use of administrative data.
• Conduct and document in-depth interviews with state officials.
• Translate qualitative datasets into quantitative insight.
• Synthesize research to identify trends, best practices, opportunities, challenges, and compelling examples.
• Review and fact-check materials produced by contractors and other staff; help coordinate internal and external quality control processes.
• Coauthor research reports and issue briefs for the project.
• Maintain knowledge of policy issues relevant to Big Data.
• Assist in the management of the project's contracts.
• Conduct data-driven research and outreach to identify lines of inquiry. Help make strategic judgements about when to pursue further research and when to move on to a different exploration.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders – including state officials, state policy organizations, researchers, and leading organizations engaged in business intelligence and data analytics.
• Represent the project at conferences, meetings, and other events, including preparing materials for distribution and making presentations, as needed, to internal and external audiences.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; related graduate degree desirable.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in policy research and analysis.
• Excellent applied research and analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize information, identify themes, and summarize large amounts of information effectively and clearly.
• Experience working with qualitative data.
• Experience working with database software and spreadsheets.
• Ability to write quickly, clearly and succinctly as well as to revise and edit based on input from a range of reviewers.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders; and approach issues with a nonpartisan, objective mindset.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision. Flexible and able to routinely juggle multiple competing priorities and work in teams to meet project goals.
• Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy in all work products.
• Experience participating in or leading multi-disciplinary teams and analyzing policies and practices from several disciplines.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in data analytics and/or evidence-based policymaking is preferred.

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.

Senior Associate, Research, Data as a Strategic Asset; Pew Charitable Trusts - Washington, D.C.

Pew Charitable Trusts

Washington, DC

Senior Associate, Research, Data as a Strategic Asset

For more information and to apply - senior associate research

Overview:

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and invigorate civic life.

We are an independent nonprofit organization – the sole beneficiary of seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew.

Project Overview:

Pew’s new Data as a Strategic Asset project is assessing administrative data use across the 50 states, taking an in-depth look at whether and how effectively states are leveraging data for decision making. Because the field is so new, there is no comprehensive source of information about what states are trying; whether they face common challenges; and the effectiveness of different approaches. This 18-month research project will provide policy makers with a better understanding of how states across the country are using data to inform policy and budget decisions and make operations more efficient.

Position Overview:

The Senior Associate will help conceptualize, design and implement a 50-state assessment on the ways states are using data to inform policy and budgeting and to improve organizational effectiveness. The Senior Associate will provide strategic support to all aspects of the project’s research, with a particular focus on designing the research methodology and leading the team’s data collection and analysis efforts. The Senior Associate will co-author research papers, critically review project materials, work collaboratively with experts in the field, and present research findings in appropriate venues.

The Senior Associate will be based in Pew's Washington, DC office and will report to the Research Manager. It is expected that this position is for a term period through March 31, 2017, with the possibility of renewal pending the success of the program, funding sources and board decisions on continued support.

Responsibilities:

• Under direction of the initiative’s senior staff, design and implement a 50-state assessment on states’ use of administrative data to inform policymaking, budgeting and operational effectiveness.
• Lead the team’s data collection and organization efforts, and analyze legislation, rules, policies, and other documents related to states’ use of administrative data.
• Conduct and document in-depth interviews with state officials.
• Translate qualitative datasets into quantitative insight.
• Synthesize research to identify trends, best practices, opportunities, challenges, and compelling examples.
• Review and fact-check materials produced by contractors and other staff; help coordinate internal and external quality control processes.
• Coauthor research reports and issue briefs for the project.
• Maintain knowledge of policy issues relevant to Big Data.
• Assist in the management of the project's contracts.
• Conduct data-driven research and outreach to identify lines of inquiry. Help make strategic judgements about when to pursue further research and when to move on to a different exploration.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders – including state officials, state policy organizations, researchers, and leading organizations engaged in business intelligence and data analytics.
• Represent the project at conferences, meetings, and other events, including preparing materials for distribution and making presentations, as needed, to internal and external audiences.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; related graduate degree desirable.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in policy research and analysis.
• Excellent applied research and analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize information, identify themes, and summarize large amounts of information effectively and clearly.
• Experience working with qualitative data.
• Experience working with database software and spreadsheets.
• Ability to write quickly, clearly and succinctly as well as to revise and edit based on input from a range of reviewers.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders; and approach issues with a nonpartisan, objective mindset.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision. Flexible and able to routinely juggle multiple competing priorities and work in teams to meet project goals.
• Attention to detail, including exacting standards to maintain accuracy in all work products.
• Experience participating in or leading multi-disciplinary teams and analyzing policies and practices from several disciplines.
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in data analytics and/or evidence-based policymaking is preferred.

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.