Coordinating Planner - Chicago Dept. of Transportation (Jan.19 Deadline)

Who: City of Chicago Department of Transportation 

What: Under direction, functions as a project manager responsible for coordinating urban development and revitalization planning projects of a complex nature OR as a senior level, technical expert engaged in researching and managing specialized planning initiatives, and performs related duties as required. Responsibilities include: 
• Coordinates, manages, and provides oversight of the Department’s short-, medium-, and long-range planning, analysis and related research activities encompassing all transportation modes, facilities, users, and systems/networks serving the City. This includes but is not limited to pedestrian, public transit, bicycle, motor vehicle, freight and maritime infrastructure and policies. 
• Provides oversight and management of professional planning staff and consultants conducting federal-, state-, and City-funded multimodal transportation studies and research. The typical value of ongoing transportation planning studies under this position’s oversight exceeds $2 million. 
• Coordinates transportation planning-related activities and communications with: other Divisions within Department such as Engineering, Performance Management, Traffic Safety & Technology, Infrastructure Management; other City Departments such as Planning and Development, Streets & Sanitation, Mayor’s Office; sister agencies such as Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools; other local and regional transportation agencies such as Metra, Pace, RTA, CMAP, Cook County; and state and federal agencies such as IDOT, Illinois Tollway, USDOT. 
• Leads and/or assists with researching, identifying, applying for, and managing new and ongoing grant funding opportunities for Department programs and capital projects from local, state, federal, and other sources. 
• Ensures that the Department continues to comprehensively plan and prepare for transportation improvements needed to support sustained economic development throughout the City 
• Plans and manages the full scope of planning studies including the design, data collection and implementation of recommendations 
• Establishes and monitors work objectives and time lines of planning projects and oversees private consultants and junior level planners in the conduct of planning studies 
• Participates in and oversees the collection and analysis of related planning data 
• Summarizes and formats collected data and prepares reports for senior management’s review 
• Develops proposed plans for target areas and markets planning and development opportunities to prospective developers 
• Evaluates project proposals for feasibility and conformity with city development goals and objectives, governmental regulations and funding eligibility 
• Coordinates the work efforts of departmental managers, government officials and funding agencies to facilitate the selection and scheduling of capital improvement projects 
• Prepares and oversees staff responsible for the preparation of financial reporting documents to track the awarding and expenditure of funds 
• Conducts site inspections of work in progress to ensure adherence to development plans 
• Generates periodic progress reports of pending and current projects, highlighting issues for management’s attention and to publicize project success 
• Represents the department at public hearings and meetings to discuss proposed planning and redevelopment projects 

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning, or a directly related field, plus five years of work experience in the development and management of major planning or research studies, including two years of supervisory experience related to the responsibilities of the position, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience provided that the minimum degree requirement is met.  

Benefits: $88,440-$95,760/year.  
Read the full job posting and apply here. 

Development Specialist (Kansas City, MO)

Who: City Planning & Development Department/Urban Redevelopment Division - City of KC, MO

What: Development Specialist - Assists groups wishing to create Community Improvement Districts from the initial sharing of information to final approval by City Council. Works with state, county, city regulations and technical specifications. Regularly consults with those state, county, local entities. Performs job duties for waiver of City liens/assessments, include dealing with applicants for waivers, granting administrative waivers, preparing materials for public meetings, record-keeping. Closely coordinates with the Neighborhood & Housing Services, Finance, Law Departments for the lien waiver process to be successful. Routinely prepares ordinances/presentations to City Council. Uses independent judgment.

Qualifications: accredited Bachelor's degree in economics, sociology, multi-disciplinary social science or urban affairs, city planning, public or business administration, engineering, architecture, energy conservation or related field and 3 (OR an accredited Master's degree in one of the aforementioned fields and 1) years of progressively responsible, related professional experience in the applicable specialty; OR an equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience.

Benefits: Full-time position $19.34-$33.21/hour. 
Read more and apply here. 

Executive Director, Pawtucket Foundation - Pawtucket, RI

Executive Director

Pawtucket Foundation

Professional Area: 

Economic Planning and Development

Experience: 

5-7 years

Website: 

http://www.pawtucketfoundation.org

Location: 

Pawtucket, RI

MISSION: 

The Pawtucket Foundation represents the business and not-for-profit sector as an advocate and catalyst for downtown, riverfront and transportation gateway enhancements within the City of Pawtucket (Rhode Island). As civic entrepreneurs, we foster a vision of the community's future by mobilizing and coordinating research, information, talent and resources to positively impact the City.

SUMMARY:

The Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation will help to create and develop programs designed to mobilize the resources of the private sector to encourage economic development and community planning within Pawtucket, Rhode Island and the boarding community of Central Falls. He or she will utilize professional experience to promote private and public sector investment to improve existing community assets as well as to create new development projects.  Key ongoing projects include predevelopment planning for river corridor real estate revitalization, economic development, capital transportation infrastructure planning and business recruitment efforts in the historic downtown.

Under the Director's leadership, the Foundation will use its capability to provide technical assistance to community organizations, community leaders, and City officials in community planning, real estate, infrastructure development and business development efforts. In leading this private-public partnership, the Executive Director will foster and maintain a cooperative working relationship between the private sector, city residents and city officials.

Email letter of interest and resume (preferably in PDF format) to Search Committee via email at info@pawtucketfoundation.org by close of business on Thursday, November 12, 2015.  No phone calls please.

Visit www.pawtucketfoundation.org for additional information.

Urban Design West Coast Practice Leader Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) - San Francisco, CA

Urban Design West Coast Practice Leader

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)

Professional Area: 

Urban Design

Experience: 

More than 10 years

Location: 

San Francisco, CA

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is one of the leading architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban-planning firms in the world, with a 75-year reputation for design excellence and a portfolio that includes some of the most important architecture of the 20th and 21st centuries. Since its inception, SOM has been a leader in the research and development of innovative technologies, processes and ideas, many of which have had a lasting impact on the built environment. The firm has been honored with more than 1100 awards. The American Institute of Architects has recognized SOM twice with its highest honor, the Architecture Firm Award—in 1962 and again in 1996. The firm maintains offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai.  

SOM's multifaceted practice includes: Architecture, MEP/Building Services, Digital Design, Graphics, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Structural & Civil Engineering, Sustainable Design, Urban Design and Planning.

Position Overview:    

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, an internationally-known, multi-disciplinary architectural and engineering design practice seeks an experienced urban designer to join the award-winning City Design Practice in its San Francisco office. The Practice specializes in the urban design and planning of large-scale, urban revitalization projects, as well as the preparation of master plans for major institutions, workplace initiatives, and new communities. The candidate will have the opportunity to lead urban design and planning projects within the western US.    

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthens SOM’s firm vision, goals and values building client commitment to the firm    
• Solves complex problems in connection with the urban design of large-scale projects.    
• Leads project design through all phases of work on multiple project assignments as part of a leadership team.     
• Acts as primary design interface with clients, consultants, contractors, and others during various stages of project development.    
• Manages work on assigned projects, within group and with other disciplines, guides and encourages the development of staff and empowers individuals and team performance    
• Pursues new urban design and planning project and business development leads, including the preparations of proposals, project fees and scopes of services in concert with the group’s project manager.     

Please note this job description contains only a partial listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• Master Degree in Urban Design or City Planning, with undergraduate training in architecture design. CA architecture licensure or AICP is required. LEED accreditation is desirable.    
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible project experience in the urban design and physical planning profession in North America, including 10 years of experience running a team.  At least five years of California experience is desirable.    
• A strong design ethos consistent with the core principles of SOM’s City Design Practice    
• Established track-record of high profile, approved projects along the West Coast, particularly in the Bay Area    
• Thorough knowledge of urban design and planning issues, including  site planning, zoning, infrastructure and utility planning, entitlements, and sustainable design practices    
• A dynamic, creatively-focused and efficient approach     
• Compelling communication and engaging client liaison skills     
• Ability to effectively engage communities in public participation processes    
• Excellent people management and strong team leadership with ability to listen and collaborate effectively    
• Ability to adapt to change in a fast-pace, highly creative working environment is essential.    
• Proven success in business development with positive results    
• Demonstrated proficiency with Autocad, MS Office, and Adobe CS skills, along with hand-sketching, are highly desirable.    
• Domestic travel will occasionally be required     

Work Environment / Physical Demands:   

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, printers and fax machines.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  

Additional Information:  

SOM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status (except where certain characteristics are essential bona fide occupational requirements or where a disability is a bona fide occupational disqualification), as required by applicable law. SOM welcomes diversity in the workplace. SOM will make reasonable accommodation in the application process for applicants with disabilities, as required by applicable law. Please contact the Human Resources department at the location of interest to request accommodation.  

We realize that all candidates may not be able to submit an online application.  If you cannot submit an online application for a position, please submit your resume, cover letter and 3 to 4 works samples to the appropriate office (C/O Human Resources) via regular mail.  Clearly indicate in the cover letter the position and location to which you are applying.  For a complete listing of SOM locations and addresses, please visit the Contact section on our web site atwww.som.com.

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume and work samples atwww.som.com/careers under the San Francisco - Urban Design West Coast Practice Leader requisition.