Welcome to CUPPA Careers!

The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at UIC is the University of Illinois System's home for the study of public policy and contemporary urban challenges. We are CUPPA.

In the heart of Chicago, we offer degrees in fields of study that can change your life and change the world. CUPPA students and alumni are uniquely skilled to build and transform sustainable urban neighborhoods and communities and to address the challenges presented in the 21st century. Find our more about our Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees at cuppa.uic.edu.

Follow our job postings below and our national job tweets at @CUPPACareers. For student internships and student opportunities, head to the CUPPA Student Opportunities Blog

Have a job or internship to post? Send an email with the title, location, job description, and contact information to cuppa@uic.edu

Policy and Research Manager (water-related economic development)

 Title: Policy and Research Manager for Water-Related Economic Development

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago-based employee with both in-person (office location is 200 W Madison St., Chicago IL 60606 through May 2026; thereafter 111 N. Canal) and virtual work is required. You must be able to work in the United States, as Current does not yet have visa-sponsoring capabilities.

PaySalary range of $70-85k commensurate with experience


Who We Are: Current is a water innovation hub working to grow a circular blue economy, accelerate water innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. Chicago is our freshwater home but our cross-sector partnerships stretch across Illinois, the Great Lakes region, and the world. We want to export our home-grown solutions to help solve the world’s water challenges and bring the best ideas from around the world to solve ours.

Position Summary: Current’s Policy and Research Manager is a cross-functional team member responsible for the development and execution of Current’s policy and engagement agenda. This is a new role that needs an ambitious and creative team player to investigate policy areas relevant to Current and Great Lakes RENEW’s strategic goals, leverage partnerships and coalitions to develop policy perspectives, and create actionable, results-oriented strategies to advance policy areas. This role is not currently scoped as a lobbying role, but may evolve in the future to include lobbying activities. Applicants do not need to be a registered lobbyist but may need to in the future. The Policy and Research Manager is a strong communicator and is passionate about helping Current impact systems that enable economic development, innovation, sustainability and circularity. The Policy and Research Manager regularly interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, and will serve as a representative of Current amongst our community of mission-aligned practitioners, policymakers, and supporters.

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of experience working in a policy-related field.

● Experience in water-related policy areas preferred, but not required. Candidates

with experience in other environmental or economic development campaigns or

policy areas can also be successful.

● A deep understanding of policy work and legislative processes required.

● Established networks and relationships with policymakers, governments,

coalitions and nonprofits in at least some part of our region of service preferred

(IL, WI, OH, MN, MI, IN).

● Excellent written and communication skills, and the ability to translate complex

topics to generalist audiences.

● A track record of strong facilitation and public speaking skills, and a

demonstrated ability to engage and activate coalitions.


To apply: Please complete our online application in the link shared below. Do not forget to upload your CV/resume!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSez6o6PmZHAVwldIpIMLo3bNLCtMze7pTwRQGwrP9FJyXGBZQ/viewform


For more information regarding the position, please see the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nq0Lk61ZxFzcpqTvtmGu-UkCh4tZCFMW/view






Clinton Presidential Research Fellowship

 Title: Clinton Presidential Research Fellowship

Type: Research Position

Location: Will depend on the research completed and will be discussed with employers

Pay Awards range from $1,250 to $5,000 

Building and Zoning Coodinator - Washington, IL

Title: Building and Zoning Coordinator

Type: full-time

Location: Washington, IL

Pay Salary Range: $60,000-$75,000


Position Summary: Do you care about neighborhoods, local businesses, and how a city grows-block by block? The City of Washington is seeking a thoughtful, service-minded professional to join our Planning and Development Department and help guide development in a way that protects residents, strengthens neighborhoods, and supports a vibrant community.

Working under the direction of the Planning and Development Director, this position blends planning, zoning, inspections, code enforcement, and customer service into a dynamic role that makes a real impact on the community.

Requirements: 

- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 

- Valid Illinois driver's license 

- Ability to obtain ICC Residential and Commercial Building Inspector certifications within 6-12 months

PREFERRED BACKGROUND:

Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field

- Experience in building inspection, zoning, or code enforcement

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply today and put your planning and inspection skills to work for the community!

Anticipated salary range between $60,000-$75,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The City of Washington offers a robust benefit package, including but not limited to paid time off, medical benefits, and a variety of retirement savings opportunities.

Questions can be directed to Maureen Chambers, Human Resources Manager

 Email: mchambers@ci.washington.il.us

Link to applyhttps://ciwashington.aaimtrack.com/jobs/

Affordable Housing Asset Manager

 

Title: Affordable Housing Asset Manager

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay Salary Range: $70,000


Position Summary: The Asset Manager plays a central role in asset management, regulatory, and other compliance matters pertaining to the organization’s real estate holdings and prepares various reports as required in conjunction with the Property Management and Asset Management departments.  In all instances, the Asset Manager must perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike Mission.

 

The position requires the ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks; analyze information, make informed decisions, use critical thinking and reasoning skills; read, write, review, comprehend, evaluate, and interpret technical materials and data; and monitor and regulate behavior and emotions. 


QUALIFICATIONS:  Minimum of 2 years of related work experience.  Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.  Good communication, writing, organizational and interpersonal skills necessary. Must have access to a car, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. North side Chicago residents, within the communities we serve, are encouraged to apply.


For a link to the application as well as more info regarding the position, please see the link below 

Career Center | Recruitment



Data and Systems Analyst - Austin Coming Together

 

Title: Data and Systems Analyst, Austin Coming Together

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000


Position Summary: The Data and Systems Analyst supports ACT’s mission by ensuring data is clean, consistent, and used effectively to inform decision-making, and by ensuring ACT’s software platforms are

optimized for data collection and analysis. This role works across teams to support the development and enforcement of data standards, maintain high-quality datasets, champion platform usage, recommend training opportunities, and create insightful reports and dashboards. The analyst plays a key part in surfacing trends in program performance and

system usage to improve outcomes and organizational effectiveness.


Qualifications:

● 2–4 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, or database management.

● Strong skills in Excel and at least one reporting or data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau,

Power BI, Looker Studio).

● Experience working with CRMs or program databases (e.g., Salesforce, Airtable,

Apricot, etc.).

● Familiarity with data privacy, security, and compliance principles.

● Strong attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy and consistency.

● Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.



Email your resume and cover letter to Dearra Williams at dwilliams@austincomingtogether.org.

Subject line should read: Your Name + Data and Systems Analyst

No phone calls please

Park Planning Intern - American Conservation Experience

 Title: Intern, American Conservation Experience

Type: full-time internship 

Location: Remote with occasional in-person work if necessary

Pay: $1000 per week


Position Summary: This position will serve as a member of interdisciplinary teams supporting park planning and/or transportation planning projects across the national park system. The intern will assist NPS staff with park planning and/or landscape architecture projects by developing site plans, conceptual design renderings, mapping products, etc. to help national park staff make informed decisions about potential design improvements. This work will include collecting and synthesizing information related to park planning and transportation system planning as well as coordinating collaborative reviews of conceptual design proposals. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups

Qualifications

Required:

  • Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
  • Proficiency is using software programs such as ArcGIS, Adobe, or AutoCAD to develop landscape layouts, concept designs, site plans, or other conceptual renderings for park improvement projects.
  • Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
  • A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
  • Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
  • Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
  • To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Public Policy, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, Historic Preservation, and/or Environmental Planning.
  • Knowledge of transportation systems, planning principles, and project management.
  • Ability and willingness to work independently and alongside a team.
  • Deep interest in public lands, the National Park Service, and natural and cultural resource management.
More information and the application form will be available through this link: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1273638


Management & Budget Intern - Village of Hinsdale


Title: Management and Budget Intern, Village Manager's Office & Finance Department

Type: Part Time (Typically 10-15 hours a week)

Location: Hinsdale, IL

Pay $20 an hour


Position Summary: The Village of Hinsdale is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Management & Budget Intern to support both the Village Manager’s Office and the Finance Department. This year-round internship offers a unique opportunity to work closely with the Village Manager and Chief Financial Officer on special projects, budget preparation, and organizational initiatives. The intern will assist with assembling the annual operating and capital budgets, supporting cross-departmental special projects, conducting research and analysis, reviewing and developing policy and procedural documents (including a Purchasing Policy Manual), and helping review and update Village website content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. 


Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a Village of Hinsdale employment application, résumé, and letter of interest outlining relevant education and experience. Application materials should be submitted to the Village of Hinsdale Human Resources Department.



Assistant Director of Engineering & Public Works - Village of Schaumburg

 

Title: Assistant Director, Public Works

Type: full-time

Location: Schaumburg, IL

Pay The budgeted salary range for this position is  
$136,932.00 - $183,146.00 annually, dependent on qualifications. 


Position Summary: This position assists the director in the operation, management, planning, organization, and direction of the department, specifically supervising municipal maintenance and operations, managing staff, budgets and contracts while ensuring safety and compliance. Exercises broad discretion in the management of the department. In the absence of the director, this position will assume the duties of the director. This position is a leadership role and is provided considerable latitude to carry out operational management and leadership responsibilities including: development of short and long term goals; compliance with all federal, state, and local agency rules, regulations, and safety requirements; development and implementation of the department’s budget; rapid response to emergency situations; and promotion of a positive image of the department at all times. Other work includes representing all major program areas of the department in liaison activities and coordinating special projects across divisions. The responsibilities require exercise of considerable professional and technical judgment and initiative within the framework of established regulations.


QUALIFICATIONS:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, business, public administration, construction engineering or a related field. 

2.    Master’s Degree preferred. If the candidate does not possess a master’s degree at the time of hire, they must obtain it within five years of employment/promotion.

3.    A minimum of five years of experience in a public works department or related industry.

4.    A minimum of three years of supervisory experience coordinating a range of activities undertaken by others that involve directing, monitoring, and evaluating the performance of staff.

5.    Possession of a valid driver’s license.

6.    Proficiency with current computer technology, job-specific software, and customer service systems.


Please attach as part of your application all necessary documents verifying that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position in addition to a resume and a cover letter 


Link to More Infomation + Application will be listed below: 

https://career4.successfactors.com/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=Schaumburg&navBarLevel=JOB%5fSEARCH&rcm%5fsite%5flocale=en%5fUS&career_job_req_id=14043&selected_lang=en_US&jobAlertController_jobAlertId=&jobAlertController_jobAlertName=&browserTimeZone=America/Chicago&_s.crb=tD1qh7QJH1yaRsRJNk0wxd5dqIpqdMPXvPA7B25rudI%3d


Senior Planner - Village of Libertyville

Title: Senior Planner, Community Development 

Type: full-time

Location: Libertyville, IL

Pay:  The budgeted salary range for this position is $82,558 - $101,393 (full range to $120,229) depending upon qualifications and experience

FOIA Officer and Communications Specialist - UIC, Chicago

Title:  FOIA Officer and Communications Specialist

Type: full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay:  The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000