What: Research Assistant The Metropolitan Planning Council is seeking applicants for our Winter 2020 Research Assistant, Marketing/Communications and Development Intern positions. These are generally unpaid positions with a strong preference for candidates with externally funded stipends, work-study funding or school credit/internship requirements. MPC will have two paid Research Assistant/Intern openings for Winter 2020.
The priority application deadline for Winter 2020 is Friday, January 3, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis (before and after that date) until all positions are filled.
Winter/Spring 2020 needs:
Research Assistants
Research assistants (RAs) play an important role at MPC, offering essential support for our projects, working with staff on a daily basis, attending meetings, and learning about how urban planning/policy works in the real world. We especially like RA applicants who are talented writers, investigators, communicators, and/or GIS users.
We’re currently recruiting RAs for Winter/Spring 2020, particularly for the following priority projects:
Equitable transit-oriented development. Equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) prioritizes the land around transit as model locations for holistic community development partnering with locals leaders to shape projects that are responsive to the social, cultural, economic and environmental needs of the neighborhood. This project works to encourage more of the region’s development to occur in areas near our public transportation lines, so as to reduce congestion, eliminate pollution and boost economic development. MPC is currently conducting an analysis of TOD development since the TOD ordinance passed in 2013, and preparing to lead a community engagement process in East Garfield Park and Washington Heights. An RA would support Elevated Chicago work and general TOD education and outreach. Skills needed some knowledge of community development principles, data analysis, GIS, research and writing skills, community outreach and logistics coordination.
Our Equitable Future. Projects include advancing a community-informed equity platform during the early days of Mayor Lightfoot's administration, support in coordinating a diversity, equity, inclusion cohort as well as supporting the advancement of other Our Equitable Future recommendations led by MPC. Community outreach and project coordination, qualitative and quantitative research and strong writing and communication skills are needed.
Great Rivers Chicago. This project is working to implement an exciting vision for the next 100 years of Chicago’s rivers. Community engagement, GIS, research, writing, and design skills needed.
Government Effectiveness. This project is identifying ways to make our governmental bodies more effective by streamlining delivery and consolidating services, both through the advancement of state-level enabling legislation and through local technical assistance projects. GIS, qualitative and quantitative research and writing skills needed, and a strong interest in policymaking and the legislative process is desirable.
Transportation. MPC works on a wide range of transportation issues and advocates for strong regional policies. This RA will work on projects including a report on universal mobility and research around transportation demand management.
Stormwater management. MPC works to prevent flooding, improve water quality and foster social, economic and environmental benefits within communities. Through our work at state, regional and local levels on stormwater management, we are helping build resilient communities through green and grey infrastructure improvements. This RA position would support facilitation of the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, as well as advance our research on stormwater policies, planning, and funding mechanisms. Skills needed include some knowledge of stormwater solutions, urban planning and or environmental policy/law/economics, qualitative and quantitative research and writing with GIS skills a plus.
Housing and Community Development: This project will include conducting research on community impact assessment models and conducting an analysis of how this tool might be adopted locally, based on local and state-wide policies. This will also include analysis of approaches to create and implement equitable housing and development strategies, researching best practices for inputs to include in a community impact assessment tool and conducting research around key resource needs to support the development of a tool.
Research. MPC's Research Team works to collect and analyze data in service of programmatic areas, as well as other relevant topics of interest for the region's residents. We are looking for research assistants with a strong interest in furthering work related to affordable housing/land use, and are also interested in analyzing key demographic trends with a specific focus on racial equity. Strong data collection and analytical skills needed, including experience using quantitative/spatial analytics platforms like ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Excel.
Government outreach and legislative tracking. Supports work to develop relationships with policy makers at multiple levels, develop and advance legislative initiatives, and increase overall organizational capacity for policy change.
Urban development monitoring (to be combined with another project). MPC monitors and reviews high-impact real estate development projects on an ongoing basis in order to be more fully informed, positioning us to take a proactive stance at opportune moments. We are looking for an RA to dedicate part of their research assistantship to overseeing and updating the development tracking database, analyzing trends, and convening briefings to staff.
Innovative Land Use. This project is working to plan for productive reuses of underutilized land. Current work includes exploring opportunities for land acquisition or reuse for parks, conservation areas, renewable energy, etc. Strong GIS, research, and writing skills necessary.
Overall program:
MPC’s volunteer research assistants are a vital part of the organization’s success. Depending on the project at hand, RAs conduct original research, write blog posts and case studies, organize community meetings, perform GIS and quantitative analysis and a range of other work.
You may apply for an RA position at any time, but as a general guideline new RAs start around May 1, September 1 and January 2. Candidates receiving school credit or compensation through a fellowship or work-study program will receive preference in staffing decisions, but all are welcome to apply. MPC will have a very limited number of paid Research Assistant positions available in 2019; please indicate in your application if you are seeking a paid or unpaid position. Fall and Winter RAs are expected to commit at least two full days of work per week, and summer RAs at least three.
How to Apply:
The priority application deadline for Winter 2020 is Friday, January 3, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. If you are interested in a position, please send the following materials by e-mail to manager@metroplanning.org:
- A current resume;
- A cover letter articulating your specific interest in MPC, the current projects you have the most interest in and what you believe you can add to them, and a proposed schedule; and
- A short (2-3 page) writing sample, and if applicable, examples of geospatial analysis or design work.
- Compensation or credit:
- Compensation from MPC: Please note if you are applying for an unpaid Research Assistant position, or if you require compensation from MPC.
- External compensation: Note if you are seeking Federal work-study compensation or external funding from your college/university or an outside program to fund your position at MPC.
- Please note if you are applying for this position to receive college/university course credit, or fulfill an internship requirement
The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) seeks one or more intern(s) to support its marketing, communications, community relations, and event coordination efforts. All MPC interns benefit from exposure to a broad range of regional planning policy issues, hands-on communications experience, and the opportunity to connect with a variety of planning agencies, community groups, civic partners, and officials.
The Marketing and Communications Intern will work closely with our communications team, development team, and program staff to cultivate and promote content that highlights MPC and the impact of our work, donors, and partners. We are looking for a detail-oriented individual with excellent graphic design, research and writing skills. The ability to think critically and work independently is essential.
This internship will start Winter/Spring 2020 and has flexible hours Monday through Friday. An ability to work at least 15 hours per week is preferred. Please include your weekly availability and desired start and end dates with your application. Candidates receiving school credit or compensation through a fellowship or work-study program will receive preference in staffing decisions, but all are welcome to apply.
Responsibilities may include:
Marketing and Public Relations
- Write, design and edit content for key communications, including MPC’s social media, blog, e-newsletter and other editorial opportunities
- Assist with designing, creating and updating MPC’s printed materials, including fact-based issue pages Identify, summarize and share media coverage internally
- Support projects that promote MPC’s work (i.e., organizational brochures, PowerPoint presentations, marketing push emails, impact reports to donors and other marketing collateral)
- Research opportunities for MPC to partner with new organizations
- Write social media posts on topics related to MPC’s supporters, events and programs for various social media platforms
- Monitor, track and evaluate the effectiveness of social media content for metrics of activity, reach and engagement
- Research how other foundations and nonprofits use social media, and recommend best practices based upon this analysis
- Assist with event logistics, including Eventbrite setup and management
- Prepare sponsorship and marketing materials for events
- Preferred: Current undergraduate- or graduate-level students studying Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Business, Political Science, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Graphic Design or related fields
- Strong written and oral communication skills Excellent project management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team Proficiency with various social media platforms—especially Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
- Proficiency with basic visual design, photo or video (and relevant software and digital tools, like Adobe InDesign and MailChimp) is a plus
The priority application deadline for Winter 2020 is Friday, January 3, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Please send the following materials by e-mail to manager@metroplanning.org:
- A current resume A cover letter articulating your specific interest in MPC, your relevant professional experience, and a proposed internship schedule
- Two or more writing samples from a wide range of formats (i.e., press releases, fact sheets, articles and social media content)
- Compensation/credit:
- Compensation from MPC: Please note if you are applying for a unpaid Internship position, or if you require compensation from MPC.
- External compensation: Note if you are seeking Federal work-study compensation or external funding from your college/university or an outside program to fund your position at MPC.
- Please note if you are applying for this position to receive college/university course credit, or fulfill an internship requirement
The Metropolitan Planning Council is seeking a detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and multi-tasking skills for an unpaid Development Internship. We are now accepting applications for Winter 2020. The priority application deadline for Winter 2020 is Friday, January 3, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Candidates receiving school credit or compensation through a fellowship or work-study program will receive preference in staffing decisions, but all are welcome to apply.
This individual should have a strong understanding of and/or interest in fundraising, philanthropy, marketing, and nonprofit management. The individual will contribute and receive exposure to a variety of projects associated with the front and back-end operations of a Development department.
The individual work in collaboration with a team of five other staff and will have the opportunity to help shape innovative fundraising ideas for MPC.
Over the course of the internship, the individual will have responsibilities involving support for fundraising campaigns; major gifts; marketing; gift acknowledgment; Raiser’s Edge database entry; and fundraising research.
Responsibilities:
Fundraising Campaigns
- Assist with creation, copywriting, and production of solicitation and stewardship materials including direct mail letters, e-mails, online ads, social media, blog posts, and donor acknowledgment correspondence
- Assist with projects that promote the work of MPC (i.e. brochures, fundraising pitches in the Regionalist e-newsletter, Impact Reports to donors)
- Train on Raiser’s Edge donor database Support gift acknowledgment letter processing, and database clean-up projects Perform basic level analysis (For example, research trends in MPC’s Annual Luncheon giving)
- Conduct research on corporate and foundation prospects
- Assist with research on potential and current individual donors
- Assist with preparation and execution of MPC’s signature Annual Luncheon fundraising event
- Support MPC’s Communications and Development team to create unique Urban Think & Drink, Roundtable and other special public events.
- Preferred: Current (or newly graduated) graduate-level students studying Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field. Current undergraduate junior or senior students pursuing a relevant degree will also be considered.
- Outstanding writing skills and an effective communicator
- Detail-oriented, inquisitive, and thoughtful Efficient and effective multi-tasking and time management skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills Team player with the ability to work independently and self-direct
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Database experience (Raisers’ Edge preferred)
The priority application deadline for Winter 2020 is Friday, January 3, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Please send the following materials by e-mail to manager@metroplanning.org:
- A current resume; A cover letter articulating your specific interest in MPC, your relevant professional experience, and a proposed internship schedule; and
- A short (2-3 page) writing sample, preferably related to fundraising.
- Compensation/credit:
- Compensation from MPC: Please note if you are applying for a unpaid Internship position, or if you require compensation from MPC.
- External compensation: Note if you are seeking Federal work-study compensation or external funding from your college/university or an outside program to fund your position at MPC.
- Please note if you are applying for this position to receive college/university course credit, or fulfill an internship requirement
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