Urban Planning Intern - Chicago Loop Alliance

Who: Chicago Loop Alliance

What: CLA Mission: The mission of Chicago Loop Alliance is to create, manage and promote high-performing urban experiences attracting people and investment to the Loop.

Description: The Urban Planning Internship is a minimum 5-month commitment with opportunity for extension. This internship is ideal for a graduate student or recent graduate looking to grow their experience with community and business engagement.

The Chicago Loop Alliance is currently developing the “Elevate State” corridor plan and requires a highly motivated intern to assist with data gathering and plan development. CLA is looking for candidates who are interested in working in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple assignments and deadlines. Ideal candidates will prefer being out in the community over sitting at a desk. The Urban Planning Intern must possess strong writing skills and be able to communicate in a positive manner with a diverse set of stakeholders.


Responsibilities:

• Conduct the 2020 Loop Business Survey 
• Update CLA database of ground-floor businesses in the Loop
• Compile and organize data for use by planning, membership, and operations functions 
• Analyze data to inform economic context of Elevate State plan and implementation
• Work with the Director of Planning to deliver the “Elevate State” State Street corridor plan o Assist with community engagement workshops, surveys, and activations 
• Conduct data gathering and coordination with consultants 
• Support plan communication with the public, steering committee, and stakeholders
• Support CLA committee meetings as needed, including the Placemaking Committee, Design and Advocacy Committee, and Wabash District Advisory Group. Attend meetings and write minutes
• Occasionally assist with implementing placemaking and public art programs
• Communicate effectively with prospective or current members of CLA
• Interact with managers, peers, vendors, members, and Board in a cooperative and enthusiastic manner, attending occasional evening events
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Planning or President & CEO

Qualifications:

• Graduate student or recent graduate in urban planning, urban design, economic development or related field
• Experience with customer service and/or community engagement a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook) software required
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and ArcGIS preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and effectively organize responsibilities, prioritize workload to meet critical deadlines
• The person in this position needs to move around the Loop to collect data, and needs to occasionally move about the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. The position requires the ability to move items up to 50 pounds.

Specifications:

• Availability of 24 hours per week. Schedule to be agreed upon prior to starting (Thursdays preferred). CLA hours are 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
• Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour
• Available for occasional evening and early morning events

To Apply & Timeline:

• Applications accepted until filled (no phone inquiries please).
• Email cover letter, resume, and two references with subject line: Urban Planning Internship to resumes@chicagoloopalliance.com 
• Applications due March 23, 2020
• For additional information about Chicago Loop Alliance visit LoopChicago.com