Internship - 43rd Ward Office - Chicago, IL

For more information please visit:  43rd Ward, City of Chicago

About Alderman Knudsen:

Previously serving as Chairman of the City of Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, Alderman Knudsen brings that expertise to managing zoning and development matters in the 43rd Ward (which comprises the communities of Lincoln Park, Old Town, and the Gold Coast). Alderman Knudsen is an advocate for affordable housing, adaptive reuse and preservation as a means to maintain available housing options, safer/complete streets and multimodal transportation as a means to making the 43rd Ward accessible to all Chicago residents. The Alderman prioritizes commercial revitalization of the Ward's commercial corridors and strong partnership with local business leaders.

Our office is seeking to hire a Director of Zoning and Business Development. Ideal candidates will have a graduate degree in urban planning, architecture, or law, and 2 - 5 years work experience, preferably to include direct constituent/customer service.

Salary: Position available as a paid internship from April 3 - May 1, option to extend to full-time salary contingent upon April 4 election results. Salary to be determined after election, but starting at $50,000/year minimum.

Candidates should have some familiarity with the Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Gold Coast communities, and must be community-oriented as well as empathetic listeners.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Managing a portfolio of zoning and development proposals review (ranging from minor zoning relief such as Administrative Adjustments and Variations, zoning map amendment processes, to large-scale Planned Developments). 
• Overseeing Landmark affairs (permit reviews for new construction or renovation, new Landmark designations, etc.)
• Advising the Alderman on policies, ordinances, and related legislative matters from the Department of Housing, Department of Planning, etc.
• Interacting with personnel from City of Chicago planning, enforcement and licensing departments, as well as Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commission, Commission on Landmarks and Committee on Zoning
• Leading community review processes for zoning and licensing matters (engaging with community stakeholders, neighborhood associations, other residents, etc.)
• Primary business liaison for 43rd Ward office (loading zones, licenses, etc.), close collaboration with Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
• Other duties as required

At a minimum, candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree and be working towards a Master's Degree in Urban Planning or Public Policy. Other essential characteristics include:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong written communication skills. 
• Occasional public testifying before the Zoning Board of Appeals, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Committee on Zoning, or Plan Commission on behalf of the Alderman is required. Excellent verbal communication skills are required.
• Ability to remain impartial and patient when projects include differing perspectives and potential controversy
• Problem-solving aptitude
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and engage on multiple issues simultaneously and on deadlines
• Familiarity with (or ability to independently learn) City of Chicago Zoning Code, business protocols, and liquor licensing laws
• Ability to work with confidential documents, process information and learn the nuances of municipal governance
• Ability to work with architectural documents (read project plans and their zoning requirements, etc.)
• Basic computer skills (including Word, Excel, internet, email)

All candidates must be residents of the City of Chicago at the time of employment.

Please direct all résumés, cover letters, and questions to taylor@ward43.org through March 31, 2023, and to yourvoice@ward43.org from April 3, 2023 onward.

Job Type: 

Internship, with option to extend to full-time pending election results

Education:
Bachelor's (Required)

Masters (Preferred, in-progress acceptable)

Experience:
Office: 1 year (Preferred)
Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:
English (Required)

Shift availability:
Day Shift (M-F required)

Some nights and weekends (as required)

Work Location:

43rd Ward office, hybrid schedule with some WFH flexibility