Metropolitan Planning Council

Research Assistant – Technical Assistance Support

About MPC

Dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone, Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every neighborhood has promise. Every community should be heard. And every person can thrive. Since 1934, this independent, nonpartisan organization has served metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving. 

MPC is a values-driven workplace, and we are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to creating a region that is:

• Equitable: For MPC, equity means that every individual and community in our region has the opportunities they need to thrive. Promoting equity means that we recognize the harm that discrimination and racism have caused and continue to pose to our lives and neighborhoods. That’s why we drive policies, investments and ideas that ensure all current and future residents can reach their full potential.
• Prosperous: For MPC, prosperity means that both metropolitan Chicago and all of its people are economically healthy and prepared for growth. MPC is focused on ensuring that everyone who lives and works in our region can provide for themselves and their families. We support commitments that bring resources, development, and fairly paid and quality jobs to all communities.
• Sustainable: For MPC, sustainability means that our region meets the natural, human, and financial needs of the present while improving conditions for future generations. MPC’s agenda supports ecological vitality, residents’ health, and economic stability for the long term, and ensures that as things change, our region adapts.
• Engaged and Responsible: For MPC, civic participation and effective government are cornerstones of our region’s viability. We drive policies that strengthen the participation and impact of residents in local and regional decisions. We also promote adaptive, collaborative, just, and transparent governance at all levels.

About the role:

Research assistants play an important role at MPC, offering essential support for our projects by researching, writing, and learning about planning policy in the region. Research Assistants at MPC have exposure to a broad range of regional policy issues and the opportunity to connect with a variety of civic and community partners, government stakeholders, and elected officials. Compensation for research assistant positions is $18 per hour. MPC also provides a $35 transportation subsidy. We welcome students with federal work-study and those seeking course credit to apply. 

This is a part-time position up to 20 hours per week, which will run from April through December 2024 (specific dates to be determined based on the candidate's availability).

We’re currently recruiting for the following projects:

The Technical Assistance Support Research Assistant will work with staff and learn about the real-world application of urban planning/policy. This position will primarily involve stakeholder coordination and meeting management; data collection through qualitative and quantitative surveys; meeting documentation as well as synthesizing themes and takeaways from in person meetings, online surveys, and individual interviews to help shape implementation planning and evaluation of emerging pathways for MPC’s technical assistance work. 

Support of Cut the Tape Taskforce: 50% of time will be assigned to work with MPC staff as we support the City’s effort to streamline approvals for housing and commercial development.

• Support planning, outreach, logistics and meeting management for convening a 25 – 30 member Taskforce; This could include support for smaller group meetings as well.
• Document of meetings through summary meeting notes and minutes
• Synthesize key takeaways and next steps for Taskforce meetings through memos and recommendation summaries; this may include additional research.
• Support data collection for setting evaluation metrics and baseline data analysis for the three overarching strategies of the taskforce

Exploring pathways for MPC technical assistance initiatives: 50% of time will be assigned to work with MPC staff to support internal evaluation of our technical assistance initiatives and explore opportunities for different models.

• Help to develop and administer end user surveys to understand credibility and market needs for MPC’s technical assistance pathways
• Support the development and application of a readiness assessment with input from survey results
• Support evaluation of current TA initiatives including Change Lab and Cut the Tape Taskforce where MPC is providing training and/or implementation services to support systems change.

Necessary skills include:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills and the ability to distill concise, accurate descriptions of complicated policy issues
• Experience in survey development, analysis and database management
• Knowledge of community development process including permitting and zoning practices is a plus
• Excellent project management skills and ability to juggle multiple project deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively
• Familiarity with evaluation methods
• Experience using MS Excel for data management as well as SurveyMonkey, Menti and other platforms for surveying that support interactive polling and feedback

EEOC/Diversity Statement:

MPC is an equal-opportunity employer. We stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees.