Planner

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time employee at the Planner level in the Planning Department. We are interested in applicants in the field of planning with experience and knowledge in general transportation and land use planning, particularly connecting that work to policy and regulations, economic competitiveness, infrastructure planning, and grant funding.  

Successful candidates would be part of a large department and provide technical and professional support for CMAP’s long-range comprehensive regional plan, technical assistance program, policy development, advanced data analysis and mapping work, and other activities as assigned to contribute to the agency’s mission.  

We are interested in applicants who have subject matter expertise in the following areas:  

Economic Development/Competitiveness: coordinating regional and local partners to develop a competitive global identity and outcompete peer regions economically. Subject matter experts in this field bring knowledge and expertise in local economies, land use development, and market trends. They have experience developing strategies to attract investment, support businesses, attracting jobs, and track and analyze employment data. Expertise includes policy development, incentive and funding programs, workforce planning, and effective private sector engagement. 

Projects may include site and corridor planning, local, subregional, and regional economic development strategies, plan implementation support for partners, and similar planning activities.  

Local Governance/Building Capacity: understanding local government needs and delivering technical assistance at the intersection of capacity building, infrastructure, and governance. Subject matter experts in this field bring knowledge and expertise in municipal structures, decision-making processes, and regulatory frameworks, and an ability to assess and advise on these interdisciplinary topics. They understand policy development, intergovernmental relations, and community engagement. Their expertise supports effective service delivery, transparent governance, and strategic planning, ensuring that local governments operate efficiently and in alignment with community needs, goals, and legal obligations.  

Projects may include providing direct municipal training on data tools, public official training, short-term land use and transportation planning, and assisting with plan implementation and grant applications.  

Additionally, we are interested in candidates with project leadership experience to facilitate and support planning projects and initiatives. CMAP planners with project leadership skills manage complex planning initiatives, projects, or work streams from start to finish. This includes facilitating team efforts (resolving conflicts, ensuring accountability, progress across disciplines, etc.) setting timelines, overseeing budgets, managing and administrating consultant contracts, and ensuring cross-divisional collaboration.  

Work is typically performed under the supervision of a Program Manager/Principal. This position requires travel throughout the region and candidates must have the ability and willingness to work with communities across the region. 

 Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

Required: Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field such as geography, architecture, sociology, public administration, public policy, or environmental science, or related field.

Minimum Requirements for Planner: A minimum 2 years of experience, through professional practice, with urban planning projects including content development, research, data collection and analysis, data mapping, field work, and graphic design. 

Hiring Range for Planner: $69, 769.35-$85,467.39 

In order to be considered for this position, you are required to upload a cover letter sharing your interest in this position. Please submit (upload) a Cover Letter as a PDF labeled LastNameFirstName_CoverLetter_CMAP1103_DATE.