Research Assistant | Housing and Community Development

Research Assistant | Housing and Community Development 

About MPC 

Dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone, Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every community is valued. Every person has a voice. And every neighborhood thrives. 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 to expand our team. Successful team members are curious and collaborative with strong communication and project management skills who recognize the connections between our core areas of work and seek to affect meaningful change. Central to living our values is embracing MPC’s organizational commitment to an anti-racist, anti-oppressive workplace and centering equity in strengthening our internal policies and practices. 

Description 

Research assistants play an important role at MPC, offering 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 planning agencies, community groups, and officials. Compensation for research assistant positions is $18 per hour. MPC also provides a $35/month transportation subsidy. We welcome students with federal work-study and those seeking course credit to apply. 

MPC is looking for a Research Assistant (RA) with strong critical reading and writing skills and experience with the housing development process. The RA will support MPC’s work in helping the Department of Housing revise the City’s Architectural Technical Standards Manual and will work closely with the Housing and Community Development team, particularly the Director and Manager. 

This independent contractor position requires a time commitment of 18-20 hours per week. It will start in March 2025 and run through August 2025 with the possibility of extension. Specific dates are to be determined based on the candidate's availability.  

Key Responsibilities 

• The primary responsibility for this position will be supporting the Housing and Community Development team in the assisting the Chicago Department of Housing’s re-write of the Architectural Technical Standards Manual (ATSM), a document which governs affordable housing development in the City of Chicago. Potential tasks related to this responsibility could include: 
• Reviewing Chicago’s ATSM manual, along with manuals of peer agencies, to identify opportunities for improvement. 
• Supporting the document revision process by conducting desk research and supporting interviews with relevant experts 
• Providing project management support, including coordinating meetings with multiple stakeholders from different sectors. 
• The secondary responsibility for this position will be providing ad hoc support to develop and implement MPC’s Housing Policy Agenda – which outlines MPC’s policy approach to advancing racial and economic justice in housing in the Chicago region. Potential tasks related to this responsibility could include legislative and policy research, and stakeholder outreach. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

MPC seeks an individual who thrives in a collegial work environment, is proactive and can manage multiple priorities. Given the nature of our work and the demands associated with remote and social-distanced working models, the Research Assistant will need to be a nimble and creative team member with the emotional intelligence, compassion, patience, sense of humor, and interpersonal communication skills to test and embrace new ways of working. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented and research-minded. A background in real estate, urban planning, public policy, environmental planning, or another relevant field is preferred. 

Education & Experience 

• Strong critical reading and writing skills. 
• Basic knowledge of housing development processes (including project financing, construction, and/or related topics) is preferred but not required. 
• A bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, public policy, environmental planning, or another relevant field is preferred. Completion of, or enrollment in, a postgraduate degree is highly desirable. Depth and length of experience with similar work may be substituted for formal or degree certification. 

Working Environment 

MPC is a collaborative organization.  This is a hybrid position in which employees work at least twice a week from our Chicago Headquarters, with remote work offered up to three days a week. Travel is expected to be local as needed with future travel expectations to shift based on safe travel advisory and business needs. 

How to apply: 

Please submit the following materials: 

1) A cover letter articulating your specific interest in the role and what you will bring to it. 

2) Your résumé; or CV 

Application Deadline:  Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 4:00 p.m., CST 

No phone calls please. 

For more information on MPC, please visit our website: www.metroplanning.org   

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.