Research Assistant | Water Policy

Research Assistant | Water Policy  

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 a strong policy research interest and skill set. The RA will support MPC’s drinking water policy work, with an emphasis on policies to create revenue for lead service line replacement. They will work closely with the Water team, particularly the Director and Senior Manager. 

This independent contractor position requires a time commitment of approximately 24 hours per week. It will start in March 2025 and run through September 2025 with the possibility of extension. Specific dates are to be determined based on the candidate's availability. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Work with Senior Manager to develop and execute plan for drinking water policy research. 
• Research drinking water policy in public acts, government websites, white papers, and other relevant materials. 
• Maintain organized and detailed records of research methods and findings.  
• Communicate key insights to Senior Manager and conduct follow-up research, as needed. 
• Produce summaries of findings in memos, blog posts, and other written materials. 

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.  

Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate: 

• Proactive time and task management to ensure successful project completion. 
• Strong reading comprehension and analytical skills, especially with legal or legislative texts. 
• Familiarity with state and local government processes (preferred). 
• Comfort navigating a complex or evolving policy landscape to find actionable policy options. 

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Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental science, public policy, public administration, urban planning or a related field preferred.  
• Enrollment in or completion of a postgraduate degree is a plus; comparable professional experience may be substituted for formal degrees. 
• Basic knowledge of water resources, water policy, and regulatory frameworks. reading with state and local laws, and familiarity with state and local government 
• Experience conducting qualitative interviews and literature reviews. 

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 or a short and relevant writing sample 

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 MPC is an equal opportunity employer. 

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.