Senior Policy Associate

The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is a 29 year-old non-profit organization which develops and applies innovative approaches to urban sustainability. Our mission is to simultaneously promote ecological, economic and community development in Chicagoland communities and in urban regions throughout the U.S.

We do this through public policy, market development and community planning activities in partnership with other organizations. The intended result of CNT's work is healthy urban communities that have a clean, livable, sustainable environment, a strong local economy with good paying jobs, and a strong social and political fabric.

CNT works in entrepreneurial fashion, seeking opportunities to apply knowledge about potential strategies for inclusive urban well-being to demonstrations that can be taken to scale. We leverage the community value of hidden assets - in this case rain water -- by changing public policy, changing marketplace practice, promoting rapid learning or by creating better professional communities of practice. Our staff of 45 is located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood in a former weaving factory that recently was awarded a "Platinum" rating by the US Green Building Council.

CNT's Natural Resources Program

CNT's program initiatives are organized primarily around four areas: Transportation and Community Development, Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. Much of CNT's work relies on original research that we conduct either in-house or in partnership with other research institutions and networks. CNT's applied research has a national and regional reputation for quality and innovation, and has been the basis for new program initiatives as well as significant policy change in a number of areas.

Our Natural Resources Program seeks to capture the value of raindrops where they fall, utilizing the efficiency of green infrastructure's natural drainage approaches to improve stormwater infrastructure performance and achieve associated social benefits. We have developed an on-line Green Values TM Calculator to compare conventional and green stormwater approaches, an on-line database of open space green infrastructure, and various other tools to encourage expansion of these practices.

We are conducting monitored research of green infrastructure landscape features, working with a variety of stakeholders on policy change, and a developing a next-generation planning tool to allow cities to target green infrastructure installations to improve their stormwater management, water quality and community health.

Position Overview

The Senior Policy Associate will lead high quality research, analysis, advocacy and public education efforts to improve public and private conservation and management of natural resources, particularly focused on stormwater management through green infrastructure.

The Senior Policy Associate will be responsible for developing, planning, and coordinating a range of projects to expand policies and practices that support use of low impact development approaches in the Chicago area, regionally in the Great Lakes, and nationally. S/he will work as part of a team with CNT Natural Resources Program and other staff as well as external partners on policy strategy and implementation to recognize and realize the economic, social and ecological benefits of catching raindrops where they fall.

Responsibilities

1. Plan and execute research and analytical projects that address CNT Natural Resources Program objectives in conjunction with program staff and management.
2. Build strong relationships with municipal, regional, state and federal agencies and stakeholders to implement policies, standards, and strategies to support, encourage or require green infrastructure approaches to stormwater management and sustainable community development.
3. Promote development and use of CNT information systems and other tools to improve communities' understanding of the benefits green infrastructure approaches.
4. Track progress of policy project objectives and provide regular updates for CNT staff, partners, and funders.
5. Present research and policy analyses to a range of external communities.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with green infrastructure, stormwater and non-point source pollution issues;
• Five years' experience in natural resource policy, planning, and/or organizing, applied and/or action-oriented research, environmental analysis, or related field(s);
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills;
• Strong research and analytical capabilities, including economic, ecological and regulatory analysis;
• Exceptional ability to organize people and resources to get things done, along with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment;
• Skill in preparing research papers, policy analyses, and recommendations for potential clients, partners, and funders;
• Demonstrated ability to help organize and work in partnership with other organizations;
• Master's degree or equivalent;
• Patience, persistence, imagination, and a strong sense of fun in work.

Details: The position is funded for two years, and will continue beyond that depending on funding. Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please email or fax a letter of interest, resume, and salary history.

For more information about CNT programs and research projects:   cnt.org/natural-resources.

The Center for Neighborhood Technology is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Center for Neighborhood Technology and the Community Energy Cooperative are Equal Opportunity Employers.