Are you passionate about working with underserved communities to help achieve positive change?

Do you feel that urban planning should be action-oriented and lead to tangible results?

Do you think that your background can provide a fresh perspective on engagement and design practices?

We would love to speak with you!

COLLABO, a Chicago-based innovative urban planning and design firm, specializes in equitable neighborhood revitalization projects that yield positive outcomes and enhance residents' quality of life. We are seeking a Senior Associate to contribute to our practice of exciting local and national initiatives. Our current projects span across multiple states, including LA, CT, PA, OH, MI, MO, NM, OK, FL and SC.

Your background should be in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture, with significant experience in leading the development of neighborhood-scale plans or strategies. Experience in planning for affordable and mixed-income housing communities is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate should possess the following attributes:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in the field
• An outgoing and energetic personality
• Comfortable working in diverse community settings
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Outstanding communication abilities (visual, verbal, and written)
• Experience and interest in meaningful community engagement
• Ability to lead a team through challenging projects

As a Senior Associate you will help to shape our small but growing team and practice with responsibilities that will include:

• Leading project urban design at neighborhood and site scale
• Helping to lead and organize overall office workflows
• Identifying partnerships and areas for business growth
• Mentoring and guiding younger team members
• Serving as project manager for several upcoming projects
• Attending and leading meetings and outreach with residents, clients and partners
• Assisting in the management and organization of community ambassadors
• Developing planning and action strategies
• Creating design illustrations or renderings
• Assisting with implementation of early action projects
• Assisting with website and social media creation and updates
• Writing and editing plan documents and grant applications
• Attending conferences, trainings and networking events.

We are a hybrid office and are seeking candidates who can work alongside our team in our downtown Chicago space three days a week. The role requires travel for various meetings, events, and activities in the communities we serve (once or twice a month).

At COLLABO, we recognize the importance of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of our work. We highly value team members and partners whose unique viewpoints and backgrounds reflect those of our host communities. If interested, please send a cover letter, resume and work samples to adam@collaboplanning.com.