About Connect the Dots

Connect the Dots is a women-owned stakeholder/community engagement firm that brings together community, private and public sector partners to develop innovative and actionable solutions for cities. Our mission is to build better cities and neighborhoods through inclusive, insight-driven stakeholder engagement. We help community, private and public sector partners to develop creative solutions that move projects and cities forward. Our vision is to bring individuals & organizations together to co-design an equitable and resilient future for our cities.

We are working on a range of exciting projects focused on public realm, transit, multi-modal transportation, comprehensive planning, equitable development/investment, pedestrianization, urban economic development, and more. We work with clients and partners that are on the leading edge of forward-thinking citymaking, from economic development, to infrastructure and the public realm, to sustainability and climate change mitigation. We are a small but fast-growing team committed to ensuring communities’ voices are a meaningful part of planning processes.

Position Description

Connect the Dots (CtD) is looking for a driven and motivated Project Manager of Community Engagement to join our team full-time. You will be joining a fast-growing, close-knit, passionate team with an array of partners. We are committed to co-creation, collaboration, and social, racial and economic justice, and are looking for candidates that already have experience in running community engagement / public participation processes – and are excited about supporting the growth of Connect the Dots.

Project Work (70% of role)

Plan out informed and creative engagement / public participation processes, tailored to each project: Plan engagement processes and key methods – in a collaborative, thoughtful manner. This varies per community and within communities so requires listening, deep research, and conversations to develop the best-fit strategies. Adapt CtD’s tactics toolkit to specific project needs and develop new tactics to ensure we are truly meeting people where they are. Devise thoughtful and creative ways to reach and build trust within communities – working to ensure accessibility, transparency, and the sharing of power. This will include both in-person and remote outreach.

Manage multiple projects in a highly organized, efficient, and collaborative manner: Manage small, medium, and large projects with varying timelines. Develop project plans, collaborate with a wide variety of clients and partners, use and maintain project schedules, keep track of various moving pieces of a project, organize multiple aspects of multiple projects concurrently. Clearly communicate challenges, updates, and progress throughout. Be able to adapt and shift plans as needed.

Business Development Work (30% of role)

Cultivate new leads and new projects: As part of a small team, you will have the opportunity to help shape the growth of the firm; you will: work with the team to contribute to our strategies for new revenue streams and building current streams. This includes but is not limited to: research on potential funding sources, clients, upcoming projects, strategic partners; strategic and methodical outreach to these new potential leads; build strong relationships with current clients; helping to develop thought-leadership materials and opportunities including speaking engagements, articles, press and more with an eye to being viewed as an expert and sharing our learnings across projects.

Support in RFP and proposal development: Help find, develop, and write proposals – as well as bring together the right teams for various RFPs and grants. This requires skill in comprehension, research of context for projects, strategic / persuasive writing, organization of materials, tailoring of materials to match needs. Support the team as well in finding opportunities for Connect the Dots that align with our mission of co-creating better cities.

Experience and Skills

Required:

• Strong project management experience; ability to balance multiple projects at once, remain organized, and work in a collaborative fashion
• Robust experience with strategic development and delivery of large-scale community engagement and outreach processes; Confidence developing, designing, and delivering workshops, outreach strategies, mixed-methodology insight-gathering processes
• Strong writing, communication, and reporting skills; ability to develop clear, accessible, and thought-out communications, reports, proposals, articles using qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Interest in supporting business strategy and growth – in cultivating and maintaining relationships and winning new projects; entrepreneurial spirit
• Extremely organized and diligent, productive, creative

Preferred:

• Sense of graphic design; ideally experienced at this to support communications and worksheets, visuals in projects
• Background in urban-related field ie community development, planning, urban studies
• Business development acumen
• Spanish speaker

Role & Application Details

The role is a full time, non-exempt position. Salary will be discussed openly to ensure commensurate with experience but it is expected to start at approximately 60-65k. We are looking for people in or willing to relocate to the Philly area. You will have access to an exciting co-working space in Center City at least once a week and can otherwise work remotely. Email the following to hello@connectthedotsinsights.com with the subject line “Dec2021CtDPM [Your Name]”. Applications due by mid/late January – and will be accepted / moved to the next round on a rolling basis.

• Resume
• Letter of interest
• 2-3 references
• 3-5 work samples including:
  •  a writing sample
  • Insight-gathering (engagement) plan/materials (i.e. workshop, survey, etc)

Only complete application packages will be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE

We welcome qualified candidates from all walks of life and value diversity in our company. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, military service, disability unrelated to job requirements, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Job Opening: Community Engagement Specialist
Department: Planning
Posting Date: December 30, 2021

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Delaware County is hiring a Community Engagement Specialist for the Planning Department. We are looking for someone truly passionate about community engagement – an engagement professional who understands the need for meaningful community conversation as a key input to better planning, decision-making, and establishment of a premier countywide green space and park system connected with a network of safe places to walk and bicycle, and for the Department’s work in general. We are seeking a creative thinker with excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills and a keen interest in good engagement to address complex issues in our county, local communities, and a growing network of public and private partnerships.

The Community Engagement Specialist position will develop, facilitate and coordinate a robust community engagement strategy for the Delaware County Planning Department, with a particular focus on building relationships with 49 municipalities, county officials, boards and committees and partners in community-based organizations, public and private sectors, and non-profit organizations. The Community Engagement Specialist will work on a wide range of projects in diverse areas of planning, conservation, stewardship, parks, trails, transportation, environment, historic preservation, community and regional planning, and sustainability and support Delaware County’s development efforts to further our themes of conserve, connect and enhance our open spaces, parks and trails.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Develop a strategic community engagement plan for the Delaware County Planning Department in collaboration with county officials, planners, and related departments such as Sustainability, Parks and Recreation, Information Technology, Public Relations, and others to be determined

Cultivate relationships across diverse communities to help advance the vision for Delaware County as a community of choice in part due to green space, parks, and trails

Design engagement programs and approaches for a range of purposes and situations, both online and in-person

Use a wide range of tools to create effective communication and constructive dialog

Lead outreach and facilitate interactions (interviews, focus groups, public meetings, small group discussions, etc.) with existing and potential partners, stakeholders and community members

Write and prepare engagement, communication and outreach materials

Facilitate meetings with the public, partners, stakeholders and client groups

Participate in and/or lead the analysis of community feedback and write engagement reports

Provide ongoing input, information, and materials (as requested) that support internal and external communication efforts about departmental efforts and initiatives

Write and/or assist with the preparation of proposals and business development activities

Collaborate in related engagement efforts such as branding, financial planning, and specialized projects to occur such as stewardship and maintenance, design projects, trail network expansion, and other projects or related programs to emerge

Participate in the continuous quality improvement and data-driven decision-making processes to assess the efficacy of programming and to drive programmatic refinements. Ensure adherence to data collection requirements

Work with the Department’s staff to promote ongoing projects/initiatives and encourage participation from communities, specifically advance the County’s green space, trails, and parks goals; publicize active transportation activities to further the larger goal of interconnected trail and bicycle-friendly complete street networks; broadcast funding opportunities, surveys, final documents and calls for collaboration on behalf of current projects; unveil the work of the Heritage Commission and other Historic Preservation entities the County supports; and help to disseminate the educational products put out by the Department

Provide and prioritize outreach and assistance to disadvantaged communities and those with limited capacity for planning and community improvement

Develop and disseminate external communications including newsletters, flyers, letters, emails and other means of digital communications in a timely and consistent manner

Help to maintain outreach directories

Collaborate on and develop creative visual content to help with branding in the form of logos, color schemes, and taglines

Coordinate events held by the Planning Department

Work and team with staff to build a social media presence for the Planning Department by writing, creating and managing content on the website and social media platforms.

SKILLS

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds

Strong analytical writing skills and oral communication skills

Ability to successfully navigate challenging conversations among diverse groups and build consensus

Ability to develop and conduct effective presentations and training sessions

Building solid relationships through effective interactions with the public and stakeholders

Running a wide range of digital engagement and meeting platforms

Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills

Synthesizing large quantities of information into plain and accessible language reports

Ability to multi-task and work independently or within a team to meet deadlines

Facilitation and running effective meetings

Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and social media

Ability to meet ADA guidelines in all forms of outreach

International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) or other facilitation, participation, engagement or negotiation certification/training considered an asset

Planning knowledge or background

Exemplary writing communication skills and ability to simplify complex topics

Proficiency with graphic design software

Experience creating and managing social media accounts

Ability to learn new concepts quickly

Working knowledge of GIS

QUALIFICATIONS

University degree in communications, public administration or policy, planning, community development, environment, parks and recreation administration or related degree or relevant combination of experience and degree

Minimum of five years job-related experience in planning, designing, delivering community/stakeholder engagement, community development or outreach

Strong familiarity with the processes and techniques of community engagement, acquired through hands-on experience

Experience implementing diversity, equity and inclusion principles and practices

Experience in consulting is considered an asset

Residence Requirement: The County of Delaware has a residency requirement for employees. Anyone applying for this job must reside in Delaware County or be willing to move to the County within three months of starting employment.

CONTACT

To apply, please fill out our online application form.

Job Opening: Senior Transportation Planner
Department: Transportation Planning
Opening Date: August 11, 2021
Weekly Hours: 40.00
Scheduled Hours: 8:00 – 4:30 Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week; occasional overtime in connection with assignments

SUMMARY

Transportation Planners perform a variety of duties and tasks related to the preparation of transportation studies and plans; external coordination with DVRPC (regional MPO), SEPTA and PENNDOT staff on regional transportation projects, programs and policies; review of subdivision and land development plans; and research into various planning policy and topics such as transportation funding, transportation design standards and multimodal transportation concepts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Transportation, the Senior Transportation Planner will:

Author and produce specialized planning studies and reports on topics such as transit-oriented development and complete streets

Represent the County on a variety of transportation project coordination meetings

Research and advise on transportation policy issues and projects

Manage and perform work tasks for short- and long-range planning projects

Assist in the development and implementation of the County’s multi modal trail development projects

Participate in review of land development plans

Analyze demographic, development and transportation related data

Work cooperatively with County and municipal staff, public agencies and boards

Perform all other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Urban Studies, Community Development, Planning or related field plus 2 years of relevant experience; or bachelor’s degree with 4 years of relevant experience

Excellent computer, written, oral, and graphic communication skills

Ability to work in a team environment

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to interface effectively with all levels of County management

Valid PA driver’s license

Residence Requirement: The County of Delaware has a residency requirement for employees. Anyone applying for this job must reside in Delaware County or be willing to move to the County within six months of starting employment.

CONTACT

To apply, please fill out our online application form.

Job Opening: Open Space & Trails Planner
Department: Planning
Posting Date: December 30, 2021
Scheduled Hours: 8:00 – 4:30 Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week; air-conditioned office; out-of-office meetings and site visits; occasional night meetings

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Manager is responsible for and directs, schedules and monitors all work flow, and coordinates activities and personnel of the Environmental Planning Section.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assist with park and trail planning and development projects, including feasibility studies, trail design, land acquisition and trail construction that occur concurrently

Organize meeting preparation and follow-up activities, assisting the OST Manager

Research and write for planning reports and studies

Take a project management role in select projects or project elements as assigned

Work to update countywide open space, parks, and trails data incorporating outreach to municipalities

Work with other staff to help keep trail network status data updated and current

Assist with convening meetings of the Delaware County Green Space Task Force and County Trails Alliance as assigned

Assist in the preparation of open space and trails grant proposals to federal, state, local and private funders

Work with other Department staff to create engaging visual depictions of open space and trail initiatives and implementation

As part of the Open Space and Trails team, work cooperatively with public partners

Give meeting and public presentations on assigned project work

Assist in reviewing subdivision and land development proposals for trail and open space opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field.

Ability to work in a team environment on a wide range of projects involving both public and private interests is essential.

Excellent written and oral skills; research skills; organizational and time management skills; familiarity with the planning process at the local level.

One or two years of experience preferred.

Working knowledge of AGOL is a plus.

Residence Requirement: The County of Delaware has a residency requirement for employees. Anyone applying for this job must reside in Delaware County or be willing to move to the County within three months of starting employment.

Physical Requirements: Sitting/standing at desk, driving to meetings and field work.

CONTACT

To apply, please fill out our online application form.

ABOUT DELAWARE COUNTY

Delaware County is located in south-eastern Pennsylvania and borders Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Chester County, New Castle County (Delaware), and Gloucester (New Jersey). We are the fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania with over a half million residents, with 49 municipalities, and only a 15-30 minute drive into Philadelphia. Delaware County is a full-service county with 49 municipalities, 15 school districts, seven colleges and universities, a hub of commerce, and a network of non-profit organizations. As the County traverses through our renaissance period, we envision an epic future for our county as a thriving, sustainable, and connected community: a county of choice for all residents, business, and visitors alike.

DESCRIPTION

Delaware County is seeking an energetic and experienced planning professional to orchestrate and implement the robust activities needed to advance our vision. The Planning Director is a key member of the County’s Executive Team and provides the leadership for long-range planning as well as day-to-day management of the Planning Department, which consists of Transportation, Historic Preservation, Open Space, and Trails. Currently, the Planning Department is serving the purpose of promoting the sound development and redevelopment of the County through the strategic application of contemporary planning principles and smart growth concepts, while maintaining and enhancing the cultural, economic, and environmental livability of the County. The Director reports to the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).

In our change-driven environment, Delaware County envisions its future Planning Director to foster a hyper-collaborative and dynamic workplace. This workplace will build momentum in achieving our vision as a sustainable, green, and connected county of choice for residents, business, and visitors through innovative and strategic planning. Aligning the Planning Department as an outcome-based organization shaped around a common vision, goals, and action steps with a defined yet flexible work program will be a key responsibility of the Director. Ideally, the new Director will have notable demonstrated success in economic development, business enterprises, green space, trails, historic preservation, and project implementation and delivery.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide leadership, management, and coordination of all County planning functions

Lead by example a culture of collaboration, readiness, information sharing, risk taking, and enthusiasm

Develop department-wide goals, objectives, policies, and procedures and oversee their successful implementation geared toward defined outcomes

Work with County Council, the CSO, the Delaware County Planning Commission, the public and staff to articulate a clear vision of Delco’s desired goals relative to planning and development related issues

Prepare and manage the Planning Department’s annual work program and budget

Build effective and positive communication with a wide range of audiences including elected officials, planning commissions, state and regional agencies, developers, civic groups, and the public

Represent the County on various County and regional boards and committees and at public meetings and events

Work with the Personnel Department to recruit, hire, and evaluate staff and contract personnel

Supervise professional staff. Manage, assign, and review projects and production with staff. Develop a meaningful and measurable annual staff review process. Conduct engaging and productive staff meetings.

Interpret and understand applicable ordinances and regulations with knowledge of federal, municipal, regional and community planning

Conduct ongoing review of grant opportunities, proposals, and applications; promote grant programs and provide application assistance to municipalities

CONTEXT

Leadership and Change Management Skills – Our Planning Director will have to create high performing teams; provide direction; manage and persuade different viewpoints; build bridges across the organization and Delaware County; communicate clearly and effectively within the organization as well as to personify Delaware County government to public and private sector partners and stakeholders; evaluate, motivate, develop, and coach staff; and resolve disagreements in a way that all parties can embrace.

Results Driven – Demonstrated track record of successful implementation of projects. The Planning Director will be a professional who understands how to seize opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and inspire the potential in others to make transformative things happen.

Strategy and Business Acumen – With a strong understanding of the environment in which Planning Department projects and actions will be implemented, the Planning Director will connect department priorities with benefits, outcomes, and positive impacts.

Agility and Adaptability – The Planning Director will have to be comfortable working in changing and uncertain contexts and moving forward with limited information at times to achieve positive outcomes.

Ethics and Values – As a role model for the Department, the Director will create a safe, respectful non-judgmental environment in which the whole department team can build trust and communicate effectively.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Required: A Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or related field. Education in both Planning and Landscape Architecture is highly preferred.

Experience Required: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible planning experience is required. Five years of experience must be in a supervisory capacity.

AICP certification is required and dual licensing as a PLA or RLA is highly preferred.

Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Well-developed knowledge of planning and zoning principles, practices, reporting, and functional areas such as transportation, environmental, open space, and historic preservation

Knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of research, data collection, and statistics

Ability to review contract documents and ordinances to determine compliance

Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Excel, Adobe Suite, State and Federal applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, GIS, online meeting platforms

Excellence in oral and written communication and reporting skills to interact with various agencies, boards, committees, and the public

Ability to work on, schedule, and manage several projects simultaneously

Ability to prepare, monitor, and report annual budgets and objectives

COMPENSATION

The Director’s salary will be commensurate with the members of the County’s Executive Team. The County offers a competitive benefits program consisting of a choice of medical plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational opportunities.

CONTACT

To apply, please fill out our online application form.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING 

County of Delaware, Pennsylvania 

ABOUT DELAWARE COUNTY 

Delaware County is in south-eastern Pennsylvania and borders Philadelphia, Montgomery  County, Chester County, New Castle County (Delaware), and Gloucester (New Jersey). We are the  fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania with over a half million residents, with 49  municipalities, and only a 15–30-minute drive into Philadelphia. Delaware County is a full-service  county with 49 municipalities, 15 school districts, seven colleges and universities, a hub of  commerce, and a network of non-profit organizations. As the County traverses through our  renaissance period, we envision an epic future for our county as a thriving, sustainable, and  connected community: a county of choice for all residents, business, and visitors alike.  

DESCRIPTION 

Delaware County is seeking an energetic and experienced planning professional to orchestrate  and implement the robust activities needed to advance our vision. The Planning Director is a key  member of the County’s Executive Team and provides the leadership for long-range planning as  well as day-to-day management of the Planning Department, which consists of Transportation, 

Historic Preservation, Open Space, and Trails. Currently, the Planning Department is serving the  purpose of promoting the sound development and redevelopment of the County through the  strategic application of contemporary planning principles and smart growth concepts, while  maintaining and enhancing the cultural, economic, and environmental livability of the County. 

The Director reports to the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).  

In our change-driven environment, Delaware County envisions its future Planning Director to  foster a hyper-collaborative and dynamic workplace. This workplace will build momentum in  achieving our vision as a sustainable, green, and connected county of choice for residents,  business, and visitors through innovative and strategic planning. Aligning the Planning  Department as an outcome-based organization shaped around a common vision, goals, and  action steps with a defined yet flexible work program will be a key responsibility of the Director. 

Ideally, the new Director will have notable demonstrated success in economic development,  business enterprises, green space, trails, historic preservation, and project implementation and  delivery.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide leadership, management, and coordination of all County planning functions • Lead by example a culture of collaboration, readiness, information sharing, risk taking, and enthusiasm
• Develop department-wide goals, objectives, policies, and procedures and oversee their successful implementation geared toward defined outcomes
• Work with County Council, the CSO, the Delaware County Planning Commission, the public and staff to articulate a clear vision of Delco’s desired goals relative to planning and development related issues 
• Prepare and manage the Planning Department’s annual work program and budget • Build effective and positive communication with a wide range of audiences including elected officials, planning commissions, state and regional agencies, developers, civic groups, and the public 
• Represent the County on various County and regional boards and committees and at public meetings and events
• Work with the Personnel Department to recruit, hire, and evaluate staff and contract personnel
• Supervise professional staff. Manage, assign, and review projects and production with staff. Develop a meaningful and measurable annual staff review process. Conduct engaging and productive staff meetings. 
• Interpret and understand applicable ordinances and regulations with knowledge of federal, municipal, regional and community planning
• Conduct ongoing review of grant opportunities, proposals, and applications; promote grant programs and provide application assistance to municipalities

CONTEXT 

• Leadership and Change Management Skills – Our Planning Director will have to create high performing teams; provide direction; manage and persuade different viewpoints; build bridges across the organization and Delaware County; communicate clearly and  effectively within the organization as well as to personify Delaware County government  to public and private sector partners and stakeholders; evaluate, motivate, develop, and  coach staff; and resolve disagreements in a way that all parties can embrace.  
• Results Driven – Demonstrated track record of successful implementation of projects. The Planning Director will be a professional who understands how to seize opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and inspire the potential in others to make transformative  things happen.  
• Strategy and Business Acumen – With a strong understanding of the environment in which Planning Department projects and actions will be implemented, the Planning Director will connect department priorities with benefits, outcomes, and positive impacts.
• Agility and Adaptability – The Planning Director will have to be comfortable working in changing and uncertain contexts and moving forward with limited information at times to achieve positive outcomes. 
• Ethics and Values – As a role model for the Department, the Director will create a safe, respectful non-judgmental environment in which the whole department team can build trust and communicate effectively. 

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education Required: A Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or related field. Education in both Planning and Landscape Architecture is highly preferred. 
• Experience Required: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible planning experience is required. Five years of experience must be in a supervisory capacity.
• AICP certification is required and dual licensing as a PLA or RLA is highly preferred.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required at time of appointment and throughout employment. 
• Well-developed knowledge of planning and zoning principles, practices, reporting, and functional areas such as transportation, environmental, open space, and historic preservation 
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of research, data collection, and statistics
• Ability to review contract documents and ordinances to determine compliance
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Excel, Adobe Suite, State and Federal applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, GIS, online meeting platforms 
• Excellence in oral and written communication and reporting skills to interact with various agencies, boards, committees, and the public
• Ability to work on, schedule, and manage several projects simultaneously
• Ability to prepare, monitor, and report annual budgets and objectives

COMPENSATION 

The Director’s salary will be commensurate with the members of the County’s Executive Team with a range of $110,000 to $130,000. The County offers a competitive benefits program  consisting of a choice of medical plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational  opportunities. To apply: https://www.indeed.com/job/director-planning-a3aa97ca791b6dc2