Sussex County in Delaware is hiring multiple planning positions. See below for the full job announcement for each opening:

• Director Planning and Zoning
• Planner I, II, & III
• Planning Technician

Visit Sussex County’s job page for information on how to apply.

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for carrying out the tasks necessary to implement and maintain the Chester County Planning Commission’s Communications Plan, including the use of social media, eNewsletters, press releases and general outreach to partners, municipalities and the public.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual with experience working on digital marketing programs and digital communications. The candidate must demonstrate strong written and verbal skills, the ability to work both independently and as a team, exceptional organization and prioritization skills, high level of attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines. Experience with marketing databases, social media, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Word Press and Microsoft Office Suite is needed. While not required, basic knowledge of the municipal planning process in Pennsylvania is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or directly related field with two to three years of professional relevant work experience in local government, community affairs, marketing, public relations or business communications or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applications must be submitted through the Chester County Job Opportunities webpage. A detailed job description and instructions for applying can be accessed here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/chesco

The Graphic Arts Specialist I is responsible for assisting in the design and layout of compelling, clear and concise documents, brochures, posters, signs, maps, presentations, web page layout, etc. for the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC), County Commissioners and, by special request, other county departments using various desktop publishing computer programs and/or photographic elements.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual with experience working on the design and layout of graphic arts materials. The candidate must demonstrate strong design skills, strong verbal and written skills, the ability to work both independently and as a team, a high level of attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is needed.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Graphics Arts or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applications must be submitted through the Chester County Job Opportunities webpage. A detailed job description and instructions for applying can be accessed here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/chesco

The Chester County Planning Commission is seeking a Technical Services Specialist to provide Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions for department projects and specialized applications. This position also assists the Technical Support Supervisor with computer support for Planning Commission computer users by troubleshooting hardware and software problems.

Candidates will: gather, analyze, and integrate spatial data and determine how to best display the information using GIS; work with other team members to assist in the development and maintenance of web-based interactive mapping and GIS products; assist in maintaining automated data update routines that have been created to support GIS operations; and assist the Technical Support Supervisor in troubleshooting and resolving department computer problems.

Minimum Qualifications include: a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Planning or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. The candidate must know cartographic design and best practices to create maps and reports in ESRI Arc products, especially ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online. Experience with GIS data use and maintenance and Adobe Creative Suite is also required.  Candidates must be detail oriented, possess strong verbal and written skills, and have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Knowledge with 3D modeling software, such as SketchUp, and knowledge of computer programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript (VBA and VB.NET), is preferred but not required.

Applications must be submitted through the Chester County Job Opportunities webpage. A detailed job description and instructions for applying can be accessed here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/chesco

The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) is located in a diverse and historic suburban community of over 820,000 people located directly northwest of Philadelphia. The county is home to a variety of communities, including revitalizing boroughs and villages as well as scenic, rural townships. We are an award-winning agency with a well-earned reputation as an innovator of cutting edge planning concepts and strategies. Our mission is to provide professional planning services that provide effective solutions to community challenges. We are looking for an outgoing, technically proficient, and highly motivated individual to join our dynamic team of professional planners.

POSITION TITLE: PLANNER

EXEMPT: YES

DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION – COMMUNITY SECTION

POSITION REPORTING: SECTION CHIEF – COMMUNITY

SALARY RANGE: $44,844

SUMMARY:

This position requires the individual to be proficient in the terminology and application of the technical and political processes concerned with the use of land, public welfare, and the design of the natural and built environment in general.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES shall include the following:

• Manage planning projects for municipal and regional clients
• Review subdivisions and land developments
• Work cooperatively with other staff, general public, and local officials
• Manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and organize information

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES in addition to all of the above shall include some combination of the following dependent upon stated position:

• Write zoning, land development, and subdivision regulations
• Author and produce planning related documents such as, but not limited to, comprehensive plans, studies, and reports, including, but not limited to, revitalization plans, open space plans, parking studies, and fiscal impact studies.
• Have technical knowledge in land use, housing, transportation, open space, environmental, demographics, landscape design, zoning, planning law, and related subjects
• Attend and participate in public meetings, both day and evening
• Work closely with municipal planning commissions and task forces, leading group discussions and building consensus to advance planning goals; undertake public outreach efforts, when appropriate
• Grant writing

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all essential and specific duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master’s Degree in Planning or related degree plus 1 year of professional planning related experience
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to be successful in the position
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills including public speaking
• Good analytical, organizational, logical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to use state of the art business and audio visual equipment
• Ability to multi-task and willingness to take initiative and assume a leadership role
• Strong organizational skills and time management
• Knowledge of essential professional office computer software to perform word processing, spreadsheet analysis, presentations, design and ability to learn certain geographic information system functions
• Have a valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. Walking is required in field conditions with uneven terrain to perform site visits, acquire information, and perform inspections or to attend meetings. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel objects. The employee is also required to kneel or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

The employee must be able to drive to various locations during the day or night and attend meetings that may last several hours.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TO APPLY ONLINE: Go to http://www.montcopa.org/151/How-to-Apply; fill out the application form under the job posting.

About Friends of the Rail Park

Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) is a 501(c)3 organization that drives the vision behind the transformation of historic rail lines that traverse Philadelphia into a 3.1 mile linear park that will connect 10 adjoining neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and Fairmount Park. The park has three distinct sections – the Viaduct, the Cut and Tunnel – which reflect the history of the city’s development and rail transportation’s role in it. Phase I of the park, an elevated quarter mile, opened in June 2018 as the only public greenspace in the Callowhill/Chinatown North neighborhood.

As the supporting nonprofit organization, FRP leads the conversation about the Rail Park through engaging Philadelphia communities, producing programming, advocacy work, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the park. FRP works closely with Center City District and Parks & Recreation as the key partners stewarding the Rail Park.

Vision: The Rail Park will be a continuous three-mile linear park and recreation path that connects and enlivens the social, historical and environmental fabric of Philadelphia’s communities.

Mission: Friends of the Rail Park is the City’s and Center City District’s partner to create, activate and enhance the quality of the Rail Park in order to engage diverse residents, bridge communities, and promote inclusivity among Philadelphians and visitors.

FRP will pursue three goals over the next three years:

1. Establish FRP’s organizational capacity to be the go-to leader for the Rail Park
2. Secure public support and financial resources
3. Accelerate development of and secure commitment to the entire Rail Park

FRP recently developed a fundraising strategy that outlines goals over the next 3 years and provides the strategies and approach for implementing these goals. An institutional funder has generously committed $550,000 over three years to capitalize the organization; 2020 marks the third year of this grant period, and FRP is looking for an Executive Director with a proven track record of fundraising who can grow and diversify resources to ensure the financial health of the organization.

FRP will continue to use this support to leverage other funders and donors to also contribute to the organization.

Overview of Executive Director Position

FRP is seeking an Executive Director to work closely with an active Board of Directors, Community Engagement and Programs Manager, government officials, communities, and partners to advance FRP’s mission and to secure public support and financial resources that will enable FRP to lead the Rail Park’s design process and programmatic agenda.

Summary of Ideal Candidate

A dynamic and experienced professional with a history of accomplishment in the nonprofit or public sectors that combines fundraising, financial and operational management, external relationship advancement and/or government relations , community engagement, public advocacy, andboard development and relations. Being adept at navigating the political and philanthropic landscape of Philadelphia is a must as is a commitment to values of race, equity, and inclusion and a demonstrated interest and engagement in parks and public spaces. Must be entrepreneurial in nature and comfortable working in a start-up environment.

Professional Characteristics

1. At least 5 years successful tenure in a leadership role, in a nonprofit or public sector organization, incorporating operational, fundraising and external relations functions in which s/he played a direct role in organizational growth.
2. Demonstrated ability and track record in fundraising, to include being the face of an organization in stewarding funder and donor relationships.
3. High-energy person with vision and the capacity to mobilize others towards a common goal. Ability to operationalize ideas is a must.
4. Entrepreneurial, highly organized individual capable and comfortable growing an organization and adept at risk analysis.
5. Skilled in working in a collaborative manner to build relationships and teams with multiple external stakeholders, to include capacity to understand the interests of small nonprofits, larger institutional nonprofits, civic organizations and public sector decision makers. Ability to navigate complex relationships and lead negotiations is a must.
6. Effective communicator to multiple internal and external audiences.
7. Managerial expertise including budget management and working directly with a volunteer governing board to include board engagement and board education.
8. Proven experience working with diverse populations, including experience in building bridges to develop relationships, trust and credibility. Great listener able to bring together and synthesize diverse perspectives.

Summary of Key Deliverables

The Executive Director will lead and facilitate the board of directors and staff in pursuit of the following goals:

1. Establish FRP as the go-to leader of the Rail Park by solidifying relationships with partners and developing long-term strategy for realizing the 3-mile vision.
2. Build a diverse, sustainable revenue base able to meet FRP’s needs and goals.
3. Enhance systems and hire staff for the new organization.
4. Foster positive long-term relationships with key partner organizations, funders, and stakeholders.
5. Engage the communities along the site in the design process of future phases of the Rail Park.
6. Lead and oversee the Rail Park’s programmatic agenda.
7. Work with the board of directors such that members are engaged at a strategic level and contributing towards FRP’s goals

Key Responsibilities

1. Resource Development
   • Identify, pursue and secure expanded base of operating revenue and capital funds
   • Steward and expand relationships with funders
   • Develop and implement a major donor program

2. Key stakeholder relations
   • Strengthen and steward relationships with Center City District and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department
   • Build and strengthen relationships with city and state leaders

3. Communications
   • Serve as key spokesperson for FRP
   • Foster media relations and represent the organization at regional and national meetings and events
   • Enhance digital communication avenues, including website and social media platforms

4. Community Engagement and Programming
   • Supervise and work closely with the Community Engagement and Program manager

5. Organizational Management
   • Manage staff and develop staff management policies and handbook
   • Oversee fiscal management of organization, reporting regularly to the board regarding the financial status of the organization
   • Work with the Treasurer and board committee to ensure an annual budget, fundraising plan, and audit

6. Board Relations
   • Nurture a positive, open and collaborative relationship with the Board and its committees
   • Participate in soliciting and recruiting additional board members
   • Arrange opportunities for board education and engagement

Reporting

Reports to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair; supervises Community Engagement and Program Manager.

Compensation

Salary will be in the $80,000-$100,000 range (commensurate with experience and qualifications), with benefits aligned with nonprofit industry standards.

Application Requirements & Deadline

Please send resume and Letter of Interest to jobs@therailpark.org no later than December 20, 2019.

Anticipated Start Date

February 1, 2020

FRP is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and practices inclusion.

This profile is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the Executive Director. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of the Executive Director.

Job Opportunity

Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist Full-Time (40 hours/week) Contractor Position – Public Affairs Division, Philadelphia Water Department

Background

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is a 2,000-employee public utility committed to providing clean water to residents and businesses in the greater Philadelphia region. The utility’s top commitment is to consistently and reliably deliver to its more than 2 million customers the professionalism, quality and service that stand as PWD’s core values.

Carrying out its mission to protect the City’s public health and the environment, the Philadelphia Water Department has become a national leader in water quality, energy conservation and sustainable practices.

The Public Affairs Division is a dedicated, customer-focused division of PWD committed to enhancing the quality of life of PWD customers.

Public Engagement Team

Public Engagement is responsible for building public support for the Philadelphia Water Department’s integrated services and investments that result in cleaner waterways in Philadelphia. The Team generates public support primarily through community outreach and notification, public participation programming, partnership-development, strategic communications and customer research. By creating opportunities that inform, educate and inspire action, the Public Engagement Team helps facilitate the implementation of Green City, Clean Waters, builds appreciation for PWD infrastructure, services and technology in addition to furthering environmental stewardship of the City’s watersheds.

The Public Engagement Team is comprised of in-house contractors in the Public Affairs Division who work collaboratively with PWD staff within the Public Affairs Division in addition to working with employees and contractors of other divisions within PWD and beyond.

Primary Tasks

The Public Engagement Team is seeking a Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist that will manage the Philly Water Bar, an initiative created to bust myths about the quality of tap water in Philadelphia by highlighting the City’s high-quality tap water as sustainable, affordable, safe and healthy. The Philly Water Bar was launched in 2019. The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will help further the Philly Water Bar programming, which requires event planning, coordination and communications needs that result in the successful launch of Philly Water Bar 2.0 and ultimately the swift management of the water bar to best promote safe tap water consumption in homes across Philadelphia. The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will spend approximately 40% of work hours on this task in addition to similar tasks that support Drink Philly Tap and PWD initiatives/events (i.e., groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings, tours, etc.).

The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will also help facilitate the implementation of Green City, Clean Waters, the city-wide program that is setting the national standard for managing stormwater runoff with a primarily green infrastructure-focused approach. The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will plan, organize, coordinate, develop, communicate, and track the public notification and outreach process for Green City, Clean Waters primarily in South Philadelphia, Center City and the Riverwards. Sample communities in these sections of the City include Point Breeze, Northern Liberties and Kensington. Additionally, the Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will work closely with the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) District 2 planners and the GSI District 2 design engineers. The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will also be expected to work collaboratively with a variety of external partners. The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will spend approximately 35% of work hours on this task and other similar tasks to support the implementation of GSI.

The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will also spend the remaining 25% of her/his time supporting internal systems development and data management in addition to customer research support. Contacts management, data tracking, comprehensive survey analysis, report writing and coordination of the implementation of recommendations from survey results are among the tasks expected to be carried out by the Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist.

Overview of Role

The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will work on the Public Engagement Team in the Public Affairs Division of the Philadelphia Water Department through the Trans-Pacific Engineering-CDM Smith-Sage Services contract. The Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will be an in-house contractor and will report to Tiffany Ledesma (Manager, Public Engagement Team).

The primary responsibilities of the Project Coordinator/Outreach Specialist are to plan public engagement efforts strategically; to build support for PWDs services and investments in communities through stellar and creative communications; to present accurate and timely information; to collect and facilitate feedback; to organize, analyze and track data; to collaborate internally and externally, and to celebrate project milestones among other events. Furthermore, s/he will be customer-sensitive, present information in public and will be a self-starter in addition to a team player.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and background:

• Project/contract management related experience – Performance in a high production, fast-paced environment
• A meticulous approach to work and an eye for detail; strong organizational skills are a must
• The ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting deadlines
• A people-person. Interpersonal skills are necessary for the tasks
• A strong public-speaker – being comfortable presenting information at community meetings.
• A flexible schedule is necessary (evening community meetings occur several times per month).
•  An independent worker who is also a team player. Comfortable working with more technical staff (and non-technical staff) within PWD. Communication with community members in their neighborhoods is also expected.
• Strong command of English (written and verbal). Fluency in other languages too is desired (although not required).
• A strong interest in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, particularly the Riverwards and South Philadelphia
• The ideal candidate will also be passionate about environmental and sustainability related topics. S/he will be responsible for helping to build support for Green City, Clean Waters and other PWD sustainability-related initiatives, among other topics.
• The ideal candidate is a “generalist,” yet comfortable learning about technical information (i.e., engineering concepts that relate to the information being presented to the impacted communities).
• A minimum of 2 years of professional, relevant work experience is required. Relevant work experience includes work in environmental planning, urban planning, community planning, communications, public affairs, environmental management and/or a similar field.
• A minimum of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences in addition to a masters’ degree in city/urban planning, public policy, public administration, environmental studies, science communication and/or a similar degree is required.
• Computer skills: the candidate must be proficient in Windows in addition to content management systems. Adobe Creative Suite and GIS are preferred, but not necessary.
• The ideal candidate possesses a Pennsylvania drivers’ license and is comfortable driving in the City.

About Trans-Pacific Engineering Corp.

Trans-Pacific Engineering Corporation (TPEC) is an equal opportunity employer. TPEC is a Civil/Environmental Engineering consulting firm headquartered in Willow Grove, PA with a wide client base throughout the region. TPEC employees enjoy a friendly, flexible work environment and competitive salary with benefits package including paid holidays/flexible time off, health insurance, life and disability insurance, tuition assistance and retirement savings plan with company match.

Apply

If interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to Phil Chiang by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2019: pchiang@tpeceng.com.

Director of Research

The Center City District (CCD) produces a continuing series of thoroughly researched, high-quality reports on marketplace and demographic trends in Center City Philadelphia with comparisons to the city, region and other major cities in the United States. Reports usually include specific local public policy recommendations. Reports also focus on City of Philadelphia municipal government real estate assessment trends, monitoring wage, business tax, and budget trends as part of a broader effort to shape more competitive tax policies for the city. https://centercityphila.org/research-reports 

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB: CCD seeks a highly capable and skilled Director of Research to conduct original research, summarize and translate data into clear graphics and well-written analyses using publicly available information. Sources may include the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, the City of Philadelphia budget, tax and building permit records, local commercial and retail brokerage firms, and original field survey data gathered by the staff of the CCD. Responsibilities also include producing reports that inform CCD programs and operations. 

The Director is responsible for data collection from multiple sources, management of various proprietary databases, overseeing research staff and interns, coordinating with the graphics department on report production and finding creative ways to use research to support the mission of other departments within the CCD. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Analysis & Report Production

• Research and synthesize publicly available data, CCD surveys, information shared by commercial brokerage firms and other partners into compelling, well-written and  frequently published reports on marketplace trends with clear illustrative charts and tables, including but not limited to CCD’s annual State of Center City publication, housing, employment retail and transportation reports, and other reports as assigned.
• Ability to work with and analyze large data sets, like citywide tax records, with experience working with sophisticated, statistical software programs, like Stata, R or similar programs,  
• Oversee the work of one full-time research assistant and periodic interns, who are responsible for supporting basic research, collecting on-street data for CCD’s housing, retail, café, and developments surveys, assists with analysis tasks for periodic and annual reports, and other internal data collection and management initiatives. 
• Stay current on issues and trends affecting Center City, other downtowns, and cities nationally, including development and employment trends in the commercial office, hospitality, health care and education, and retail sectors. 
• Stay abreast of new data releases from public and proprietary sources, including the U.S. Federal Government (Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, etc.) and other local and national organizations and tailor data from secondary sources to CCD research questions.
• In a timely fashion, fulfill internal and external special requests for information and short-term analyses, such as information needed for grant and sponsorship proposals, or specific requests from developers and brokers.  
• Identify opportunities or needs for new analyses within CCD’s mission and produce periodic specialized reports.
• Manage ongoing special projects and initiatives and perform other duties as needed.

Data Management

• Maintain Center City District’s proprietary datasets, including the retail, café, and developments database.
• Assist other CCD staff in trouble-shooting problems with management of databases as they arise.

 “These are the essential functions of the position, other duties may be assigned.  Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire job related skills, and perform other work as required.”

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage one full time research assistant and other interns or part time staff for specific projects as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing research; Master’s degree in City Planning, Geography, Public Policy, or related field preferred.
• Solid mathematical and analytical background.
• Knowledge of the federal statistical system, including how data are processed and produced, preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience accessing, analyzing, and interpreting U.S. Federal Government data sources, including data from the Census Bureau (Decennial Census, American Community Survey, County Business Patterns, Local Employment Dynamics/OnTheMap), Bureau of Labor Statistics (Current Employment Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Inflation Calculator), Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional GDP & Personal Income Data), and other key sources of data.
• Ability to research, analyze, and organize data from large, heterogeneous datasets; to organize large amounts of data and detect critical trends, patterns, and forecasts; and to produce written reports containing visual interpretations that are clear, concise and easily understood by the public.  
• Ability to manage in-house databases and design database-based analysis.  
• Inquisitive by nature with a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Competence with Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work with confidential information. 
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with business professionals, public officials, and research organizations.
• Strong attention to detail; organized and systematic in approach; self motivated with a high degree of ability to work independently; team management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a mission-driven, quick-paced environment, where collaboration is essential; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Microsoft Excel; intermediate ArcGIS skills; experience using ArcGIS Online preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS:

• None required.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• The position requires that the employee have the ability to sit for long periods of time, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, and lift objects.
• Ability to perform on-street surveys as necessary.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

• Must be able to pass a background investigation including criminal history and child abuse clearance, a reference check and a drug screening.

Forward Resumes to:
Human Resources Department
Center City District
660 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fax: 215.922.7672
e-mail: jobs@centercityphila.org