Associate | Water Policy & Research

Metropolitan Planning Council•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is seeking a full-time Associate to support research, analysis, and decision-making across the Water Program. This role will help advance MPC’s water policy agenda by developing research products, synthesizing complex information, and translating insights into practical recommendations for policy, strategy, and implementation. The Associate will work closely with the Senior Director and Water Program team to support project execution across key initiatives through research, analysis, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. This position reports to the Senior Director of the Water Program and will collaborate with colleagues across MPC as well as external partners and stakeholders. In the first year, this role is expected to focus on priority issues such as regional collaboration and fragmentation in water systems, state water policy and governance, procurement and infrastructure delivery, and emerging challenges at the intersection of water, energy, land use, and climate risk, among others.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in public policy, planning, environmental studies, economics, political science, urban studies, or related fields
Experience conducting policy research, analytical, and reading comprehension skills, with the ability to work effectively across policy, legal, regulatory, and technical materials
Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and decision-relevent outputs for internal and external audiences
Experience conducting policy research, literature reviews, and structured analysis using multiple qualitative and quantitative sources
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and follow-up across several concurrent projects
Proficiency with research, analysis, and AI-enabled productivity tools, with sound judgment and the ability to learn new systems quickly and apply them critically
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, cross-functional environment

Responsibilities

Conduct research and analysis related to water policy, climate and nature, infrastructure systems, and public-sector implementation, with a focus on advancing equitable and long-term reform
Monitor and synthesize policy, legislative, and institutional developments at the local, regional, state, and national levels, identifying implications for MPC’s priorities.
Develop high-quality memos, briefs, reports, presentations, and other materials that translate research into clear, concise, and decision-relevant insights.
Organize and maintain research processes, source materials, and findings in a clear, rigorous, and replicable way to support project delivery and long-term program learning
Support project coordination by preparing background materials, tracking follow-up actions, and helping manage timelines, priorities, and partner engagement across Water Program initiatives