Livable Communities Program Associate - Associate Planner

MSP Metropolitan Council•Saint Paul, MN

34d•$70,000 - $84,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. TheCommunity Development Divisionis responsible for the Council's regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs. InCommunity Development,we have set the following goals to guide our work: Our division builds competency, takes meaningful actions, and creates the necessary infrastructure to advance racial equity. Our division's workplace culture is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The Livable Communities Act (LCA) team delivers funding to help communities achieve development goals that create more housing choices, support living wage job creation, and connect jobs, housing, and regional amenities to create a more equitable region. The work unit also includesregional housing policy planning, which works with local governments to identify and plan for their future housing needs. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: Theentry-levelLivable Communities Program Associate (Associate Planner-AFS) will join a collaborative Livable Communities and Housing team of 11 people from planning, policy, and related backgrounds with values centered on equity, service, relationships, innovation, and accountability. The person in this position will: Assist with the implementation of the annual Livable Communities Act grant solicitation rounds. Assist with outreach, technical assistance, public engagement, and program evaluation projects to improve the delivery and impact of grant programs. Provide a high level of customer service to local governments, development team partners, and other relevant parties. Assist with delivering a consistent, fair, accurate, and equitable grantmaking process.

Requirements

Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree with coursework in geography, urban planning, political science, public policy, sociology, economics, or related field) and experience (in grantmaking, real estate development, lending, affordable housing, transportation, environmental services or cleanup, public policy, community engagement, planning, or related field):
High school diploma/GED with four years of experience
Associate degree with two years of experience
Bachelor's degree with no experience requirement

Nice To Haves

Work or internship experience implementinggrantmaking or lending programs
Work or internship experience conducting community engagement
Work or internship experience planning events or managing logistics
Coursework, internship, or work experience generating, interpreting, and communicating qualitative and/or quantitative data.
Work, internship, or lived experience with at least one racial or cultural community that is historically or currently underserved or harmed by government entities in the seven-county Twin Cities region, with attention to power dynamics and the importance of emerging leaders
Basic experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Basic experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Responsibilities

Process grant proposals using the Fluxx grant management platform, including data entry, providing eligibility review, coordinating expert review, and assisting with creating reports and recommendations.
Provide technical assistance to a diverse group of potential and current grantees/project teams, including city staff and emerging developers, such as providing assistance in navigating the online grant portal and directing inquiries to technical experts.
Assist with Livable Communities program management, including documenting processes, organizing documents, and maintaining contacts.
Assist in implementing the Livable Communities communications plan, including updating the website and sending informational emails.
Assist with outreach to promote the Livable Communities program, including providing logistical support for events.
Assist with the Livable Communities program evaluation, including conducting surveys and focus groups.
Ensure and improve data quality in grants management and reporting systems.
Work with finance and grants administration colleagues to ensure a seamless, integrated process for grant recipients.
Contribute to intra-division and cross-Council working teams to advance regional policy goals and promote an equitable, positive, and respectful professional environment that values culture and diversity among all stakeholders and colleagues.

Benefits

We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
We encourage and support staff in bringing the full range of experiences and identities that define them to the workplace.
We encourage and support staff in contributing to a dynamic work culture that improves the Council's ability to serve the region and strives to effectively support all employees.
We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

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