Principal

Chicago Metropolitan Agen•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is hiring a full-time Principal in its Regional Policy and Implementation (RPI) division. This senior leader manages a portfolio of complex policy, planning, and implementation initiatives advancing regional priorities across northeastern Illinois. The Principal provides strategic direction, turns technical analysis into actionable policy recommendations, and leads staff, consultants, and cross-functional teams to achieve regional outcomes. They serve as a trusted advisor and agency representative, building consensus with local, regional, and state partners and advancing CMAP’s mission through collaboration, innovation, and effective project delivery. The position leads and oversees quantitative and qualitative analysis on regional- and state-scale planning and policy issues. Work may involve transit funding and modernization, climate action and resilience, comprehensive regional planning, transportation asset resilience, tax, land use and economic policy impacts, data-driven assessments of flooding vulnerability and infrastructure needs, and policy frameworks for major transportation and infrastructure investments. The successful candidate combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship management to advance initiatives from concept to implementation, while engaging senior decisionmakers and stakeholders and leading multidisciplinary teams. CMAP is a mission-driven agency serving 284 municipalities and seven counties in northeastern Illinois. Employees work a 37.5-hour reduced work week and a flexible hybrid schedule, with in-office work at CMAP’s Old Post Office location in Chicago. The position is benefit eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, or a related field.
Seven years of professional experience in urban planning, policy analysis, content development, research, data collection, analysis, and public outreach.
Project management experience.
Experience supervising or leading teams.
Comprehensive knowledge of public policy and urban and regional planning practice.
Understanding of environmental, economic, social, land use, and transportation considerations shaping the region’s future.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
AICP certification and/or PMP certification.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of complex policy, planning, and implementation initiatives that advance regional priorities.
Provide strategic direction for projects and translate technical analysis into actionable policy recommendations.
Lead staff, consultants, and cross-functional or multidisciplinary teams to deliver regional outcomes.
Lead and oversee quantitative and qualitative analysis on regional- and state-scale planning and policy issues.
Build consensus among local, regional, and state partners and represent the agency as a trusted advisor.
Advance complex regional initiatives from concept through implementation.
Engage senior decisionmakers and stakeholders in support of regional planning and policy work.