Planner for Community-Based Initiatives (71101)
About Pratt Center For Community Development And Pratt Institute
Founded in 1963, Pratt Center for Community Development is a non-profit organization that is housed within Pratt Institute. Pratt Center brings research, policy, planning and community engagement expertise to community organizations that are working on the frontlines to make New York City strong, equitable and sustainable. In recent years, Pratt Center has collaborated with long-term community partners on efforts to strengthen tenant rights, facilitate community-led planning across the city, launch a climate justice program to retrofit homes for low-income people in Brooklyn, and expand the Made in NYC initiative, which supports local makers and small manufacturers. Pratt Center is part of a robust research and strategic partnerships unit in academic affairs reporting to the Provost, with offices in the The Research Yard.
Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a global leader in higher education dedicated to preparing its 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in art, design, architecture, information, and liberal arts and sciences.
About The Position
Pratt Center for Community Development is seeking a Planner for Community-Based Initiatives to coordinate the design, implementation, and management of community-based, participatory planning projects and other types of technical assistance collaborations with local Community Based Organizations (CBO) that align with Pratt Center’s strategic priorities. The Planner for Community-Based Initiatives will report to Pratt Center’s Senior Planner and work in collaboration with other program staff (including another Senior Planner, a Planner for Climate Initiatives, Director of Research & Policy and Data and GIS Manager). The Planner will also assist in the development of Pratt Center policy and advocacy initiatives related to those projects. , Community-Based Planning and Data Analysis
Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field, and at least 2 years of relevant work experience conducting community-engaged planning, research or policy. Strong candidates with a B.A. and at least 5 years of relevant work experience will be considered.
This position is 100% grant-funded and is renewable upon budgetary approval. The position will be based in Brooklyn and is hybrid. Currently Pratt Center staff are onsite 2 days/week, and remote 3 days/week but that is subject to change.
Founded in 1963, Pratt Center for Community Development is a non-profit organization that is housed within Pratt Institute. Pratt Center brings research, policy, planning and community engagement expertise to community organizations that are working on the frontlines to make New York City strong, equitable and sustainable. In recent years, Pratt Center has collaborated with long-term community partners on efforts to strengthen tenant rights, facilitate community-led planning across the city, launch a climate justice program to retrofit homes for low-income people in Brooklyn, and expand the Made in NYC initiative, which supports local makers and small manufacturers. Pratt Center is part of a robust research and strategic partnerships unit in academic affairs reporting to the Provost, with offices in the The Research Yard.
Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is a global leader in higher education dedicated to preparing its 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students for successful careers in art, design, architecture, information, and liberal arts and sciences.
About The Position
Pratt Center for Community Development is seeking a Planner for Community-Based Initiatives to coordinate the design, implementation, and management of community-based, participatory planning projects and other types of technical assistance collaborations with local Community Based Organizations (CBO) that align with Pratt Center’s strategic priorities. The Planner for Community-Based Initiatives will report to Pratt Center’s Senior Planner and work in collaboration with other program staff (including another Senior Planner, a Planner for Climate Initiatives, Director of Research & Policy and Data and GIS Manager). The Planner will also assist in the development of Pratt Center policy and advocacy initiatives related to those projects. , Community-Based Planning and Data Analysis
- Design and provide overall project management for community-based planning projects from start to finish, including the co-design of community engagement plans and methodologies with CBO partners;
- Develop and manage consistent and robust collaboration and communication with CBO partners and other stakeholders including government and elected officials;
- Design and facilitate interactive, participatory and accessible community workshops, visioning sessions and other community engagement activities;
- Conduct site- and neighborhood-level planning technical assistance activities for community-based projects including researching and analyzing land use, property history, infrastructure, demographics, economic conditions and related policy, using a range of research methods and tools to collect and analyze original and public data;
- Produce broadly accessible data visualizations and maps to communicate findings with partners, policymakers, and the public;
- Write, edit and work in collaboration with planning and research staff as well as the Communications Manager to generate memos, reports, testimony, and other research and policy products to advance community planning projects;
- Work collaboratively with other staff members and consultants, as needed.
- Supervise and train interns and fellows working on community-based planning and related projects.
- Participate in organization strategy meetings, events, and team-building activities.
- Represent Pratt Center in public spaces and events, on occasion.
- Support additional projects for Pratt Center and our partners as needed.
- Experience in urban planning-related projects, research and/or policy development, and/or experience working in community-based organizations in low-income communities/communities of color;
- Experience and skill in project management of participatory community-based planning processes;
- Experience facilitating diverse stakeholder groups, managing complex and shifting dynamics and working closely with community based organizations;
- Experience developing research, policy and/or planning products that synthesize complex research and policy concepts into digestible formats accessible to broad audiences;
- Strong communication skills: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and logically both verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences;
- Highly organized: Ability to consistently meet deadlines;
- Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice and experience working effectively and leading with persons from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds;
- Data collection and analysis skills including GIS/mapping (and/or interest and excitement for professional development in this area);
- Ability to work well as part of a team and participate in collective decision-making: ability to listen to others' opinions; ask clarifying questions; present one's own view; be flexible;
- Ability to organize workload, handle administrative detail and establish priorities according to contract requirements;
- Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate;
- Demonstrated knowledge of New York City planning, policy, and neighborhoods; knowledge of and experience with the local organizing landscape is a plus;
- Spanish language abilities are a plus.
Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field, and at least 2 years of relevant work experience conducting community-engaged planning, research or policy. Strong candidates with a B.A. and at least 5 years of relevant work experience will be considered.
This position is 100% grant-funded and is renewable upon budgetary approval. The position will be based in Brooklyn and is hybrid. Currently Pratt Center staff are onsite 2 days/week, and remote 3 days/week but that is subject to change.
- For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter. Professional references will be requested if you are moved forward in the interview process.