Senior Manager, Baobab Eco District Project (Chicago, IL Based)

THE CHISHOLM LEGACY PROJECT SUMMARY:

The mission of the Chisholm Legacy Project is rooted in the Just Transition Framework. The project serves as a vehicle to connect Black communities on the frontlines of climate justice with resources to traverse the path from vision to strategy to action plan to implementation to transformation. In support of frontline leadership, the project seeks to link movements and mainstream entities with the tools necessary to advance systems change centered in equity and justice. With Black women on the frontlines of advancing systems change, this project ensures that these leaders have the support they need as they transform society from extractivism to a living economy that cares for sacred relationships between people and with Mother Earth, through regenerative, cooperative, democratic systems.

SUMMARY OF the POSITION:

POSITION OVERVIEW: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager to lead the Baobab EcoDistrict Community-Driven Planning Process. This critical role will oversee the development of a community-led plan for 11 vacant lots of land in Southside Chicago. The ideal candidate will be a skilled facilitator, strategic thinker, and passionate advocate for community power and sustainable urban development. To successfully execute this position, the Project Manager must be based in Chicago, Illinois.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Project Manager will be responsible for the successful execution of all project phases, ensuring that the project goals and objectives are met within the established timeline. Key responsibilities include:

I. Project Initiation (January 15th through February 28th):

• • Establish and manage a diverse Project Steering Committee comprising residents, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders.
  • Oversee preliminary site assessments, including environmental conditions and zoning regulations.
  • Define the geographic boundaries for resident engagement.
  • Develop a comprehensive and inclusive community engagement strategy, utilizing methods such as public meetings, surveys (including app-based and email), door-to-door canvassing, focus groups, and online platforms.

II. Community Engagement and Needs Assessment (March 1st through April 15th):

• • Implement the community engagement strategy, actively gathering input on needs, priorities, and aspirations for the vacant lots.
  • Organize and facilitate public meetings and workshops, including a minimum of four town hall meetings, to foster dialogue and collaborative brainstorming.
  • Manage the development and deployment of an app and interview templates for community surveying, leveraging tools like VAN for canvassing and phone banking.
  • Coordinate focus groups with constituency-based organizations and schools to gather diverse perspectives.
  • Guide the Project Committee in analyzing collected data to identify key themes, opportunities, and challenges.
  • Facilitate the synthesis of data and the development of a draft plan by the broader Project Committee.

III. Deepening Visioning and Ideation (April 16th through June 15th):

• • Lead two design charrettes/workshops with stakeholders to review community input and site analysis, developing a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive concept plans that align with the community's vision.
  • Facilitate the exploration of a range of potential land uses, including affordable housing, community gardens, green spaces, recreational facilities, commercial spaces, and mixed-use developments.
  • Utilize visual aids, maps, and 3D models to effectively communicate proposed concepts.
  • Organize and host a large town hall meeting to present concepts and gather extensive community feedback, supplementing with input collection via app, email, phone surveys, and potentially additional door-to-door outreach.
  • Oversee the Project Committee's synthesis of all feedback and selection of the concept to move forward for finalization.

IV. Plan Development (June 16th through August 15th):

• • Develop and finalize a comprehensive plan outlining preferred land uses for each plot, incorporating community feedback and feasibility considerations.
  • Ensure design concepts address site-specific conditions, environmental sustainability, and accessibility.
  • Formulate detailed implementation strategies, including phasing, funding sources, partnerships, and maintenance plans.
  • Prepare a final report summarizing the planning process, presenting the community's vision, and outlining the proposed plan.

V. Plan Adoption and Finalization of Resource Raising (August 16th through November 15th):

• • Present the final plan to the community and relevant stakeholders for feedback and endorsement.
  • Advocate for plan adoption through presentations to city officials, community boards, and other decision-making bodies.
  • Continue to Actively seek funding and partnerships to support plan implementation.

VI. Break Ground and Commence Building (November 16th through January 15th and onward):

• • Initiate building phase.
  • Support the establishment of a community-based organization or committee to oversee ongoing maintenance, management, and programming of the developed spaces.

Key Stakeholders with whom the Project Manager will work closely:

• • Residents of the neighborhood
  • Community-based organizations and schools
  • Local businesses
  • City officials and planners
  • Environmental organizations
  • Developers and investors
  • Funding agencies

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position will possess many, if not all, of the following qualifications and competencies:

• • At least 6 years of experience as a project manager, including working with communities, city officials, and others on implementing community driven and stakeholder engaged, planning processes.
  • Proven experience in project management, particularly in community development, urban planning, or similar fields.
  • Demonstrated expertise in community engagement, facilitation, and consensus building.
  • Strong understanding of sustainable development principles and urban planning processes.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Track record of success supporting multiple projects/events/activities, as well as ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with Southside Chicago communities and their unique needs is highly desirable.
• Excellent tact and people-skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Exceptional writing skills
• An organized work style and exemplary time management skills
• Strong troubleshooting/problem-solving skills
• A results-focused approach and commitment to going the extra mile
  • Proficiency in relevant project management software and tools, as well as familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Prezi, Publisher and other relevant programs
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

Evaluation and Success Factors:

The Project Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring the project's success, which will be evaluated based on:

• • Strong community leadership and ownership fostered throughout the process.
  • An inclusive and transparent engagement process that ensures all voices are heard.
  • Collaborative decision-making that truly reflects community priorities.
  • Development of realistic and achievable goals for land use.
  • Adherence to sustainable and equitable development principles.
  • Effective communication and outreach throughout all project phases.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a significant impact on the future of Southside Chicago. If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for community-driven change, we encourage you to apply.

POSITION TERMS

• This position is expected to work a 40-hour work week.
• This position is Fix Term for 6 months
• This position will receive a 90-day (about 3 months) performance.
• Ability to travel upon request; in addition to traveling to in-person meetings for the organization including but not limited to 3 to 5 staff retreats per year.

The Chisholm Legacy Project offer

Medical, Vision, Dental,401k

Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays