Project/Construction Manager

NeighborSpace is Hiring:

Project Manager – Community Green Space & Infrastructure

Organization: NeighborSpace

Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (full-time, based on experience)

Benefits: Medical, vision, and dental insurance; professional development opportunities

Application Timeline: Opened on 9.11.2025, accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

NeighborSpace Background

NeighborSpace (NBSP), Chicago’s only nonprofit urban land trust, preserves and sustains community-managed open space across the city. Established in 1996, NBSP protects land so that neighborhood residents can grow food, share and celebrate local culture, and find respite in nature. By holding title to land, providing water access, and managing liability, NBSP allows community groups to focus on stewardship and programming.

Our network includes 144 sites: community gardens, small community farms, natural play spaces, and food production hubs. Some are large multi-acre projects; others are small, neighborhood-scale spaces. All function as vital community connection points. Many are undergoing active development or revitalization, requiring infrastructure such as remediation, excavation, water and sewer systems, fencing, hoop houses, signage, and stormwater management features.

Position Overview

The Project Manager – Community Green Space & Infrastructure will coordinate the planning and implementation of physical improvements across the NeighborSpace network. This includes large-scale open space developments as well as smaller but critical interventions at existing gardens and farms.

The role requires both technical project management (construction, remediation, earthwork, permitting, installation oversight) and community engagement (organizing volunteers, building trust, supporting local stewards). The ideal candidate is as comfortable reviewing contractor bids as they are leading a volunteer fence-build day, integrating the work of professionals with the energy of community members.

This role reports to the Senior Project Manager and works closely with the Stewardship Team, the Community Orchard Steward, and the Urban Agriculture Stewardship Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Coordination

• Manage timelines, budgets, estimates, bids and contractors for site improvements including water systems, fences, hoop houses, greenhouses, signage, and stormwater interventions.
• Coordinate remediation, earthwork and site utility projects with city agencies, contractors, and community partners.
• Work with the NeighborSpace project management team to scope and prioritize improvements across multiple sites.

Construction & Contractor Oversight

• Oversee contractors performing landscaping, remediation, and infrastructure installations.
• Ensure compliance with safety, permitting, and municipal requirements.
• Integrate professional construction/landscaping work with volunteer and community builds.

Community Engagement & Volunteer Integration

• Work directly with community stewards to identify infrastructure needs and priorities.
• Support large volunteer groups during installation days, bridging professional expertise with community participation.
• Provide clear communication to neighbors, stewards, and partner organizations about project timelines and expectations.

Technical & Administrative

• Navigate permitting processes (water access, food sales licenses, signage, stormwater review, etc.)
• Support development of protocols and guides for infrastructure use and maintenance.
• Maintain project records, prepare quarterly reports, and contribute to grant reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to NeighborSpace’s mission and community-led stewardship.
• Demonstrated experience in construction management, landscaping, or related fields.
• Hands-on skills in building (wood structures, signage, garden infrastructure).
• Experience in community organizing or working with neighborhood groups.
• Ability to integrate professional contractors with community/volunteer participation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid driver’s license and access to personal vehicle (sites are citywide).
• Ability to lift 40+ lbs and work outdoors in varied conditions.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace; familiarity with project tracking tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Chicago neighborhoods, particularly South and West Sides.
• Knowledge of remediation, stormwater systems, and sustainable construction practices.
• Experience working with city agencies and permitting processes.
• QuickBooks or budgeting experience.
• Spanish or other language skills.

Work Culture & Conditions

• Flexible schedule provided, with some nights and weekends required.
• Combination of field-based and remote work, with weekly staff meetings (in-person, typically mornings).
• Dynamic, collaborative environment — staff juggle multiple projects and support each other across stewardship and project management roles.

Application Information

This position offers the opportunity to directly shape Chicago’s green infrastructure by combining construction management with grassroots community engagement. The Project Manager will help turn vacant land into productive, welcoming, and resilient spaces.

Please send cover letter and resume with references to hr@neighbor-space.org.

Applications accepted until October 15, but may hire earlier if the right fit is found.

Medical, vision, and dental insurance; professional development opportunities

English - proficiency required

Spanish or other language skills - preferred but not required