SEEKING RESPONSES FOR RFQ

Posted April 22, 2019

The CRA is seeking responses to an RFQ from qualified design firms for a project we are conducting in partnership with the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House at 71 Cherry Street in Cambridge. The project will include the construction and/or renovation of mixed income housing, social service facilities and a historic house. There will be a site visit on May 3rd. The deadline is May 13th. Please download the RFQ and learn more on the project page.

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PROJECT PLANNER JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: April 22, 2019

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Project Planner is a dynamic player on our small team who is involved in many of aspects of the work of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA). There is no typical day, so you enjoy wearing multiple hats from supporting community development efforts and our ongoing planning work through research, analysis, and project design, to getting involved with our community engagement efforts. As your skills develop, you will take on increased responsibilities. Current CRA projects that the Planner might work on include:

  • Facilitating housing, commercial and open space developments in Kendall Square.

  • Providing grants for nonprofit capital improvements needs throughout Cambridge and providing technical support to help social service agencies sustain and/or expand their facilities.

  • Overseeing the conversion of the Foundry building into a STEAM-focused community center.

The Planner’s work is done indoors in a professional small-office setting in Kendall Square, as well as outdoors at various local project and meeting sites. This role regularly requires attendance at evening meetings. It is a full-time position with a 37.5-hour work-week.

ABOUT THE CRA AND OUR WORKPLACE: We work in the public trust to bring a human dimension to development, improving the quality of life for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors. Our goal is to balance economic vibrancy, housing, and open space to create sustainable communities through new and revitalized development. We are committed to implementing imaginative, creative initiatives to achieve social equity and a balanced economic ecosystem. To do this, the CRA has worked on various redevelopment projects throughout Cambridge in close partnership with the City and other organizations. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us stronger as individuals, organizations, and a society. Our work requires understanding the problems that cities face and the impact of our interventions on residents and communities. The CRA provides a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment. We will accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Information about the CRA, its Strategic Plan, and ongoing projects may be found at our website: www.cambridgeredevelopment.org.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Since the Planner works on a range of projects, our primary consideration is to find a versatile collaborator with passion for our work. Experience engaging typically underrepresented populations is valued. As such, compelling candidates will cover many of the following, but perhaps not all:

  • Passion: You are compelled to do work that matters. You care about cities and how they work.

  • Versatility: You are familiar with urban planning with interests in community development, real estate finance, land use, and/or design. You are experienced in some of the following: zoning and environmental regulation, sustainability principles, public participation methods, regional demographic and economic trends, and real estate development.

  • Data-savvy: You are conversant in data-management and visualization, especially GIS and desktop publisher graphic design.

  • Analytical: You are a problem-solver who can distill issues and find themes.

  • Nimble: You plan, prioritize, and manage various tasks requiring creativity and long-term thinking.

  • Communication Skills: You are a strong communicator when speaking and writing. You interact with a range of audiences clearly and sensitively, including giving presentations.

  • Collaborative: You have developed strong interpersonal and teaming skills.

  • Relationship Oriented: Relationships matter to you. You can engage, listen to, and work with a diversity of community stakeholders. You coordinate projects with people outside the CRA.

  • Learner: You love to learn and reflect on personal and technical areas of strength and growth. You follow news in the field and seek new ways to approach difficult problems.

  • Professional Experience: 2+ years in a similar position or related field(s).

  • Education: A degree in Public Policy, City Planning, Real Estate or related field is preferred but not required.

COMPENSATION: Salary starts at $60,000 with final compensation dependent on skills and experience. Our benefit package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vacation, transit subsidy, and membership in the Cambridge Retirement System.

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, APPLY! Respond by 12 noon, June 14, 2019 to planning@cambridgeredevelopment.org. Place “PLANNER” in the subject and attach your resume and cover letter as one PDF. We’ll review applications on a rolling basis. The CRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and appreciates diversity of experience, opinion, and approach. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. are no job or contracting opportunities currently available with the CRA.