Job Description

Research Associate

Full Time - Onsite/Hybrid (Tue & Thr in Downtown Loop office)

$51-55,000 base salary + benefits

The American Planning Association (APA), founded in 1978, exists to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders, and residents anticipate and navigate change. We are currently looking for a Research Associate to support the development of high-quality educational products on foresight and emerging trends in urban planning.

APA embraces diversity and equal opportunity in our employment practices. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our impact will be.

About the Role

The Research Associate works in close collaboration with Knowledge team staff and others across APA departments to develop and coordinate research projects and products related to APA’s foresight program. This person will work on trend research, developing publications (such as the annual trend report and applied research products), and collaborating on educational products about foresight and emerging topics.

Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s in urban planning, social sciences, strategic foresight, or related field required
• One to three years of research experience
• Ability to work in an agile work environment and interest in developing work processes for new programs
• Strong presentation and written communication skills required
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required

Benefits

• Salary Range: The salary for this role will be based on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. The expected pay for this role is $51,000-$55,000
• Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus
• Benefits begin the 1st of the month after date of hire
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Employee Assistance Program, 403b, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Critical Outcomes

• Contribute to the generation of new knowledge to annual foresight cycle, related trend research, and development of annual trend report
• Work on deep dives and other research products on emerging trends
• Present APA knowledge and foresight topics at industry conferences

Key Responsibilities

• Assist APA’s Foresight Manager and Chief Foresight and Knowledge Officer in coordinating APA’s foresight program
• Collaborate with APA’s education, upskilling, and careers services staff to develop educational products related to foresight and emerging topics
• Support applied research projects, including literature review, primary research, case study research, and creating project deliverables
• Contribute to and promote communications about foresight products, programs, and services
• Present at conferences, meetings, and other venues
• Assist the Foresight and Research teams in networking and developing ongoing relationships with a wide variety of partners and funders to advance APA strategic priorities

Why Join Us?

If you are ready to be a part of a forward-thinking team and contribute to innovative research, we encourage you to apply for the Research Associate role in Chicago. You will have the opportunity to support APA’s foresight practice through trend research, work with diverse partners, and engage in meaningful projects that drive progress.

Eager to contribute your skills in a dynamic environment and expand your professional horizons, APA is the place for you!

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