Principal

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time employee at the Principal level in the Regional Policy and Implementation (RPI) division.

The RPI Principal is a senior leader responsible for managing a portfolio of complex policy, planning, and implementation initiatives that advance regional priorities across northeastern Illinois. The role provides strategic direction for projects, translates technical analysis into actionable policy recommendations, and leads staff, consultants, and cross-functional teams to deliver impactful regional outcomes. The Principal serves as a trusted advisor and representative of the agency, building consensus among local, regional, and state partners while advancing CMAP's mission through collaboration, innovation, and effective project delivery.

This position will lead and oversee quantitative and qualitative analysis across a range of topics focusing on regional and state scale planning and policy issues.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of public policy and urban and regional planning practice, along with an understanding of environmental, economic, social, land use, and transportation considerations that shape the region's future.

Examples of recent and ongoing work led by the RPI division include:

• Developing plans and policy recommendations to modernize and fully fund the region's transit system.
• Advancing regional climate action and resilience planning initiatives.
• Shaping comprehensive regional planning efforts that guide long-term growth and investment decisions.
• Evaluating transportation asset resilience in response to changing climate conditions.
• Analyzing the impacts of tax, land use, and economic policies on communities throughout northeastern Illinois.
• Developing data-driven tools and methodologies to assess flooding vulnerability, infrastructure needs, and investment strategies.
• Establishing policy frameworks and evaluation criteria for major transportation and infrastructure investments.

This position is ideal for an experienced policy or planning professional who can combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective relationship management to advance complex regional initiatives from concept to implementation. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable performing and overseeing sophisticated analysis, engaging with senior decisionmakers and stakeholders, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver meaningful and measurable regional impact.

Education and Experience

CMAP is seeking a professional with:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, or related field.
• 7 years professional experience in urban planning, policy analysis, content development, research, data collection, analysis, and public outreach.
• Project management and experience supervising or leading teams required.
• Master’s degree and AICP and/or PMP certification preferred.

Hiring Range is $101,949-$129,985

CMAP is a mission-driven agency serving 284 municipalities and seven counties across Northeastern Illinois, acting as the region’s comprehensive planning organization. As the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, CMAP manages a diverse portfolio of programs and projects supported by multiple funding sources and stakeholders.

CMAP employees work a reduced work week of 37.5 hours and a flexible hybrid work schedule, with in-office work at CMAP’s Old Post Office location, 433 West Van Buren Street in Chicago, IL. This position is benefit eligible. To learn more about compensation and benefit offerings please visit our career page here: https://cmap.illinois.gov/about/careers/.

All applicants will receive an acknowledgment that their application has been received. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted with further information.

CMAP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will received consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.