Website Community Planning Collaborative
Community Planning Collaborative is seeking a full-time associate to assist with planning projects and public information throughout California and beyond. You will be an integral member of our small team, supporting leading-edge housing and planning initiatives that advance affordability, community engagement, and equity. You will also assist with producing high-quality public information, graphic design, and websites, and with managing our existing web-based tools including our ADU Plans Gallery. Common projects include promoting Accessory Dwelling Units, assisting with the coordination and product development for a variety of projects, from anti-displacement to multi-jurisdictional housing collaboratives, and producing eye-catching and accessible public information for jurisdictions and non-profits, from print and online reports to websites and backend management.
You are a skilled researcher and writer who is self-directed, proactive, and experienced at translating technical information into easy-to-read narrative summaries and graphics. You have an eye for design and are comfortable planning and editing website content for usability and clarity. You may not be trained or highly experienced as a graphic designer, but you are able to identify problems in a design and have a sense for how colors, fonts, and elements fit together to communicate a concept. You are able to easily learn and use new software or technical platforms – we can provide all training. You are comfortable with function-first design – prioritizing the needs of local government and other clients when considering the design platform, format, and final content of products. You are an organized and detail-oriented individual who will help our team, clients and projects stay organized too. You are unflappable, good humored and enjoy being part of a high performing team. You can track tasks over time and manage task prioritization for multiple products and/or projects at once. You are proud of your work, responsive to feedback and committed to high-quality outcomes.
Initially, you will work closely with the principals and creative director, but eventually will be expected to undertake work independently with oversight. This is a flexible, hybrid position. You will work in our Berkeley office two days a week after being onboarded, plus attend in-person client meetings when needed (occasional but can include some evenings), and have the option to work remotely the rest of the week.
Full-time availability is required. Generally, we maintain a healthy work/life balance and do not work more than 40 hours per week, but occasionally there are deadlines that require pushes.
Required Skills:
● Clear and concise writing about policy or laws that is easy to understand for the general public
● Excellent verbal communication skills with both colleagues and clients
● Comfort collecting, analyzing and writing about basic data (demographics, housing statistics, etc.)
● Attention to detail, with strong organizational and planning skills
● Demonstrated ability to provide consistent project support, including but not limited to client communications, note taking, meeting scheduling, drafting summary memos, and tracking details
● Excellent time management skills and ability to manage, track, and prioritize tasks across projects
● Entrepreneurial attitude and strong independent problem-solving abilities
● Ability to quickly and comfortably learn and adapt to new software and technological platforms, including Freshbooks, Asana, and Salesforce
● Skilled in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
● Skilled in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
● Some experience with graphic design for print and/or digital formats
● Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Policy or related field (Master’s Degree in City Planning or related field preferred; or equivalent work experience)
Desired Skills:
● Proficiency with Adobe Design Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
● Proficiency or at least comfort with web-building platforms and/or code: Squarespace, WordPress, Webflow, various CMS systems, CSS, HTML, Javascript
● Spanish speaker with cultural competencies (ability to facilitate, capture notes during in-language small group discussions, and/or draft and proofread outreach collateral highly desired, however, all levels are encouraged to apply)
● Passion for human centered design and advancing policy outcomes through public information
● Comfort leading small group discussions and engaging members of the public
● Knowledge of housing planning and policy
Other Requirements:
● Located in the SF Bay Area with ability to commute to work in Berkeley half the week
About Community Planning Collaborative: Community Planning Collaborative is a small consulting practice specializing in housing policy, public participation, multi-jurisdictional collaboration, strategic planning, and sustainability planning. We combine strong technical skills with a long-standing commitment to inclusive engagement, helping our clients develop responsive and responsible solutions to complex challenges. Our team is kind, supportive, and mission-driven, and deeply values collaboration. Learn more at www.planningcollaborative.com.
Compensation: The hourly compensation for this full-time position will be $37 to $45 per hour, plus benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k) depending on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Expected Schedule:
Wed, July 31st, 5pm Soft deadline to apply (accepting applications until position filled)
Week of August 5th Phone Screening/Interviews
Week of August 12th Call references and decision (within 2 weeks or as soon as possible)
How to Apply: Email the following materials to jobs@planningcollaborative.com:
1. Cover letter (tip: explain why you’re interested in the role and what you believe your greatest strengths are that you can bring to the team)
2. Resume
3. Writing sample demonstrating ability to translate technical information to easy-to-understand language
4. 1-3 design samples noting the platform used to create, with emphasis on Adobe software if available. (For example: report layout, infographic design, presentation slides, etc.)
5. Optional: One additional work sample—professional, academic, or personal–that you are proud of and a 1-3 sentence explanation (demonstrating any skills or interests)
To apply for this job email your details to jobs@planningcollaborative.com