Please see the following website for full job posting and application link: http://www.transformca.org/community-planner-job?utm_source=AdaptiveMailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018%20Important%20Announcements&org=768&lvl=100&ite=2001&lea=779343&ctr=0&par=1&trk=

TransForm is seeking an experienced urban planner with community engagement expertise to oversee major new mobility equity pilot projects in East Oakland. This Community Planner or Senior Community Plannerwill work on a three-year project to lead community-driven efforts that increase access to new mobility options for low-income residents and people of color.

About the position

There is tremendous innovation in the transportation sector — from bike and scooter sharing to automated vehicles and new smartphone apps that make it much easier to get around. These hold potential to help increase access to jobs, reduce the need for vehicle ownership and use, and lessen the impacts that auto-dependence imposes on families, our cities and our environment.

Yet most of these innovations are market-driven, and the mobility benefits they provide are not directed specifically to help solve the unique transportation challenges of low-income residents and communities of color that need solutions the most. Some innovations may even have unintended consequences of disrupting the very systems these communities rely on.

TransForm is starting several exciting demonstration projects to prove how these tech-enabled options can provide powerful economic and mobility benefits to communities underserved by our current transportation system. The Sr./Community Planner will focus efforts in East Oakland, where TransForm works with grassroots groups to ensure that bike share expansion and the rollout of scooters has a strong equity focus. This is a key position focused on our Disrupting Inequity initiative. The planner will work under the supervision of TransForm’s New Mobility Policy Director, collaborating with staff throughout the organization, local elected and city officials, community partners, and new mobility companies.

An ideal candidate is politically-savvy, has experience in active transportation, and is skilled at navigating difficult conversations, such as the impact of the tech sector’s growth on populations at risk of displacement. This role is perfect for someone who has experience in policy advocacy, trauma-informed community building, and has strong interpersonal skills. The work will provide exposure to a wide range of issues, organizations, and leaders in the transportation and social justice fields. The role may expand to include other new mobility equity pilot projects throughout the Bay Area.

We are flexible as to whether we hire a Community Planner or Senior Community Planner and encourage enthusiastic candidates with a range of skill levels to apply. This position will begin as soon as possible and is based out of TransForm’s main office in Oakland. The position is currently funded via grants through December 31, 2021.

About Us

TransForm is California’s leading advocate for healthy, connected communities with affordable transportation and housing choices.  For over two decades, we’ve brought together environmental, social justice, and health advocates to shape transportation and land use decisions for the benefit of people and the planet.

TransForm is an entrepreneurial organization with a collaborative and inclusive culture. Our staff of 20+ works closely with partners at the local, regional, and state levels to create more healthy, connected, and affordable communities. Our main office is in downtown Oakland, with satellite offices in Sacramento and San Jose.

Your Key Responsibilities 

Community Engagement and Project Management (75%):

  • Manage multiple external partner organizations in program design and successful execution on multiple simultaneous projects (including timely reporting and the management of subcontracts, invoicing, and payments).
  • Track progress on project goals, objectives and budgets.
  • Facilitate community-driven, participatory planning and budgeting processes.
  • Lead community education and outreach efforts in coordination with grassroots community-based organizations, transit advocates, and bicycle coalitions with a focus on diverse stakeholders including transit-dependent populations, affordable housing residents, and small business owners.
  • Help design and administer participant surveys. Analyze survey data and support the New Mobility Policy Director in reporting out findings.

Policy analysis and communication (25%):

  • Represent TransForm’s position in a variety of contexts: one-on-one with decision-makers and partner groups, with media, and in public meetings.
  • With direction on content, produce drafts of a wide variety of written materials (e.g., emails, blog posts, action alerts, newsletter articles, web pages, Facebook posts, and tweets). Copy edit a range of written materials prior to release.
  • Create marketing and outreach materials that are effective and culturally sensitive.
  • Provide policy analysis support on shared mobility regulations, plans, and ordinances.
  • Help identify ways for more community groups and partners to participate in pilot programs.

You have these skills

Required qualifications:

  • A deep commitment to TransForm’s mission and a strong desire to be a part of making positive environmental and social change in the world.
  • Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy or related field; or comparable work experience.
  • At least 3 years of demonstrated understanding of the mobility challenges in low-income communities; or demonstrated experience working with and on behalf of low-income communities.
  • Proven project management skills.
  • Effective collaboration on and across teams; ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, hold self and others accountable to agreements, and creatively solve problems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience and comfort with public speaking, making presentations, delivering trainings, etc.
  • An entrepreneurial, “can-do” attitude: enthusiasm for a wide range of tasks; graceful under pressure; self-motivated and directed; with a sense of humor and fun.
  • Flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings and events, as necessary.
  • Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple, often competing, priorities.

You might ideally have these skills 

Desired qualifications:

  • Bilingual skills in English and one of the following languages: Spanish, Cantonese, or Vietnamese.
  • Graduate degree in urban planning, public policy, or related field.
  • Deep knowledge of transportation equity or environmental justice issues.
  • Experience working with residents, merchants, and or workers in Oakland and/or San Francisco.
  • Passionate about understanding the challenges and opportunities of emerging mobility for meeting the needs of low-income populations.
  • Experience running social media campaigns and creating online campaign tools.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: This is a full-time (37.5 hour/week), exempt position. Compensation is $60,000 – 72,000 per year based on experience and skills. Compensation includes health and dental insurance, generous vacation time, and transit benefits. TransForm also administers a 403b retirement plan.

Our staff is focused on making positive change in the world and supports and values diversity. TransForm is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, LGBTQ persons, women, and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

TIMELINE: Applications are accepted until position is filled. To be considered for our initial round of application review, please submit materials by Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 11:59pm. Phone interviews may begin the week of January 14, 2019. Start date is likely late February or early March, depending on scheduling. To see if the position is still available, you can check if it is still listed in the “Jobs” section of our website.
First Posted: December 20, 2018