Project Manager: Planning and Placemaking
Organizational Background
Menomonee Valley Partners (MVP)’s mission is to revitalize and sustain the Menomonee River Valley as a thriving urban district that advances economic, ecological, and social equity for the benefit of the greater Milwaukee community. We serve as a convener by engaging diverse groups of stakeholders, articulating a vision, leveraging funding, and aligning partners to accomplish shared goals. This work has led to the redevelopment of 300 acres of contaminated brownfields, more than 70 companies and 5,500 good jobs moving here, more than 1 million square feet of green buildings constructed, 60 acres of parks and trails developed, and nearly 10 million annual visitors to the Valley’s destinations. The Valley has become a national model of sustainable development, yet the vision for the Valley is not yet realized; so much potential remains to be realized.
Position Description
The role of the Project Manager for Planning and Placemaking is to manage projects related to land use planning, redevelopment, multi-modal transportation, and placemaking to help achieve the collective vision for the Menomonee River Valley. The Project Manager will work with other staff members, board members, committee members, public officials, and community stakeholders to align these partners in accomplishing shared goals. The role will primarily involve implementing projects and will be well suited to someone entrepreneurial, self-motivated, creative, and passionate about making positive change in the Milwaukee community.
Responsibilities:
● In partnership with the Executive Director, develop a strategy to implement the recommendations of the Menomonee Valley Land Use Plan
● Serve as the point of contact for businesses, property owners, the City of Milwaukee, and other stakeholders in updates to the Menomonee Valley Land Use Plan
● Convene Valley stakeholders as needed to understand transportation issues, challenges, and needs to be addressed
● Represent the Valley on committees led by WisDOT, Milwaukee County, and City of Milwaukee focused on the I-94 project, Bus Rapid Transit, VisionZero and Safe Streets initiatives, to represent the needs of safe, accessible multi-modal access to and through the Valley
● Lead projects supported by a committee of Valley stakeholders to develop and implement placemaking and beautification projects throughout the Valley, from public art and signage to increasing tree canopy and stormwater management
● Represent MVP at public meetings and community events
Qualifications:
The work requires a results-driven, detail-oriented, and highly productive individual who is a quick learner and thrives in a self-directed environment. Successful candidates for this position should have 5 years of significant professional experience in program management, land use planning, or related work. Additional qualifications include:
● Strong project management and organizing skills to manage details and information, meet deadlines, and keep a team on track to reach project goals
● Proactive, entrepreneurial spirit
● Versatility to manage complex projects in a wide range of fields
● Collaborative nature, ability to facilitate progress in an environment with many strong leaders
● Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders and, when there is disagreement, find common goals to advance collectively
● Tolerance for ambiguity and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment
● Commitment to social justice and sustainable redevelopment as a way to simultaneously address economic, environmental, and community needs
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Solid leadership and management skills, including planning, budgeting, and committee/volunteer management
● Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
● Education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position
● Advanced degree desirable in one of the following fields: economic development, urban planning, business, real estate, sustainable development, or a related field
Work Environment and Compensation:
Menomonee Valley Partners has a small staff that maintains a holistic and collaborative approach to its work. The position is full-time and will require occasional evening and weekend work for special events and projects. The ability to get to meetings in the Valley regularly is required; however, some work can be done on a hybrid basis.
The compensation package includes a salary range anticipated to be mid $50,000s, depending on experience. The compensation package also includes employer-sponsored health insurance, generous vacation and holiday allocations, a matched retirement account, and other benefits.
Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc. provides an equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected basis as required by law. We are committed to racial equity, and we encourage people of color, Indigenous people, women, and people with historically more marginalized identities to apply for open positions. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. Please do not hesitate to apply if our mission aligns with yours and if this position interests you.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please email:
your resume,
a cover letter expressing your interest in and qualifications for this position, and
three professional references to: Corey@TheValleyMKE.org
