Associate | Water Policy & Research

Associate|Water Policy & ResearchMetropolitan Planning Council is hiring a full-time Associate to support research, analysis, and decision-making across the Water Program. This role will help advance MPC's water policy agenda by developing research products, synthesizing complex information, and translating insights into practical recommendations for policy, strategy, and implementation.Role OverviewThe Associate will work closely with the Senior Director and Water Program team to support project execution across key initiatives through research, analysis, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. This position reports to the Senior Director of the Water Program and will collaborate with colleagues across MPC as well as external partners and stakeholders.Core ResponsibilitiesConduct research and analysis related to water policy, climate and nature, infrastructure systems, and public-sector implementation, with a focus on advancing equitable and long-term reform.Monitor and synthesize policy, legislative, and institutional developments at the local, regional, state, and national levels, identifying implications for MPC's priorities.Develop high-quality memos, briefs, reports, presentations, and other materials that translate research into clear, concise, and decision-relevant insights.Organize and maintain research processes, source materials, and findings in a clear, rigorous, and replicable way to support project delivery and long-term program learning.Support project coordination by preparing background materials, tracking follow-up actions, and helping manage timelines, priorities, and partner engagement across Water Program initiatives.Required Skills & QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent experience in public policy, planning, environmental studies, economics, political science, urban studies, or related fields.Experience conducting policy research, analytical, and reading comprehension skills, with the ability to work effectively across policy, legal, regulatory, and technical materials.Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and decision-relevant outputs for internal and external audiences.Experience conducting policy research, literature reviews, and structured analysis using multiple qualitative and quantitative sources.Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and follow-up across several concurrent projects.Proficiency with research, analysis, and AI-enabled productivity tools, with sound judgment and the ability to learn new systems quickly and apply them critically.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, cross-functional environment.Working EnvironmentMPC is a collaborative organization. This is a hybrid position in which employees work at least twice a week from our Chicago Headquarters, with remote work offered up to three days a week.Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $63,500–$68,500. The 2026 benefit year includes coverage of approximately 80 % of the employee premium for health benefits, 100 % of the employee premium for dental benefits, and Disability and Life insurance. MPC provides full-time employees with a hybrid work environment, parental leave, up to five weeks of accrued vacation, transit benefits, a professional development stipend, and access to an onsite fitness center, among other benefits.EEOC/Diversity StatementMPC is an equal opportunity employer.We stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees.J-18808-Ljbffr