Program Officer, Urban and Regional Policy Program – Washington, DC
Organization: German Marshall Fund of the United States
Position Title: Program Officer, Urban and Regional Policy Program
Location: Washington, DC
Hours & Compensation: Full-time. Salary commensurate with experience.
Application Deadline: None posted.
Posted On: June 12, 2013.
Organization Overview:
The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan.
GMF does this by supporting individuals and institutions working in the transatlantic sphere, by convening leaders and members of the policy and business communities, by contributing research and analysis on transatlantic topics, and by providing exchange opportunities to foster renewed commitment to the transatlantic relationship. In addition, GMF supports a number of initiatives to strengthen democracies.
Founded in 1972 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization through a gift from Germany as a permanent memorial to Marshall Plan assistance, GMF maintains a strong presence on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to its headquarters in Washington, DC, GMF has seven offices in Europe: Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Belgrade, Ankara, Bucharest, and Warsaw. GMF also has smaller representations in Bratislava, Turin, and Stockholm.
The Urban and Regional Policy (URP) Program serves as a key resource and network builder for individuals and groups who make, influence, and implement urban and regional policy in the North America and Europe. The program seeks to inspire innovation and work collaboratively to apply new ideas on the ground by building networks of local and regional policy makers and practitioners. The program focuses on four key activities that introduce local leaders to innovative strategies and equip them with information, tools, and connections to facilitate implementation of these strategies in their communities. The Program’s core activities are: transatlantic network building; professional development and learning; research; and project support and execution.
Description:
The Urban and Regional Policy Program is seeking a Program Officer to help lead key initiatives in support of integrated urban regeneration policies that advance economic competitiveness, sustainable growth, and environmental resiliency is US and Euroepan scties. The program places a special emphasis on such cross cutting issues as leadership, cross sector/public-pribate partnerships, social and economic inclusion, and community engagement. Current initiatives that deal with these topics include: Cities in Transition, Detroit-Torino Partnership, Dialogues for Change, the Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) Fellowship program, the SC2 bootcamps and a new program on global engagement strategies for local leaders.
Responsibilities:
- Managing and overseeing key program initiative(s) to include researching and developing original content for issue-specific convenings either in-person or online for URP networks in the United States and Europe. Examples of formats include study tours, workshops, network meetings, major conferences, webinars, and other online engagement.
- Working collaboratively within the team and other GMF divisions to promote and engage the URP network and create cross-program linkages.
- Tracking and summarizing innovative policy developments related to URP topics in second tier cities and regions in Europe and the United States.
- Assisting with communications materials for key initiatives, developing original content for the URP website and blog, and eduiting publications.
- Writing proposals and related reports to URP donors and partners, including developing and editing proposal narratives and budgets, researching prospective funders, and drafting grant reports.
- Representing the program and GMF at external meetings and conferences.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy or another related field is required. A master degree is preferred.
- Prior work experience (at least 3-5 years) in a think tank, public sector, or non-profit setting designing and managing programs.
- Experience in developing innovative learning models for professionals through in-person (conferences, workshops, etc) and online (webinars, network platforms) is required.
- Excellent project management skills with superb attention to detail and an ability to meet rapid, multiple deadlines in a fast-paced team-orientated environment.
- In addition to broad expertise in current urban and regional policy topics, candidates with experience in cross sector/ public-private partnerships, strategies for social and economic inclusion, and innovative community engagement techniques are highly desired.
- Solid research and analytical capabilities related to contemporary urban and regional policy in the US or Europe.
- Experience in fundraising, including grant writing and contact development.
- Excellent writing and editing skills in English; written and spoken proficiency in at least one European language is highly desirable.
- Strong internal and external customer service orientation, including an ability to work in an intercultural team environment and with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong computer skills, (MS Office programs and database management) are essential
- Experience in website updates (WordPress format), presentation software and social media preferred.
- Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and creative problem solver.
How to Apply:
To be considered for this opening, please submit your cover letter and resume (as one document) by apply at https://home2.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=7301802&t=1. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only contact candidates of interest.
Contact Information:
The German Marshall Fund of the United States, http://www.gmfus.org
1744 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
