Hours per week: The internship will run from January to June 2018 with the possibility of an extension through the summer. Maximum of 24 hours over 3-5 business days per week.
Application Deadline: 12/15/2017
Start Date: 01/08/2018
End Date: 06/29/2018
Description
The Union Square Partnership (USP) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization comprised of a local development corporation and Manhattan’s first business improvement district. The organization was founded over 40 years ago to promote the economic, residential, and cultural vitality of the Union Square-14th Street neighborhood. USP provides sanitation, public safety, economic development and marketing services, hosts a wide-range of community events, and invests in the beautification and maintenance of Union Square Park. The organization is overseen by our Board of Directors comprised of prominent Union Square leaders from its corporate sector, academic institutions and cultural community.
Position Summary
The Policy & Planning Intern will have a unique opportunity to gain on-the-ground experience in the design and implementation of neighborhood-scale economic development, public realm, mobility, and sustainability policies and programs. One core responsibility for this position will be to support USP in engaging the greater Union Square community around key neighborhood projects and government initiatives, such as the “L” line closure and the NYCEDC Union Square Tech Hub. The Policy Intern will also be deeply involved in USP’s efforts to identify and prioritize capital projects, investments, and partnerships that catalyze longer-term economic growth, sustainability, and resiliency in the Union Square district. The Policy Intern will report to the Director of Economic Development and will have the opportunity to work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and other USP staff members as appropriate.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
— Undertake primary and secondary research to assess potential capital projects for the Union Square district, such as streetscape enhancements, pedestrian amenities, sanitation equipment, green infrastructure, and more. Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting stakeholder interviews to inform USP’s capital plan;
- Analyzing budget, funding, and organizational implications for proposed projects;
- Assessing potential community, environmental, economic, safety, and quality-of-life benefits; and/or
- Developing internal and external presentation materials.
— Support USP’s outreach to key stakeholders (e.g., anchor institutions, small businesses, property owners) around significant neighborhood projects and government initiatives taking place in the Union Square district. Activities could include:
- Aggregating and analyzing data on the community impacts of specific projects;
- Developing tailored briefing materials for different community stakeholders;
- Organizing stakeholder roundtables on specific implementation considerations; and/or
- Participating in community workshops.
— Track and analyze quality-of-life issues and neighborhood trends within the district, including new business openings, commercial vacancies, real estate transactions, and government-sponsored programs.
— Conduct economic development research and draft policy memos for various projects as assigned.
— Provide administrative support for the USP team, including managing public and internal meeting minutes, generating content for USP’s website, responding to inbound inquires, and representing USP at occasional community and City agency meetings.
Qualifications
— Current candidate in a Public Policy, Urban Planning, Architecture, Sustainability and/or other relevant graduate program.
— At least 2-3 years of work experience focusing on economic development, urban planning, transit systems, and/or sustainability issues in the public, non-profit, or private sector environments.
— An action-oriented, entrepreneurial person who is a self-starter and can work independently, as well as in teams.
— Ability to research, synthesize and integrate disparate pieces of data, analysis, and information.
— Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse array of projects in a fast-paced environment and dynamically set work priorities among competing needs.
— Excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to break-down and convey complex information.
— High level of professionalism and comfort interacting with Union Square Partnership Board members, executives within city government and local institutions, and business owners.
— Exceptional commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
— Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
How To Apply
USP is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Please submit resume and cover letter via email to jobs@unionsquarenyc.org with the subject line “Policy & Planning Intern Application.” Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.
