The MIT Community Innovators Lab (CoLab) Seeks Chief of Staff for the JUE Program

The MIT Community Innovators Lab (CoLab)

The MIT Community Innovators Lab (Colab) is a center for planning and development within the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning. Across the Americas, CoLab supports projects that are at the center of urban sustainability, democratic engagement, and shared wealth building. CoLab’s domestic program, Just Urban Economies (JUE), co-develops models for economic democracy and self determination in marginalized communities of color. Our work is deepest in The Bronx and Brooklyn where we partner with local groups to establish economic development infrastructure focused on building shared-wealth and community well-being, while cultivating a diverse set of local leaders that directly advance that work. CoLab leverages the planning discipline to deepen civic engagement, inform policy, mobilize community assets, and generate shared wealth. We believe community knowledge and practice is a powerful tool for shaping and creating markets that advance economic democracy.

Position Description

CoLab seeks a creative and results driven Chief of Staff to help its Just Urban Economies program be more efficient and impactful in its effort to shift economic development paradigms in the United States. JUE’s Chief of Staff will be responsible for managing the short-term planning activities of the team as well as managing key operational processes that ensure long term sustainability for the program. This position will be based in New York City, with the Chief of Staff working from MIT CoLab’s office in the Bronx, NY, and will include periodic travel.

Short-term planning

  • Work with JUE Director to develop and maintain systems for work planning and accountability with all JUE staff
  • In partnership with team members, co-develop goals, milestones, and metrics for JUE’s projects
  • Manage and keep up to date JUE’s project management software
  • Prepare and facilitate JUE staff meetings to ensure strong coordination and systems of accountability among different JUE projects

JUE Operations

  • Manage JUE’s budget planning process (e.g., work with team members to submit budgets into a master program budget template, support staff in setting realistic and bold budget projections for their projects.)
  • Support director in developing and maintaining an effective management structure for JUE and its projects
  • Manage and maintain JUE’s digital folder structure

Direct Support to Director

  • Support Director with incoming inquiries and determining effective course of action
  • Support JUE Director in prioritizing their time and appointments
  • Acting as an effective sounding board to JUE Director for new ideas and initiatives
  • Draft proposals and other correspondence as relevant. for the JUE Director

Ideal Candidate

  • Has a masters degree in urban planning, labor studies, or a related field (not required)
  • Is familiar with the economic democracy or community-wealth building fields
  • Has experience managing a staff of 5 or more
  • Has strong project management expertise, including strong attention to detail, arecord of meeting deadlines, as well as excellent coordination and communication skills
  • Is well versed in project management and customer relationship management systems
  • People Oriented
  • Has deep commitment to social justice/anti-oppression

Compensation

$60,000 – 70,000

Application Process

Please submit the following by to be considered for the position:

  • A CV or resume
  • A brief statement of interest (4-5 paragraphs)

Application materials and questions should be directed to NIck Shatan at nshatan@mit.edu​ .

People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.