Placemaking Project Associate

Project for Public Spaces is seeking a Project Associate to join its Placemaking Program team. The nonprofit organization has a $3 million annual budget with revenue generated from corporate sponsors, fee-for-service project work, events, publications, and philanthropic support. Project for Public Spaces will be celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2025.

The ideal candidate is beginning their career in environmental design, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field. They should have a strong interest in public spaces and the issues that intersect with them, including public health, economic opportunity, and city policy and planning. In addition, the candidate will have experience adapting to different cultures and changing situations, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, and a collaborative and proactive approach to their work. 

This is a full-time remote position; however, we will focus on applicants who are local to and available to meet in person in New York City. The position will report to the Director of Projects.  

Primary Responsibilities

Project Work:‍

• Manage specific project tasks, such as illustration, report writing, and workshop support, as assigned by the Project Manager and/or Director of Projects
• Support the Project Manager in designing, producing, and conducting community engagement activities 
• Work with the Director of Projects and Project Manager to develop public space programs and design concepts for clients and grantees
• Work with the Placemaking team on innovating on-the-ground engagement and deliverables
• Ensure quality of deliverables, alongside the Project Manager
• Maintain well-organized project files and tasks
• Participate in project check-ins internally and, when necessary, with the client
• Assist the team as needed in pursuing RFPs, RFQs, and other solicited proposals; bring new opportunities to the table as they become available

Staff and Team Activities: 

• Maintain a weekly schedule of team meetings and one-on-one check-ins with manager, as well as participate in bi-weekly full staff meetings
• Participate in an annual review process and quarterly goal check-ins

Qualifications and Skills

• Professional or academic experience in urban planning, design, or work in a place management organization
• Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, SketchUp, ArcGIS, and other design software is preferred
• Experience working with people from a diversity of backgrounds and in communities with wide-ranging cultures and socioeconomic contexts
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, prioritizing workflow to meet deadlines and paying close attention to detail
• Ability to maintain positive and collaborative relationships with outside vendors and internal staff
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong verbal skills in Spanish or another language(s) preferred
• Experience in demographic and/or historical research preferred
• Proficiency in general computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and project management software
• Some travel is required for project site visits; a driver’s license is an asset

About Project for Public Spaces

Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build strong communities. We are the central hub of the global placemaking movement, connecting people to ideas, resources, expertise, and partners who see place as the key to addressing our greatest challenges.

Project for Public Spaces is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status. We believe in creating a workplace based on equal opportunity, and in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, we strive to:

• Hire staff that reflect this country's full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual, and socioeconomic identities; 
• Create a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged; 
• Ensure that all members of the Project for Public Spaces community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Remain committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt salaried position with a benefits package that includes health insurance, a vacation policy, a 401k,  paid sick days, and 11 paid holidays. PPS also offers a work-from-home stipend and a professional development stipend.  The salary is $60,000.

The Project for Public Spaces team works primarily in a remote office environment and meets in-person in New York City once a quarter, though the Placemaking team usually meets in-person more frequently, up to once per week. Standard working hours are 9:30am - 5:30pm Eastern Monday–Friday.  Some travel is required, typically within the United States and Canada, which can include evening and weekend work.

Application Instructions

To apply, please prepare a cover letter, resume, and five-page portfolio of planning and/or design work (PDF), and complete this form. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted beginning April 1. For qualified candidates, the interview process will include a short screening call, then two video call interviews. The ideal start date is June 17.