Director – Inclusive Cities Practice

ABOUT US | HR&A provides strategic advisory services for clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to solve some of the most complex challenges facing cities today. We care about improving the quality of urban life, and we are increasingly focused on the challenges of inclusivity, infrastructure, and technological innovation in cities as we advance public-private development projects that improve economic, environmental, and social outcomes.

HR&A’s Inclusive Cities practice leverages our deep understanding of government, knowledge of local and private economic forces, and analytical rigor to promote social and economic justice. We help government, civic, and business leaders to promote more inclusive development and build more dynamic and equitable cities. We launch programs that advance social and economic justice and inform policy and empower advocates to distribute the benefits of growth. We help our clients to think about who will benefit from economic development from the very beginning, and show them how to make more equitable projects, neighborhoods and cities.

THE ROLE | We are seeking an experienced, thoughtful, and efficient Director to support and grow our Inclusive Cities practice in our New York Office. Successful candidates will have a background in public policy, city government, or non-profit management. They must possess exceptional critical thinking skills, a passion for advancing equitable outcomes, and a deep curiosity about the challenges and opportunities facing cities and institutions. Successful candidates will bring a strong foundation in city government and an interest in crafting policy that supports economic development, as well as significant capacity for leadership and to drive small teams toward meaningful outcomes for our clients, which include philanthropies, city governments, advocates, activists, and people who care about cities.

Day-to-day responsibilities will include –

• Craft and implement new programs for clients to advance equitable outcomes for all populations in cities
• Develop a benefits case to support progressive policies within organizations and government
• Directly manage projects, dealing with all aspects of project delivery such as client relations, team management, and research oversight
• Present client deliverables, including memos, reports and PowerPoint presentations
• Support the practice’s business development efforts aligned with the Inclusive Cities practice 

The candidate will be working on a variety of projects, whether it’s a strategic plan for a new open-air art museum that will fight displacement and support local businesses, or a strategy for creating community-based supervision services for people returning from the criminal justice system. Some of the practice’s highlighted work includes creating a racial equity agenda for the United States Conference of Mayors, designing a leadership and training program for Career Coaches in Colorado, and conducting a feasibility report evaluating the possibility of a Seattle public bank.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED | We are looking for candidates with strong quantitative and qualitative skills, a passion for inclusivity and equity policy, and a deep curiosity about the challenges and opportunities facing cities today. Candidates must have the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently.  Successful candidates must have a minimum of six years of work experience in economic development, public policy, city government, and/or consulting in a related field and a Bachelor’s Degree. Preferably whose experience includes project management for consulting engagements in a relevant field and/or candidate who has worked in a leadership setting within a social justice-focused organization or local government agency. Candidates must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as technical, research and analytical skills.

In addition to considerable experience in public policy and economic analysis, the candidate must also possess substantial project management experience, excellent writing and presentation skills, and mentorship capabilities.  They should be a highly motivated independent thinker with sufficient poise for direct client interaction.

COMPENSATION | We offer competitive compensation packages, based on qualifications and experience.  We are an employee-owned company, meaning you will have the opportunity to benefit from the firm’s growth over time through participation in our Employee Stock Options Plan. Each year, the firm will contribute funds to this long-term wealth-building account and may make contributions to other retirement accounts. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package that goes well beyond coverage of 90-95% of healthcare premiums, dental and vision coverage.

HOW TO APPLY | HR&A is committed to attracting and retaining a talented, diverse, competitive team of professionals dedicated to solving the challenges of urban life. Women, people of color, members of the LGBT community, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document (maximum of 2 pages) via the online application on our website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications without a cover lever will be discarded.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, veteran status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Please do not call regarding this position.