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Planning Associate
Kounkuey Design Initiative / Los Angeles
Posted on: July 21, 2021
Application Deadline: Open until Filled
Job Description
KOUNKUEY DESIGN INITIATIVE is seeking a Planning Associate to add to our growing team of 18 staff in Los Angeles, CA. This is a great opportunity for a creative, highly motivated recent graduate or early career professional to work directly with people in under-resourced communities to advance equity and support community-driven development. The position is based in our downtown Los Angeles office, and may involve travel to our projects in the Eastern Coachella Valley, other areas of California, and other cities across the U.S.
Job Description:
The Planning Associate will work closely with the Planning, Design, and Community teams, local low-income communities of color, government officials, and other stakeholders to support a wide range of projects and topics, including:
- Equity-focused site development and neighborhood master planning in L.A. and in cities across the country
- Participatory design and temporary activation of public spaces, from vacant lots to large parks
- Economic and social development programs, such as two womens’ food collectives we have helped organize in the Eastern Coachella Valley
- Gender equity in planning and design, which we currently are exploring through a mobility needs assessment, a World Bank publication, and a design studio
- Leadership development / capacity building for residents in under-resourced communities on improving the built environment
- Research on topics such as green schoolyards and climate change adaptation in low-income communities of color
Required Experience / Skills / Education
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field
- 1-3 years experience in community development, policy advocacy, economic development, urban planning, or related field
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Experience meeting deadlines, juggling multiple tasks, and taking initiative to solve problems
- Strong commitment to social justice
- Fluent in Spanish (verbal and written) preferred
- Driver’s license required
Application Instructions
Send electronic copy of cover letter, resume, writing sample, three references, and up to five images of visual representation (e.g. GIS mapping, images from final presentation boards or reports, hand drawn sketches, etc.) to: LAJobs@kounkuey.org
About KDI:
KDI is a non-profit design and community development organization. We collaborate with under-resourced communities to advance equity and activate the unrealized potential in neighborhoods and cities. We accomplish this mission through advocacy, research, planning, and built works.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or medical condition. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.