Urban Design Forum seeks a part-time Program Coordinator to manage the New City Critics fellowship that supports a cohort of emerging writers. 

About the role

As Program Coordinator, you will be the primary organizer of the New City Critics fellowship, a nine-month fellowship program supporting six critics from underrepresented backgrounds to challenge the ways we design, plan and develop our cities. The fellowship will support the development of emerging writers through mentorship opportunities, research guidance, guest lectures, networking, and production of new critical projects. 

We are searching for a thoughtful convener and organized project manager to support the second cycle of this new initiative. We believe the role is best suited for a freelance editor, writer, curator, or educator; or a part-time student pursuing an advanced degree. You will work closely with Urban Design Forum’s Director of Programs and the Editor in Chief of Urban Omnibus.

Responsibilities include:

• Program Design: Work with Urban Omnibus editor in chief and Urban Design Forum director of programs to plan twice monthly meetings including guest lectures, seminars, writing workshops, and donor events.
• Community Management: Oversee and support a group of fellows, providing hands-on facilitation during sessions and offering leadership development support throughout the fellowship.
• Program Management: Ensure smooth execution of bi-weekly sessions, including scheduling speakers, liaising with fellows, and organizing catering services.
• Strategic Partnerships: Maintain relationships with program partners through ongoing facilitation and project management.
• Editorial Guidance: Provide assistance to fellows with their writing projects during bi-weekly sessions and non-session weeks, that include line-editing and feedback on drafts, while coordinating with Urban Omnibus for newsletter production.
• Recruitment & Retention: Develops a plan to support fellows that represent a diversity of lived and professional experiences.
• Communications: Assists communications staff and collaborates with graphic designers to produce related communications.

Qualifications

• Broad curiosity on issues in the built environment, including housing, economic development, mobility and climate. 
• Deep commitment to and passion for addressing urban equity. 
• Familiarity with critics, writers, and editors on issues of urban design, planning and development. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Experience in editorial support and management.
• Experience in event production and program management is a plus.
• Experience in leadership and cohort development is a plus.

We hire candidates based on the responsibilities of the role, rather than years of experience. We expect that a successful candidate may bring a Bachelor’s Degree and 3-6 years of relevant work experience, or a Master’s Degree with 1-4 years of relevant work experience, but we are open to candidates with more or fewer years of experience who believe they fit the role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining a talented and diverse team of professionals that resembles the city we serve. People of color, women, people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Employment data show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, we encourage you to apply.

Location & Schedule

This is a part-time position (20 hours per week). The coordinator will be required to work on Mondays and may select their other working hours as needed. They are expected to administer twice monthly evening events and activities in person in New York City from September 2024 to June 2025.

Compensation

This is a grant-funded position from July 2024 to June 2025. The hourly wage for this position will be $40.00 for 20 hours per week. 

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter via this link. Applications are due by May 31 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Questions? Please contact submissions@urbandesignforum.org. 

About Urban Design Forum

Urban Design Forum connects and inspires New Yorkers to design, build and care for a better city. 

We are a member-powered organization of 1,000+ civic leaders committed to a more just future for our city. We believe the built environment—our neighborhoods, buildings, public spaces and infrastructure—shapes our city’s health, culture and economy. We bring together New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds and experiences to learn, debate, and design a vibrant city for all. 

Our programs are guided by the following values:

1. We believe the design and development communities must address enduring injustices in New York City, such as housing segregation, economic inequality, and environmental racism.
2. We believe New York should learn from international cities for pioneering and inspiring solutions to urban challenges.
3. We believe creating interdisciplinary cohorts of emerging leaders can empower more diverse civic leadership.
4. We believe government agencies should develop a long-term vision for the built environment, rather than achieve short-term wins.
5. We believe decision-makers must build with, and not for, traditionally disenfranchised communities–such as women, people of color, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities.
6. We believe the public should be mobilized around the value of design in achieving equity, inclusion, and sustainability in the built environment.