Job Summary: The Planner is part of the Community Planning Team, a team responsible for working with community members to elevate the voice of community and supporting a variety of short- and long-range planning projects to improve the quality of life in San Francisco Chinatown. The Planner must see participatory planning, outreach and education as a core component of the work.

The Planner will support the development of a revised Chinatown Study, which involves conducting both qualitative and quantitative research on existing documents, community assets, and focus groups interviews. Deliverables include the mapping, cataloguing, and analysis of commercial, food security, economic, and community assets. The Planner will also support on developing recommendations for a comprehensive Chinatown strategy, and on disseminating the results to stakeholders.

The Planner will also assist with project management and community planning initiatives in issue areas ranging from transportation to economic development, to affordable housing and open space. Contingent on interest level, the Planner may also support in strengthening partnerships with the Housing Development team at CCDC, respond to plans and new developments in the neighborhood, and take part in city-wide coalition-building work in San Francisco.

Status: Full-time, Nonexempt

Location: North Beach neighborhood, San Francisco

Hours: Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; some evenings and weekends

Salary: DOE; Comprehensive benefits

The Organization: A private non-profit founded in 1977, Chinatown Community Development Center believes in a comprehensive vision of community. We own and/or manage approximately 30 affordable housing buildings serving over 3,800 low-income seniors, single adults, formerly homeless adults, and families of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Tenderloin, Western Addition, and Polk Gulch neighborhoods. We also build housing, develop grassroots leadership, and engage low-income residents and youth. Our employees are passionate about the mission; thrive in a family organizational culture; and embody values of empowerment, teamwork, and compassion. Chinatown CDC serves a diverse population and is committed to hiring practices that provide culturally competent services. We encourage people of color to apply.

Essential Functions

- Support the development of a comprehensive research plan to for an updated Chinatown strategy, such as gathering, analyzing and providing information/statistics on Chinatown neighborhood, such as demographics and trends
- Conduct research and synthesize findings from case studies, research, and focus groups for the updated Plan
Identify and assess community priorities within San Francisco’s Chinatown with a focus on housing, transportation, economic development, and open space issues
- Develop deep and meaningful relationships with Chinatown community members and stakeholders
- Collaborate with teammates, stakeholders, and members of the Community Organizing team members in meetings and informally
- Attend meetings with City of San Francisco staff to learn about a support community stakeholder to provide input on city plans and programs
- Assist in advocacy efforts on issues significantly affecting Chinatown community

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Excellent communication and outreach skills
- Excellent public speaking skills and ability to facilitate meetings
- Familiarity with Chinatown neighborhood and issues relevant to the community
- Familiarity with local government processes, ordinances, and legislation
- Familiarity with neighborhood planning concepts
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team structure
- Ability to be flexible and perform a variety of work activities
- Excellent written and verbal skills in English
- Capacity to attend evening meetings

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, urban studies, geography, policy, economics, or related fields, with experience in neighborhood planning, transportation issues, economic development, or advocacy/community work
- Proficiency with PC computer systems, including Word, Excel, Outlook

Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in urban planning, urban studies, geography, policy, economics, or related fields, or one (1) year experience in neighborhood planning/organizing, transportation issues, demographic statistics, economic development, advocacy/community work.
- Meaningful and established relationship in Chinatown community and the broader AAPI community
- Ability to speak fluently in Cantonese
Condition of Employment

As of January 4th, 2022, All Chinatown Community Development Center employees are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. All new hires must show proof of vaccination status at the time of employment offer. Exemptions will be made for applicants with a valid medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief and must be submitted within a timely requested manner. Additional documentation may be required by CCDC if exemption is approved.