All Things Urban

We gather designers, planners, developers and civic leaders to debate the defining issues facing our cities.

The Urban Design Forum is an independent membership organization that advances bold solutions to urban challenges. Our Fellows are architects, landscape architects, planners, developers, public officials, scholars, activists, lawyers and journalists committed to building dynamic, equitable, and resilient cities around the world.

Urban Design Forum seeks a part-time Program Coordinator to manage a new fellowship supporting emerging and underrepresented critics.

As Program Coordinator, you will be the primary organizer of the New City Critics fellowship, a new two-year fellowship program supporting four 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 this new initiative. We believe the role is best suited for a freelance editor, writer, curator, or educator; or student pursuing an advanced degree. You will work on a team with our Executive Director and Program Director and the Architectural League’s Executive Director and Editor in Chief of Urban Omnibus.

• Program Design – Work with Urban Omnibus editor in chief and Urban Design Forum program director to plan twice monthly meetings including guest lectures, seminars, writing workshops, and donor events.
• Program Management – Executes programs, including selecting venues, coordinating with speakers, and all day-of logistics.
• Strategic Partnerships – Maintains relationships with program partners through ongoing facilitation and project management.
• 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.

• Broad curiosity on issues in the built environment, including housing, economic development, mobility, and climate.
• Deep commitment to and passion for addressing urban inequity.
• 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 event production and program management is a plus.
• Experience in leadership and cohort development is a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree and 3-6 years of relevant work experience, or a Master’s Degree with 1-4 years of relevant work experience.

• Location & Schedule

This is a part-time position (10 hours per week) with flexible hours. The coordinator will be expected to administer twice monthly evening events and activities in person in New York City from May 2022 to November 2023.

• Compensation & Benefits

This is a grant-funded position from January 2022 to December 2023. The hourly wage for this position will be $34.62 for 10 hours per week. Candidates may contribute to participate in our benefits package, including healthcare, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.

• How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter via urbandesignforum.org. Applications are due by January 21 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.