Metro Strategies Group

The Pumpkin Smash is an annual event across the Chicago region to divert pumpkins from landfills. Residents can drop off jack-o-lanterns to participating locations for composting. First held by SCARCE and the cities of Wheaton and Elmhurst in 2014, the event grew to over 59 sites across the state in 2021. Find a location near you at: https://www.scarce.org/pumpkins/ .

Don’t Trash it, Smash it!

Check out this opportunity to come work for us!!

Policy, Planning and Research Analyst, Metro Strategies Group, Downers Grove, IL Metro Strategies Group is hiring a policy, planning and research specialist to support planning and infrastructure projects. The position will assist a variety of clients with transportation, infrastructure, environmental and economic development initiatives. Responsibilities will include researchin...

Join us in celebrating and thanking the public works superheroes that keep our communities strong. We work with many public works professionals from across the Chicago region and are continuously inspired by their dedication, resilience and deep knowledge about how our communities really work. APWA Chicago Metro, American Public Works Association,

Our team is excited to support Giving DuPage Days this week (May 2-6), a countywide online event raising funds for over 95+ non-profits in DuPage County. Join us and donate at https://www.givingdupageday.org/. Giving DuPage

Check out our January newsletter and learn how our team recreated a hybrid, interactive public meeting! https://conta.cc/3zuNS0e

The team at Metro Strategies wishes you a happy and prosperous 2022!

Metro Strategies Group is seeking a senior communications professional with graphic design experience. The successful candidate will help guide the creative aspects of all firm projects and assist with the firm’s content strategy, brand and marketing materials. This position will be responsible for the planning, development and production of creative content and helping generate big ideas for a variety of clients and projects.

Key Duties:
-Manage the creative process from concept to completion
-Shape content strategy for clients/projects and the firm’s communications/marketing goals
-Translate communications and marketing objectives into clear, creative strategies
-Ensure visual communication and brand standards are met
-Work closely with multidisciplinary project teams on client projects
Plan content and communications strategies
-Write and edit content for a variety of deliverables such as presentations, reports, websites, newsletters, fact sheets, etc.
-Design and layout of deliverables such as reports, presentations, newsletters, etc.
-Design project logos, infographics, maps, all collateral materials, digital media
-Design and maintain project websites using Weebly and/or Bluehost
-Produce project highlight videos in-house using applications such as Canva, Adobe Spark and/or other video editing software
-Assist with the planning and facilitation of client events, including media briefings, ground breakings, ribbon cuttings and stakeholder meetings
-Assist with the firm’s marketing and business development strategies including design and content strategy for external communications (website, newsletter, social media, etc.)
-Design marketing materials for proposals and meetings

Required Experience/Skills:
-Minimum 5 to 10 years of relevant experience
-Superior writing and editing skills
-Expertise in producing creative and innovative content that reaches and resonates with audiences across multiple channels, including social media
-Experience leveraging industry trends, creative tools and content best practices
-Experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), video editing applications (Canva, Adobe Spark, etc.), website site builders (Weebly, Bluehost)
-Experience using Adobe Premier and After Effects is a plus
-Experience performing a range of creative positions (content strategist, graphic designer, art director, copywriter, etc.)
-Expert knowledge of the business side of design is a major plus
-Intellectually curious, creative, collaborative, team-oriented and client-focused
-Ability to organize, prioritize and juggle various projects under pressure and with tight deadlines
-Stellar communication, presentation, problem-solving and project management skills
-Ability to generate strategic ideas and think creatively as well as inspire creativity in others
-Work well with different personality types

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience (years of work experience plus proficiency in relevant skills)

To apply: Send cover letter, resume and design and writing samples to [email protected].

About Metro Strategies Group, LLC:
Metro Strategies Group specializes in providing solutions around outreach and communications, policy research and best practices, funding and building consensus for projects. With a deep knowledge base spanning multiple industries from transportation and stormwater management to economic development and environmental issues, we tailor our approach to best meet our clients’ needs. Metro Strategies Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

May you and your families have a very happy and healthy holiday season!

: The North Shore Council of Mayors and the Northwest Council of Mayors will be hosting a workshop on January 6 at 10:30 am via Zoom ahead of the opening of their Local Surface Transportation Program Call for Projects . This workshop will cover several topics including the application process, timeline for creating and approving local programs, and how to successfully manage projects once selected. Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAof-iurTopGNVHlR08hrW7v7X6SHzxgdIw.

Be sure to check with your local council of mayors for deadlines and other opportunities! https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/committees/advisory/council-of-mayors/subregional-councils.

With the federal infrastructure bill becoming law, opportunities for critical and desirable projects for our communities are at the top of mind. Learn about key funding sources & things to keep in mind when mapping out a funding strategy at http://www.metrostrategiesgroup.com/perspectives/congress-passed-the-federal-infrastructure-bill-now-what.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to complete the RTA - Regional Transportation Authority - Illinois survey on the challenges and opportunities facing public transit in northeastern Illinois. Your feedback will help shape the next Regional Transit Strategic Plan.

RTA Strategic Plan Survey Built with love by SurveySparrow, a FREE online survey software which lets you collect feedback naturally, gain insights and make better decisions.

If you live or travel in Kane County, provide your feedback on potential improvements for the Randall Road at US Route 20 Interchange in Elgin. The survey closes this Friday, so act fast!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year and wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving. 🦃 🥧 🍂

Hot off the presses – take a look at our November newsletter to learn about how you can map out a funding strategy now that Congress passed the infrastructure bill, as well as see a list of upcoming funding deadlines. While you are there, check out the list of our team's favorite fall recipes that you can make this weekend after your Thanksgiving feasts. https://buff.ly/3nSNt3P