Senior Associate (Urban Data + Policy Analysis)

Senior Associate (Urban Data + Policy Analysis) Cascadia Partners, Portland, OR, United States How to Apply: URL: https://www.cascadia-partners.com/senior-associate Email: hiring@cascadia-partners.com Apply by Sunday, July 26th, 2026 via email to hiring@cascadia-partners.com. Please include: 1) Cover letter, 2) Resume, 3) At least one spatial or data analysis work sample. The Position: Cascadia Partners seeks a Senior Associate with deep technical skills in spatial and quantitative analysis. The ideal candidate brings expertise in GIS and data analysis, strong visual storytelling instincts, and the project leadership to manage budgets, guide junior staff, and drive deliverables across multiple concurrent projects. Working knowledge of land use planning, zoning, and urban planning frameworks is required. What You'll Work On This role sits at the intersection of rigorous data analysis and consequential planning decisions. You will frame analytical approaches, lead technical production, and translate findings into clear stories for clients, elected officials, and the public. Work ranges from parcel‑scale pro forma to regional housing needs methodologies, often within the same project team. Representative Technical Tasks Parcel‑level zoning capacity modeling – quantify development potential unlocked by rezoning proposals across thousands of parcels; brief city councils on housing supply implications. Pro forma‑driven housing policy testing – build financial feasibility models to assess density bonuses, fee waivers, or inclusionary requirements. Housing affordability incentive calibration – model tradeoffs between affordability depth and unit count to design high‑impact incentive programs. Displacement and vulnerability analysis – build spatial story to prioritize anti‑displacement investment and policy protection. Future land use scenario creation and modeling – translate growth projections and policy alternatives into mapped, quantified futures for comprehensive plans and regional frameworks. Housing needs analyses and community data profiles – synthesize demographic, economic, and housing market data into baseline documents for statewide planning requirements. Middle housing financial feasibility assessment – evaluate financial viability of duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters under current code and identify needed changes. Parks and open space walkshed analysis – assess equitable access to parks and green infrastructure at neighborhood and citywide scale. Our Work Cascadia Partners is a multidisciplinary planning and urban design consultancy headquartered in Portland, OR. Our ~25‑member team tackles 40‑50 projects annually, including citywide comprehensive plans, neighborhood master plans, housing policy, zoning code reform, scenario planning, and real‑estate feasibility studies across the country, from single corridors to entire regions. We focus on plans that actually get built. Our Values We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our team and in our work. We offer professional development stipends, frequent internal skill‑building, every other Friday off, and four weeks of paid vacation at year one. Position Details You will serve as project manager and task leader across data‑driven spatial planning projects – neighborhood master plans, transit‑oriented corridor studies, regional plans, and real‑estate feasibility studies. Responsibilities include defining project approaches, managing technical production, coordinating subconsultants, maintaining budgets, and synthesizing complex analyses into polished, client‑ready presentations and public‑facing documents. Required Qualifications 4+ years of professional experience in urban planning, data analysis, geography, public policy, or a related field. Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Data Science, Geography, Real Estate, Economics, or a related field. Project Management – demonstrated success managing projects and people, budgets, client meetings, and on‑time, on‑scope delivery. Spatial Thinking & GIS – proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS); ability to apply spatial reasoning to complex planning problems. Research & Data Sourcing – capacity to frame rigorous research questions and identify appropriate data and methods. Quantitative Reasoning – fluency with quantitative and statistical concepts; ability to interpret data, recognize limitations, and apply evidence‑based decision‑making. Technical Aptitude – quick learner of new tools and methodologies in a fast‑paced environment. Land Use Planning – working knowledge of land use theory, zoning regulations, and planning frameworks. Data Storytelling – skill translating multi‑source, multi‑type data analysis into compelling, actionable narratives for non‑technical audiences. Communication – clear, concise presenter, comfortable in client briefings and public settings. Desirable Qualifications Programming – proficiency in R or Python for tabular and spatial data manipulation and mapping. AI Integration – experience using AI tools (e.g., Claude) to automate workflows, accelerate data processing, or improve analytical efficiency. Work Location Preference for candidates based in Oregon or SW Washington; fully remote candidates will be considered. Portland metro‑based staff work in our Pearl District office 2 days per week. Travel to client locations required (approximately once every 1‑3 months). Compensation & Benefits $85,000–$100,000 (based on experience) – 36‑hour workweek, every other Friday off. Health, dental, life insurance; 401(k) with 3% match. Professional development stipend. PTO: 4 weeks year one (prorated), +1 week per year of tenure, up to 8 weeks. 11 paid holidays. Paid parental leave (varies by state). #J-18808-Ljbffr