Farm&City is seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to join us as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Reform Lead / Amarillo Metropolitan Organizer. This pivotal role offers an opportunity to drive meaningful change in regional planning and transportation policies within the Amarillo area and statewide. As an ambassador for our organization, you will balance advocacy for policy improvements with active community engagement, promoting safer and more accessible streets, and empowering local leaders to improve public policies.
Why This Role Matters
In this role, you’ll be working with leaders at all levels at the forefront of transforming Amarillo’s transportation landscape. By collaborating with policy makers, community leaders, and local organizations, you will play a crucial role in shaping a transportation system that meets the diverse needs of the region. Your work will involve everything from hosting public discussions to developing relationships with political leaders and conducting independent analysis of MPO processes and plans.
Your work will not only impact Amarillo but contribute to a broader, statewide effort to reform the planning processes of all 23 MPOs in Texas, where there is significant room for improvement to fair representation in the democratic decision making system, using equitable scenario planning to entertain alternative futures, and using safe, multimodal access modeling to optimize investments to improve daily life for all residents.
We value strong partnerships and believe in working respectfully with all stakeholders, even those who may have differing views on any issue. Your role will involve navigating these relationships with professionalism and a focus on shared goals, helping to build trust and advance our mission effectively. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of Amarillo residents and across Texas.
Primary Responsibilities
- Represent Farm&City at Amarillo MPO meetings, city council meetings, and other public events, advocating for transportation and urban planning improvements.
- Monitor and track public policy developments, identifying key opportunities for advocacy that align with our mission.
- Empower and mobilize local volunteers and partner organizations to engage actively in transportation and urban planning processes.
- Conduct independent analysis and provide well-informed recommendations on Regional Transportation Plans, Transportation Improvement Plans, and similar policies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key contacts and stakeholders in the Amarillo public policy arena.
- Foster connections with leaders and organizations across Texas advocating for improving regional planning.
- Perform additional duties as required to support Farm&City’s mission and objectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in transportation and urban policy, advocacy, research, and theory.
- Strong abilities in writing, data analysis, internet research, and collaboration.
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
Required Qualifications
- A passion for sustainability, equity, urbanism, transit, safe streets, and public policy.
- Residency in or willingness to relocate to the Amarillo metropolitan region.
- Bachelor’s degree or substantial work experience in a related field.
- Proficiency with office software, social media, and web platforms.
- Ability to work independently and remotely while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Comfort with public speaking and communicating complex policy issues effectively.
- Reliability, punctuality, and clear communication.
Reports to
Executive Director
Compensation
- Full-time, exempt position with a salary of $50,460 to $62,000 a year, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits include federal holidays, 20 vacation/sick days per year, 401(k) plan with employer match up to 2% of annual salary, health insurance, and basic employer taxes.
Application Instructions
We encourage all interested candidates to submit their letter of interest and resume to Jay Blazek Crossley at jay@farmandcity.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We are booking a first round of in-person interviews in Amarillo on Wednesday and Thursday, October 16 & 17. If you are interested in applying and are available for a 30 minute in-person interview, please go ahead and book a meeting at this link: https://calendly.com/jayfarmandcity/in-person-interviews
Farm&City is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. Our organization does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
All application materials submitted to Farm&City will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of reviewing applicants. We value diversity and are dedicated to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.
Cover image: The Erica Chang, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
