We believe that culture matters. Here’s ours:

  • Open: We operate in the open, with a bias toward open technologies. We execute on our Federal grants with accountability and transparency— not just because that’s a good idea, but because we can contribute to an environment where everyone can learn from our work
  • Collaborative: This is our last name. Co-labor— as participants in the work, not just as funders, but as meaningful contributors. Convener of people in ways that go beyond mere meetings, sparking lifelong work among parties
  • Forceful: With act with a a sense of urgency. We’re not fans of lugubrious chit-chat— we get things done
  • Flexible: We don’t focus on any single technology or solution. We’re willing to try things, to make mistakes, and figure things out
  • Ubiquitous: We will be everywhere that people are talking about what we care about. We seek to make our influence go way past our dollars
  • Respected: We will always act in ways that conform with the sterling reputations of our three founding entities
  • Sound: None of this culture matters unless we deliver on our programs and make a difference for people. We monitor our programs, reports on our progress, and manage our projects with excellence
 
Join the Smart Chicago Collaborative at 1871

We are seeking a limited number of developers, designers, and other makers who would benefit from a few days a month in this unique environment. Read more.

Request for Letters of Interest for an Early Childhood Portal

The Smart Chicago Collaborative and the University of Chicago’s Urban Education Lab are seeking letters of interest for the design and development of an early childhood education web portal for the City of Chicago. Read more.

Help Wanted: Administrative Assistant

The Smart Chicago Collaborative is seeking an Admin Assistant to be an essential part of our team. Read more.