$125,000 - $135,000
January 11, 2024
Boston, MA
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are sustainable development and preservation; regional collaboration; advancing equity in Metro Boston; and fostering a climate-friendly and resilient region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office.MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each and every staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org
Description
MAPC seeks an experienced individual with a background in planning, research, data, and technology to become the agency’s next Director of Data Services, leading a team of planners, data scientists, digital technologists, researchers, and software developers dedicated to using data and technology to support informed and equitable decision-making.
The department includes three working groups: a Research team that provides new insight on the past, present, and future of Metro Boston; an Analytical Services team that creates custom analyses and decision support tools for local and regional planning projects; and a Digital team that builds data-driven web applications and tackles the digital divide. Individually and collaboratively, these teams work on a wide variety of activities to advance the vision of MAPC’s regional plan, MetroCommon2050, including:
These activities cover a broad spectrum of topics, usually in a multidisciplinary approach covering everything from land use and housing to climate resilience, food systems, and complete streets.
The Director establishes the strategic direction for the Department; supports project scoping and budgeting; provides guidance, when needed, on technical methods and data sources; designs, and occasionally writes or edits, research reports; and works with partners both within and outside of MAPC to identify policy implications and recommendations that emerge from research findings. The Director also plays a key role in promoting and disseminating the work of the Department through presentations; engagement with state agencies, municipal officials, and advocacy organizations; media appearances; and participation in professional associations and peer groups.
In addition to ensuring the technical rigor and relevance of the team’s work, the Director also fosters camaraderie among a team of roughly 15 professionals with a variety of backgrounds and skillsets. Creating opportunities for shared learning and collaboration, ensuring staff understanding of the agency mission, and building strong relationships with other MAPC departments are all essential parts of the position.
The ideal candidate for this position has experience working in planning and policy in a large city or metro region; demonstrated experience working with a wide variety of data and research methods, including quantitative and qualitative research; experience leading and managing a diverse team; and a commitment to building a more sustainable, equitable, collaborative, and climate-resilient Greater Boston.
Responsibilities
Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel are a responsibility for this position. MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, a Zipcar account and BlueBikes membership.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Coursework and concentration in regional and city planning, public policy, public management, social sciences, or a similar field, preferably with an emphasis on data analysis, research, and application. Candidates for this position should have at least 8 years of progressively senior experience in research and/or planning practice; experience in a regional context and multidisciplinary, applied research are preferred; and at least 5 years of demonstrated experience managing a team and supervising the work of others in a supportive and engaging manner.
Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:
Per MAPC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, all employees must be fully vaccinated. This position will require the selected candidate to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, including up to date boosters. MAPC will consider reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law.
Salary & Benefits
The salary ranges from $125,000 - $135,000 depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued professional development.
Location
Boston, MA
The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States. A Criminal Offenders Records Information (CORI) request must be completed if offered this position. A criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at MAPC, but it will be reviewed in light of the position and other elements of an applicant’s resume.
MAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see our Equity at MAPC page.
$125,000 - $135,000
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Boston, MA
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Nonprofit
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Full-time
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