Senior Planner, Public Engagement

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Senior Planner to join the Communications and Engagement team and oversee the agency’s growing public engagement practice area. The Senior Planner will develop and implement public engagement strategies and activities, collaborating with staff across the agency to provide meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to participate in the MPO’s planning work and decision-making. Other essential functions will include managing the administration of the Community Advisory Council to the MPO board, building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, and keeping the MPO’s Public Engagement Plan current with best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Public Engagement Program and ensure that program activities support the MPO’s goals and comply with federal requirements
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, and members of the public
• Manage the administration of the Community Advisory Council, including annual work plan and agenda development, meeting logistics, meeting facilitation, and member coordination
• Collaborate with project managers across the agency to develop and implement engagement strategies through a variety of methods, including surveys, focus groups, online tools, and in-person and remote meetings and events
• Coordinate outreach efforts for core MPO planning products, including the Long-Range Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan
• Develop innovative strategies to reduce barriers to engagement, especially for historically underserved populations
• Collaborate with technical and policy staff to analyze and report on quantitative and qualitative engagement data and integrate it into plan development and decision-making processes
• Provide updates to MPO staff leadership and the MPO board about engagement activities and program evaluation
• Oversee the development of engagement materials, including presentations, fact sheets, and surveys, ensuring clarity and accessibility
• Facilitate and attend in-person and remote engagement meetings and events, and represent the MPO at external meetings and events
• Collaborate with the Manager of Communications and Engagement to support process documentation, improve workflows, update the agency’s Public Engagement Plan, and develop systems to promote engagement best practices across the agency
• Stay informed of updates to federal and state public engagement requirements and industry best practices
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

While the following sections describe required and desirable qualifications, candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills fulfill the requirements are encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience and skills:

• At least seven years of full-time, or equivalent, part-time, professional experience in public engagement, transportation planning, urban or community planning, or a related field
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for three years of the required experience.
• A master’s degree in a related field, in addition to a bachelor’s degree, may substitute for a total of four years of the required experience.
• At least three years of professional experience in program or project management, regardless of educational qualifications
• Experience designing and leading public engagement programs or initiatives, including with underserved and underrepresented communities
• Experience leading and facilitating meetings, workshops, and community events; strong facilitation skills and ability to effectively manage differences of opinion and potential conflict when engaging with various audiences
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for general audiences
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing project timelines and deliverables
• Familiarity with qualitative methods for data collection and analysis
• A commitment to equitable public engagement in the planning process
• Proficiency with digital platforms, survey tools, and standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom, and Survey Monkey)

Preferred additional qualifications:

• Familiarity with MPOs and regional transportation planning
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with community-based organizations and advocates
• Familiarity with the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation
• Knowledge of Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), environmental justice, and other equity-related policies and requirements
• Proficiency in ArcGIS
• Fluency in a language other than English commonly spoken in the Boston region

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position, and the starting salary range is $75,000 to $90,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience. The agency offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; a flexible, supportive work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Additional Information

The Boston Region MPO is a public agency made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.

The agency has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from the Boston Region MPO office, which is located in downtown Boston, in a transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly area.

Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent and legal employer of the Boston Region MPO staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified persons to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility. MAPC and the Boston Region MPO may consider sponsorship on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

This position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 21 days. When applying for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter via www.bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.