The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization seeks a policy analyst to join a newly formed, forward-thinking, and ambitious team of policy and planning experts committed to help build an equitable, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region. The policy analyst will be responsible for keeping abreast of and disseminating information about policy developments at the federal, state, and municipal levels that are relevant to the agency, its board, staff, constituents, and stakeholders. The policy analyst will also lead and contribute to policy analysis and other research related to planning used in the development and implementation of regional transportation planning, policy, and programming activities. This individual also will play a key role in efforts to implement the policies and programs outlined in the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Part of this work will include participating in the agency’s recently awarded Safe Streets For All (SS4A) planning grant by conducting interviews with stakeholders and reviewing processes and policies around the region that may influence roadway safety.
Responsibilities
• Track and analyze legislation (pre- and post-enactment), as well as reports, initiatives, white papers, and other legislative deliverables
• Monitor and disseminate information about relevant policy changes at the federal, state, and municipal level
• Research policy topics and develop briefing papers and presentations
• Collaborate with colleagues to determine how to operationalize research findings
• Partner with the agency’s Communications and Engagement team to develop a strategy for communicating legislative and other governmental policy updates
• Contribute to studies and technical assistance activities
• Support policy elements of core MPO activities required by the federal government
• Identify processes and policies that may influence roadway safety and make recommendations for Safe Systems-guided improvements
• Coordinate and facilitate discussions across the agency regarding the implications of state and federal policy, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
• Contribute to organizational initiatives in support of the agency’s strategic plan
Qualifications
While the following sections describe required and desirable qualifications, our organization is open to candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills fulfill the requirements.
The following education and experience is preferred:
• At least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in policy analysis, urban or regional planning, transportation planning, public policy, program/project administration, or another field that would support the candidate’s ability to carry out the above responsibilities; or a bachelor’s degree in urban studies, planning, public administration, political science, government or public policy, or related field plus two years of experience; or a master’s degree in urban studies, planning, public administration, political science, government or public policy, or a related field
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, including boards of directors, elected officials, technical staff, and the public
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including prior experience in public engagement
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to put analysis into writing that is easily understood.
• Interview design and execution skills
• Capability to quickly and coherently summarize large amounts of information
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to take initiative, solve problems, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities in a fast-paced environment
• A good understanding of policy and the transportation planning process
• A professional commitment to working toward transportation equity, environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, safety, and economic vitality
Knowledge of the following is desirable:
• Processes and practices of metropolitan planning organizations
• Federal transportation legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
• Knowledge of safety-related policies and the Safe System approach
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position. The starting salary range is $58,600–$80,000 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 Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization 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 Central Transportation Planning Staff’s 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. All employees are required to provide proof of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series and at least one booster.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent to the Central Transportation Planning Staff and legally employs the 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.
How to Apply
The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants that 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 work product.
Link to Job Description and to Apply: Click Here
