Director of Strategic Initiatives

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the regional planning agency for metropolitan Boston, seeks a Director of Strategic Initiatives who is an innovative, mission-oriented systems thinker to lead its Strategic Initiatives Department. The Director of Strategic Initiatives reports to the Executive Director and plays a key role on the agency’s management team. The Strategic Initiatives Department identifies opportunities and approaches to advance significant change in the region, consistent with MAPC’s mission and the goals of MetroFuture. The department evaluates models from within MAPC and from other regions to identify room for improvement, best practices, replicability and potential to accelerate the implementation of MetroFuture. Working with the rest of the agency, the department is responsible for maintaining MetroFuture as a living plan that is relevant to the day-to-day work of MAPC, cities and towns in the region, and other allied organizations.

Duties include: Serve as the agency’s chief steward for the MetroFuture plan by evaluating its progress and educating agency staff and the public about our regional goals and implementation strategies. Keep the plan up-to-date, and prepare for the development of major revisions over the next several years. (MetroFuture was adopted in 2008, and MAPC develops a new regional plan approximately once every 10 years.). Identify opportunities to shape innovative approaches that will advance significant change in the region, consistent with MetroFuture goals, and assist with implementation. Develop and maintain productive working relationships with key partners that include cities and towns, state and federal agencies, other regional planning agencies, non-profit and community-based organizations, philanthropies, regionally-significant institutions, and major employers.

Qualifications include: BA degree plus an advanced degree in planning, public policy, public administration or a related field, and a minimum of 8 years of progressively more responsibilities and relevant work experience.

Candidates should demonstrate: knowledge and experience with project management and meeting budgetary expectations within an entrepreneurial environment; deep knowledge of land use, planning, and public policy; a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, social equity, and public service; proven ability to design, manage, and evaluate programs; fundraising experience including work with foundations and government grants.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full time position. The starting salary ranges from $80,000 to $90,000, depending on qualifications and experience. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment.

PLEASE SEE COMPLETE JOB AD AT: www.mapc.org (Jobs at MAPC) AND APPLY AT LINK SHOWN THERE. Please attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. A review of applications will begin immediately. The position is open until filled. 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 is an EOE/AA employer. MAPC takes pride in the diversity of its workforce and encourages all qualified persons to apply. Barbara Wooten, Manager of Human Resources.