DESCRIPTION:                   

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Senior Economic Development Planner , who will work on a wide variety of local and regional projects to advance sustainable and equitable economic development, covering such topics as workforce development, commercial and industrial real estate development, and job creation and retention. This includes helping cities and towns to develop plans, zoning, and other policies to facilitate economic development. The planner will also play a key role in advancing partnerships with workforce development providers to increase equitable access to employment opportunities for the residents of Metro Boston.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist cities and towns in evaluating options and actions to undertake economic development that advances the goals of MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together, our regional plan;
• Help cities and towns to develop plans, policies, zoning, permitting procedures, and programs to achieve economic development that is sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient;
• Support municipal, local and regional entities to design and implement strategies to advance workforce development, with a focus on quality employment, living wage career pathways, financial inclusion, and wealth creation for BIPOC and lower income individuals.
• Collaborate with the City of Boston’s Office of Workforce Development to facilitate , as well as provide coordination and capacity building for, the Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition, which seeks to expand equitable employment opportunities in  childcare, healthcare, and clean energy. The Coalition is an awardee of a $23 million, 3-year federal grant, which provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Metro Boston's communities and local economy; 
• Help build the capacity of local stakeholders – including local governments, chambers of commerce, and businesses – to pursue such opportunities where they will advance sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient activities;
• Take a lead role on more complex planning and recovery projects, some of which may be interdisciplinary, at times overseeing other economic development staff, data services staff, public engagement specialists, or other MAPC divisions or other specialized staff;
• Develop new ideas and concepts in response to a changing context and to increase the relevance, impact, and sustainability of MAPC’s planning and policy work, innovating and developing actionable concepts that take into account the region’s opportunities and challenges;
• Speak in public about MAPC programs and its economic development efforts; and,
• Conduct other planning activities as assigned to assist in the implementation of our new regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together.

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

Candidates for this position must have either a Bachelor's degree with a major in planning, public policy/administration, economic development, or a closely related field and at least 6 years of relevant job experience; OR a Master's degree in one of these fields plus at least 4 years of relevant professional experience.

The successful candidate for this position will demonstrate most of the following qualifications with a demonstrated interest in being trained in the other competencies listed:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with community groups, government officials, business organizations, and other key stakeholders, including local elected and appointed officials;
• Experience providing professional planning and/or economic development assistance to local governments;
• Strong relationship management skills, including cultivating and maintaining productive and effective relationships externally and internally with the ability to effectively manage committees and coordinate diverse stakeholders;
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills and the ability to gather, analyze, and track data trends and labor market statistics to inform effective program designs – the ability to use GIS is a plus; and,
• Ability to advocate for sustainable land use practices and greater equity throughout Metro Boston, especially in housing, employment, and other issues.

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Compensation and Benefits

The Senior Economic Development Planner salary ranges from $78,000 – 88,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Master's Degree, AICP Certification, and additional experience are a plus for the high end of the salary range. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits, a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to professional development.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. 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.
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.