The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a transportation planner to join a forward-thinking, ambitious team of policy and planning experts committed to building an equitable, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region. The planner, working with the MPO board and other key stakeholders, will be responsible for managing the ongoing Congestion Management Process (CMP). The CMP is a program that monitors transportation system performance to determine the locations and sources of multimodal congestion in the Boston region and that identifies and implements strategies to alleviate congestion across modes. The planner will also collaborate with the Performance-based Planning and Programming (PBPP) program manager in the development, tracking, and reporting of regional performance measures and targets.

• Oversee all aspects of the CMP program and ensure that the program activities support the MPO’s vision, goals, and objectives and comply with federal requirements
• Develop a long-term strategy for the program and prepare annual work plans to meet program goals and requirements
• Set quarterly outcomes and benchmarks for the program, monitor progress, and ensure annual targets for the program are met
• Manage the development, evaluation, monitoring, and reporting of performance measures and goals associated with congestion management for the Boston region and coordinate with the PBPP program manager to communicate performance measures to stakeholders
• Integrate congestion management programs in the MPO’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Assist in the identification of congestion-reducing projects and programs and monitor congestion reduction and system operations programs and projects related to initiatives identified in the LRTP and TIP
• Lead the implementation of the CMP work plan, including by directing and coordinating staff working on program activities, monitoring progress, and managing the budget
• Stay informed of and satisfy current federal and state requirements as well as best practices related to the program
• Support the MPO’s CMP Committee by developing and maintaining relationships with the members, communicating regularly, and preparing necessary materials for meetings
• Work with the agency’s Communications and Engagement team to engage colleagues, partners, stakeholders, and the public about the program; keep the MPO board informed; and solicit input from the board about program progress and outcomes

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 six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in policy analysis, urban or regional planning, transportation planning, public policy, program or project administration, or another field that would support the candidate’s ability to carry out the above responsibilities
  1. A bachelor’s degree in a similar field may substitute for three years of experience
  2. A master’s degree in a similar field may substitute for five years of experience 
• Proficiency at designing and implementing data collection programs and compiling data for analysis
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency in working with and maintaining spreadsheets and databases, as well as analytical applications such as ESRI GIS software
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, including boards of directors, elected officials, technical staff, and members of the public
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of the planning process and an understanding of the broad objectives of the CMP, including multimodal congestion management and related performance measures
• 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
• Familiarity with the Boston region and its transportation systems 
• Proficiency with applications such as RStudio 

This is a full-time position. The starting salary range is $65,000–$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 COVID-19 vaccination status.
 
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 will be 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 viawww.bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product.