The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Operations Assistant. The Operations Assistant is a core member of the Operations team, whose shared goal is to support the work of the agency and to keep the physical space organized. To be successful in this role, a candidate must be comfortable working independently, prioritizing and multitasking activities, and gaining an understanding of the agency’s mission and work. Excellent customer service and communication skills are required as the role involves working with both internal staff and external constituents regularly. This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in developing office management skills through an entry-level role with room to grow.
About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities involve sustainable development, advancing equity, regional collaboration, and creating a climate-friendly region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office.
MAPC supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org.
About the Division: 
The Operations Division is an integral part of the agency’s administration team which includes Finance, Human Resources, and Legal. The Operations Division performs many administrative functions necessary to support the staff, keep the agency running, and to manage the physical space. Responsibilities of the Division includes general office and facility management, meeting management, mail and other communications, purchasing, catering, facilities management, welcoming guests, supporting the governing Council, and occasional project support for staff.

• Welcome guests: provide excellent customer service, direct visitors to relevant offices or personnel, direct calls and emails;
• Coordinate general office operations: oversee office inventory supplies, key card access, participate in training newly-hired staff on operations, and mail room logistics (organize deliveries, shipping, mail distribution & postage); recycling and shredding services; process Division invoices; and help to administer Zipcar and BlueBikes accounts;
• Maintain Operations calendar, schedule upcoming events, and event planning;
• Assist MAPC’s digital workflow for processing contracts, including signature facilitation with use of DocuSign, Seamless, or other software; 
• Communicate needs with signing software vendors, address issues, and assist in training staff;
• Coordinate internal newsletter, develop and maintain Division SharePoint page, update internal documents;
• Communicate building and equipment issues to Operations Manager and building management;
• Support staff and external events: organize catering, production, entertainment, and guest speakers;
• May assist in preparation and event support for Council meetings;
• Provide miscellaneous administrative support on projects and short-term research tasks; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
Evening events, occasional weekend events, and limited 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.
Candidates for this position should have at least two years of professional office experience. Associate’s degree or higher preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:

• Excellent customer service skills and strong oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to originate and complete assigned tasks on own initiative is a plus;
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook,Teams,) is required; 
• Familiarity with Docusign and SharePoint preferred; experience formatting documents such as flyers, labels and reports helpful; ability to work in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.) a bonus;
• Excellent written, oral, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills are required;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and respond well to change in business needs in a multifaceted, fast-paced, environment is required;
• In-depth experience with operating and communication platforms (SharePoint, Zoom and Teams);
• Ability to identify, streamline, and make recommendations to improve administrative processes;
• Ability to work on multiple tasks, balance multiple priorities, seek assistance to balance workflow, and tolerate occasional interruptions;
• Ability to research systems and problems, and resourcefulness in addressing challenges;
• Excellent attention to detail within a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment; and;
• A passion for working in a mission-driven agency and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 
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 extensions or accommodations as required by law.
Compensation and Benefits: 
The salary ranges from $48,000 - $57,000 depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time non-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. A Criminal Offenders Records Information (CORI) request must be completed if offered this position. A criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at MAPC, but it will be reviewed in light of the position and other elements of an applicant’s resume.
 
 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.