Job summary
Job post source
This job is from a recruiting firm hiring for a separate company.
Job overview
The Executive Director role at Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is a leadership position responsible for guiding the agency and the Greater Boston region towards equity, sustainability, and collaboration through strategic plan implementation.
Responsibilities and impact
The Executive Director will lead a team of 120 professionals, manage a $15 million budget, advocate for regional policies, engage with government and community stakeholders, and ensure the agency meets its strategic goals.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have extensive leadership experience in planning and policy, budget management, municipal government knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage diverse funding sources and staff.
Career development
MAPC supports professional growth and encourages staff to innovate and adapt, offering opportunities to lead impactful regional planning and policy initiatives.
Work environment and culture
MAPC promotes equity, inclusivity, and collaboration in a hybrid work environment with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
Company information
MAPC is the regional planning agency for Greater Boston, serving 101 cities and towns with a focus on sustainable development, equity, transportation, economic development, and climate resilience.
Team overview
The Executive Director will lead a diverse interdisciplinary team of approximately 120 staff members and collaborate closely with the Central Transportation Planning Staff of 60+ employees.
Job location and travel
The position is based in downtown Boston with a hybrid work schedule; employees must live within commuting distance of the office.
Unique job features
This role offers the unique opportunity to lead a major regional planning agency with a strong emphasis on equity, sustainability, and innovative public policy in the Greater Boston area.
Company overview
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is a regional planning agency serving the Greater Boston area, focused on promoting smart growth, sustainable development, and equitable communities across 101 cities and towns in Massachusetts. MAPC generates revenue primarily through government grants, contracts, and consulting services provided to municipalities and public agencies. Founded in 1963, the organization plays a key role in regional policy, transportation planning, housing initiatives, and climate resilience. MAPC collaborates with local governments, nonprofits, and state agencies to address pressing urban and regional challenges. Candidates should be aware of MAPC's commitment to data-driven planning and its influence on shaping the future of metropolitan Boston.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight leadership experience in regional planning, policy implementation, and managing large multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing your ability to lead with vision, clarity, and humility as described in the Executive Director role at MAPC.
Emphasize experience managing complex budgets of $15 million or more, including diverse funding sources such as government grants, private foundations, and partnerships, to align with MAPC's financial stewardship needs.
Showcase your skills in stakeholder engagement and advocacy, particularly your ability to work with municipal governments, state and federal agencies, and diverse community groups to advance equity and sustainability goals.
Apply through multiple platforms including MAPC's official website, Robert Half Executive Search portal, and LinkedIn to maximize your visibility and access to the position.
Connect on LinkedIn with current MAPC leadership and staff in planning, policy, and government relations divisions; use ice breakers like referencing their recent initiatives on MetroCommon2050 or expressing interest in MAPC’s equity and sustainability efforts to start conversations.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating key phrases from the job description such as 'regional land use planning,' 'budget management,' 'equity and sustainability,' 'stakeholder engagement,' and 'strategic plan implementation' to pass initial screenings effectively.
Leverage Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple platforms, identify relevant MAPC contacts for networking, and ensure your resume is optimized for ATS, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and strategic networking.
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