New job Government Affairs Policy Analyst in Massachusetts

Description
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Government Affairs Policy Analyst to help further the public policy goals of the agency. The Policy Analyst will help draft and analyze legislation, strategize with a dynamic team about how to advance legislative and policy campaigns, and conduct policy research on a wide array of topics to advance our regional plan and our commitment to regional collaboration, smart growth, and equity. The Policy Analyst will be a core member of MAPC's Government Affairs team, which advocates at the local, regional, state, and federal level. We work closely with municipal leaders and other allies and stakeholders.

About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. We are guided by MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region, our regional policy plan for a more sustainable and equitable future, which was adopted in 2008. We are currently finalizing a successor regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together, which we expect to complete in Fall 2021. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
MAPC has been operating remotely through the pandemic, but people are now beginning to return to the office. We anticipate the office will reopen fully only when the metrics we are following indicate it is safe to do so. At that time, we expect that most staff will be working on a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work.
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each and every 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, MetroFuture, and MetroCommon, please visit www.mapc.org.

Examples of Duties
Research, analysis, writing and policy responsibilities:

• Develop policy strategies to implement MetroCommon2050 at the local and state level
• Develop elements of the agency's policy agenda and craft data-driven policy and advocacy strategies, including leading advocacy efforts on key issues at the local, state, and federal level
• Support the implementation of MAPC’s equity policy agenda in the Legislature and monitor progress
• Work with our data service team to draft papers, author reports, and create accessible presentations of research results and policy recommendations to a wide array of audiences
• Develop reports, fact sheets, and other materials for the Administration, Congressional delegation, Legislature, municipal officials, and other allies
• Work with departments at MAPC to craft legislative and policy priorities based on detailed research, and move toward legislative and policy solutions
• Track federal COVID-19 recovery efforts and integrate these efforts into MAPC’s legislative agenda

Administrative responsibilities:

• Provide logistical support to the Government Affairs team
• Work with legislators, the administration, and municipal officials to host events (at the moment, mostly virtual events) that are aligned with the Agency's work

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 a Zipcar account.

Typical Qualifications
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in public policy, planning or a related field and at least three years of related experience, preferably in a public policy arena, or a Master's degree in public policy, planning, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:

*
A broad knowledge of state, local, and federal government functions, including an understanding of municipal governance and finance, land use planning, or related fields

• Ability to gather information, analyze data, evaluate public programs, make recommendations and prepare written and oral reports
• Experience working collaboratively with staff members from various departments and ability to work with agency board members
• Ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships with local, state, and regional officials, academic researchers and analysts, agency heads, community-based and advocacy organizations, and individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds
• Good judgment in dealing with high-level public officials, members of the public and the media
• Comfort and familiarity with word processing, databases and spreadsheets, electronic communication tools
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Supplemental Information
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary ranges from $58,000 - $68,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued 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 and Affirmative Action 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.

As an MAPC employee you're offered a great career opportunity serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston - but it's more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% MAPC paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account for Health Care and Dependent Care
• Public transit commuter subsidy up to $225
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings plans: Defined Benefit Pension plan through Mass. State Employees Retirement System (MESRB) and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 11 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick and Vacation Time
• Up to 5 Discretionary days per year (based on hire date)
• 20 MAPC-paid days for FMLA qualifying events, including parental leave.
• Tuition assistance
• 100% Short-Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
• Mass4You Wellness Programs and Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Payment of professional dues and memberships
• On site drop-in yoga, lactation room, and work well fitness challenges
• Mass State employee cell phone data and equipment discounts
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Location: 60 Temple Place

Boston,Massachusetts,02111, Boston, MA 02111

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Multiple Locations