Assistant Transportation Planner

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Assistant Transportation Planner. The Assistant Planner provides administrative and technical support to the MPO board and its staff. The Assistant Planner carries out planning, scheduling, coordinating, and support of MPO board and related meetings. The Assistant Planner also takes part in the work of the MPO to answer planning and policy questions. The MPO work includes development of required long- and short-term planning and capital documents as well as programs focused on performance-based planning, climate resilience, congestion management, and transportation equity, among others. This position reports to the Manager of MPO Activities.

• Manage all meeting logistics for MPO board and committee meetings, including schedules, mailing lists, the posting of meeting agendas and materials to board and committee calendars, and the timely preparation and distribution of agendas, advance reading material, and meeting packets for board and committee members
• Host virtual and hybrid public meetings and webinars, as needed, and provide technical support during each meeting
• Attend, host, and record all meetings of the MPO board and its committees to ensure they are conducted in accordance with relevant laws and governance standards
• Prepare meeting minutes for MPO board and committee meetings
• Provide technical support and implement streamlined processes that use best-available technology for improving transparency and efficiency of board and committee activities
• Maintain and update mailing lists and contact information, in coordination with Communications and Engagement staff
• Assist project and program managers with research and analysis to support development of recommended plans, policies, and actions; writing reports; and presenting findings
• Support work by program managers in their development of the MPO Long-Range Transportation Plan, five-year rolling capital plan, and annual work plan for the planning activities conducted by MPO staff as well as performance-based planning, climate resilience, congestion management, and equity program work
• Support the translation of data summaries into implications and insights for program, project, and policy decisions
• Build data management skills and capacity for the MPO Activities and Planning and Policy groups
• Support the application of tools and analysis of outputs to help answer study questions
• Support the implementation of surveys and other tools to collect data
• Support drafting of elements of reports documenting findings and recommendations
• Adhere to project timelines and budget constraints
• Perform other related tasks as needed

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.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to summarize information into concise, well-organized narratives
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse individuals
• A professional commitment to working toward transportation equity, environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, safety, and economic vitality
• Skills in conveying information in understandable and accessible ways
• Ability to organize and analyze information and perform research
• Quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency working with and maintaining spreadsheets and databases
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word) and Google Suite
• Knowledge of virtual meeting technologies and resources
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively to ensure deadlines are met on a consistent basis
• Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues, members of the public, board members, and representatives from other agencies

Preferred Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of MPO processes and practices
• General knowledge of transportation planning
• Experience with applications such as RStudio
• Knowledge of spatial analysis and map production using ESRI’s ArcGIS software.
• Experience working with Asana and other related project management software.

This is a full-time position and the starting salary range is $56,000 - $66,000 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.