Job Details

Director Of Public Affairs And Communications

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Director of Public Affairs and Communications. The director serves as a member of the leadership team at the Boston Region MPO. This division-leading position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies that enhance the visibility, transparency, and impact of the transportation, research, and engagement work carried out by the agency. The Director of Public Affairs and Communications oversees multiple functions, including communications, public engagement, branding, web and digital content, and is one of several staff members responsible for building and maintaining stakeholder relationships. The director will help strengthen the agency's public voice, improve the coordination of engagement practices across projects and programs, and guide major agency-wide initiatives related to visibility, identity, and stakeholder understanding. This role collaborates with other members of the leadership team on short- and long-term strategic planning; the establishment of agency-wide goals, policies, and procedures; and the overall management and operations of the agency. Key relationships of the Director of Public Affairs and Communications include the four other directors on the leadership team, the Executive Director, and the Deputy Executive Director, to whom the role reports.

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.

• Expertise in public sector communications, branding, marketing, public relations, editorial processes, and visual design principles

• Experience managing teams

• Project, campaign, and meeting management skills, especially for complex, multi-stakeholder projects

• Experience with community and employee engagement

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and engage diverse audiences

• Experience developing budgets and managing resources

• A bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, public management, business, planning, or a related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience, including progressively more responsible managerial experience for at least five of those years; or a master's degree in one of these fields with at least 8 years of relevant experience, including progressively more responsible managerial experience for at least five of those years.

Additional highly desirable skills and qualifications:

• Experience leading large-scale initiatives and projects

• Experience working with public sector agencies

• Experience serving as a spokesperson

• Experience managing a brand or monitoring brand compliance

• Familiarity with the Boston region and its transportation systems and stakeholders

• Ability to effectively manage and collaborate with external consultants, partners, and vendors

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices

• Familiarity with Office 365, Google Workspace, and Asana or related software

• A sense of humor and a sense of adventure

This is a full-time position. The starting salary range is $125,000 – $135,000 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. Learn more about the agency's offerings to employees via bostonmpo.org/careers.