Address
Form of workThe Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks a Senior Regional Land Use Planner, who will work on a wide variety of local and regional projects in Greater Boston. These projects will focus on plans and regulatory changes that will have real impacts for our communities, are equity-oriented and intermunicipal, and promote housing and economic development in appropriate locations, while preserving the region's natural resources. MAPC aims to support Land Use that is sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient. The Senior Regional Land Use Planner will also help to evaluate and improve state laws, regulations, policies, and programs consistent with these values. The Senior Planner will work closely with state agencies, local officials, community groups, businesses, and institutions.
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 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 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 or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org
About the Land Use Department:
The Land Use Department comprises about 20 professional planners across 3 Divisions: Housing & Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, and Land Use Generalists. The Senior Regional Land Use Planner will be positioned within the Generalists Division, and will be assigned to a variety of projects to advance MAPC's strategic priorities and to achieve the goals outlined in MetroCommon2050. Projects within the Generalist Division include, but are not limited to, comprehensive plans, open space and recreation plans, corridor plans, transit-oriented development (TOD) studies, neighborhood and town center revitalization efforts, zoning analyses to implement the MBTA Communities statute, and design guidelines. Land Use staff often work with cities and towns to implement elements of these plans, especially revising zoning and permitting guidelines to achieve sustainable development goals.
- Help cities and towns to develop plans, policies, zoning, permitting procedures, and programs to achieve housing and economic development that is sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient;
- Advise various levels of government on policies and best practices;
- Collect, analyze, and interpret housing, economic, open space, and demographic data, crafting research, reports, presentation or testimony to share data and work with a wide variety of audiences;
- Remain informed about current planning issues, resources, and programs and provide input to MAPC's Land Use policy priorities;
- Help build the capacity of local stakeholders - including local governments and non-profit organizations - to help them pursue opportunities that advance sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient development;
- Take a lead role on more complex planning projects, some of which may be interdisciplinary, at times overseeing the project work of housing staff, economic development staff, data services staff, public engagement specialists, or other specialized MAPC staff; to draft, review and integrate others' contributions to assure coherence of the final product prior to public release;
- Develop new ideas and concepts in response to a changing context and to increase the relevance and impact of MAPC's planning and policy work; develop innovative actionable concepts that take into account the region's opportunities and challenges;
- Interact with environmental, economic development, transportation, housing and community development organizations, state agencies, and the public; and
- Conduct other planning activities as assigned to advance implementation of our regional plan, MetroCommon2050 and MAPC's strategic priorities.
Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:
- Familiarity with federal, state and local Land Use policy issues, laws, and regulations, as well as with state programs such as MBTA Communities "Section 3A" zoning, Chapter 40R zoning, Chapter 40B development regulations, Expedited Permitting, Smart Growth Zoning, Compact Neighborhoods, and other state program;
- Expertise in, and knowledge of, current best planning practices related to master planning, Land Use, economic development, open space and/or housing planning;
- Experience developing or implementing programs, plans, and zoning, bylaws/ordinances, permitting, or strategies (experience in Massachusetts is a plus);
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with community groups, government officials, and other key stakeholders, especially local elected and appointed officials;
- Experience providing professional planning assistance to local governments, showing advancement to progressively more complex projects over time;
- A strong interest to work in diverse settings (urban/suburban/rural), including BIPOC, low-income, and Environmental Justice communities;
- Experience in supervising staff working on complex Land Use planning projects and project management experience;
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting with colleagues as well as external partners;
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills, including ability to interpret data and to use GIS effectively;
- Strong skills and abilities in public process, facilitation, and collaboration; and
- A demonstrated commitment to advancing sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient development.
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary ranges from $78,000 - $88,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Master's Degree, AICP Certification, and additional experience a plus for higher salary range. 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 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.Employment Type: Full Time
