CommonWealth Magazine
Senior Economic Development Planner — Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
CommonWealth Magazine, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Senior Economic Development Planner, who will work on a wide variety of local and regional projects to advance sustainable andequitableeconomic development, covering such topics as workforce development, commercial and industrial real estate development, and job creation and retention. This includes helping cities and towns to develop plans, zoning, and other policies tofacilitateeconomic development. The planner will also play a key role in advancing partnerships with workforce development providers to increaseequitableaccess to employment opportunities for the residents of Metro Boston.
The planner will also help to evaluate and recommend improvements in state laws, regulations, policies, and programs consistent with the values described inMetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together ,the regional land use and policy plan.
About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston.Our strategic priorities are sustainable development and preservation, advancing equity in the region, collaboration across municipal lines, and developing a climate-friendly and resilient region.We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 120full-time employeeslocatedin downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work.Employees mustresidewithin a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office.
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to developnew ideasto 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 andequitablefuture foreveryone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC orMetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org .
About the Department:
The Land Use Department comprises three divisions: Economic Development, Housing, and General Land Use Planning. Together, the Department advances sustainable and equitable development, economic resilience, economic opportunity, and healthy, complete neighborhoods. This work occurs through local technical assistance projects, regional projects that highlight trends and best practices, local capacity building, and policy advocacy to reform state and local laws, regulations, and programs. The Department includes nearly twenty professional planners who are committed to advancing racial equity and sustainable land use through planning, policy development, and community engagement. The Senior Economic Development Planner reports to the Chief of Economic Development; the position provides an opportunity to shape the strategic direction for economic development and land use policies within local communities and across Greater Boston. Further information is available here .
Job Responsibilities
Leadandparticipateinmultiple, concurrentlarge, complexeconomic developmentprojects, often working together with a team,that may include, but are not limited to:
Municipalplans, policies, zoning,permittingprocedures, and programs to achieve economic development that is sustainable,equitable, and climate-resilient; Municipal,localand regionalworkforce developmentstrategies, with a focus on quality employment, living wage career pathways, financial inclusion, and wealth creation for lower income individuals; Market and feasibility analyses to understand the potential for new commercial, industrial, retail, and mixed-use development;
Supportimplementation ofMAPC’sComprehensive Economic Development Strategy(CEDS); Assistmunicipal and institutional partners to conceptualize andinitiateindustry-specific workforce development programs; research local and national labor market trends to launch or reorient workforce programs to respond to growing labor market demand in specific sectors; Help build thecapacityof local stakeholders – including local governments, chambers of commerce, and businesses – to pursue such opportunities where they will advance sustainable,equitable, and climate-resilient activities; Participate in developing and implementing interdisciplinary projects to advanceequitableeconomic development, through partnerships with other MAPCdivisions anddepartments (e.g., Housing, Arts & Culture, and Public Health), as well as state agencies and external advocates and stakeholders; Developnew ideasand concepts in response to a changing context and to increase the relevance, impact, and sustainability of MAPC’s planning and policy work, innovating and developing actionable concepts thattake into accountthe region’s opportunities and challenges; When necessary for projects,overseeand guide the work conducted by otherplanningandengagement staff; Speak in public about MAPC programs and its economic development efforts; and Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel area responsibilityfor 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 indifferent partsof the region. MAPC provides support for travel, includingMBTA passes,a Zipcaraccount,and BlueBikes membership. Qualifications
Candidates for this position must have either aBachelor’sdegree with a major in planning, public policy/administration, economic development, or a closely related field and at least 6 years of relevant job experience;ORaMaster’sdegree in one of these fields plus at least 4 years of relevant professional experience. Successful candidates for this position willdemonstrateall or most of the following: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with community groups, government officials, business organizations and other key stakeholders, including local elected and appointed officials; Experience providing professional planning and/or economic developmentassistanceto local governments; Strong relationship management skills, including cultivating andmaintainingproductive and effective relationships externally and internally with the ability to effectively manage committees and coordinate diverse stakeholders; Knowledge of key practices in workforce development, including building of strategic partnerships to address employers’ workforce needs and bolster the region’s competitiveness; Knowledge and understanding of how particular approaches including on-the-job training, job shadowing, sector-based training and placement, and apprenticeship pathways connect to and extend the impact of workforce development models; Knowledge and understanding of real estate dynamics, and an ability to evaluate commercial and industrial sites, initiatives, and projects; Knowledge and understanding of workforce development strategies, as these relate to the distinct needs and opportunities of specific populations, including disability communities, immigrants, returning, formerly incarcerated citizens, BIPOC, and other populations, with a particular emphasis on lower-income individuals; (experience with specific strategies related to living wages and quality employment a plus); Strong research, writing, and communication skills and the ability to gather, analyze, and track data trends and labor market statistics to inform effective program designs – the ability to use GIS is a plus; and Ability to advocate for sustainable land use practices and greater equity throughout Metro Boston, especially in housing, employment, and other issues. Preferred : Master’s degree in a related field; AICP certification. Benefits & Compensation
The Senior Economic Development Planner salary ranges from $79,000 – $89,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Master’s Degree, AICP Certification, and additional experience are a plus for the high end of the salary range. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits, a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to professional development. How to Apply: Apply online atwww.mapc.org/jobs . The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates shouldsubmita cover letter and resume. Candidates selectedto interviewwill be asked tosubmitthree (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 indifferent partsof the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us todeterminework 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 moreequitableworkplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see ourEquity at MAPC page.
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Leadandparticipateinmultiple, concurrentlarge, complexeconomic developmentprojects, often working together with a team,that may include, but are not limited to:
Municipalplans, policies, zoning,permittingprocedures, and programs to achieve economic development that is sustainable,equitable, and climate-resilient; Municipal,localand regionalworkforce developmentstrategies, with a focus on quality employment, living wage career pathways, financial inclusion, and wealth creation for lower income individuals; Market and feasibility analyses to understand the potential for new commercial, industrial, retail, and mixed-use development;
Supportimplementation ofMAPC’sComprehensive Economic Development Strategy(CEDS); Assistmunicipal and institutional partners to conceptualize andinitiateindustry-specific workforce development programs; research local and national labor market trends to launch or reorient workforce programs to respond to growing labor market demand in specific sectors; Help build thecapacityof local stakeholders – including local governments, chambers of commerce, and businesses – to pursue such opportunities where they will advance sustainable,equitable, and climate-resilient activities; Participate in developing and implementing interdisciplinary projects to advanceequitableeconomic development, through partnerships with other MAPCdivisions anddepartments (e.g., Housing, Arts & Culture, and Public Health), as well as state agencies and external advocates and stakeholders; Developnew ideasand concepts in response to a changing context and to increase the relevance, impact, and sustainability of MAPC’s planning and policy work, innovating and developing actionable concepts thattake into accountthe region’s opportunities and challenges; When necessary for projects,overseeand guide the work conducted by otherplanningandengagement staff; Speak in public about MAPC programs and its economic development efforts; and Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel area responsibilityfor 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 indifferent partsof the region. MAPC provides support for travel, includingMBTA passes,a Zipcaraccount,and BlueBikes membership. Qualifications
Candidates for this position must have either aBachelor’sdegree with a major in planning, public policy/administration, economic development, or a closely related field and at least 6 years of relevant job experience;ORaMaster’sdegree in one of these fields plus at least 4 years of relevant professional experience. Successful candidates for this position willdemonstrateall or most of the following: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with community groups, government officials, business organizations and other key stakeholders, including local elected and appointed officials; Experience providing professional planning and/or economic developmentassistanceto local governments; Strong relationship management skills, including cultivating andmaintainingproductive and effective relationships externally and internally with the ability to effectively manage committees and coordinate diverse stakeholders; Knowledge of key practices in workforce development, including building of strategic partnerships to address employers’ workforce needs and bolster the region’s competitiveness; Knowledge and understanding of how particular approaches including on-the-job training, job shadowing, sector-based training and placement, and apprenticeship pathways connect to and extend the impact of workforce development models; Knowledge and understanding of real estate dynamics, and an ability to evaluate commercial and industrial sites, initiatives, and projects; Knowledge and understanding of workforce development strategies, as these relate to the distinct needs and opportunities of specific populations, including disability communities, immigrants, returning, formerly incarcerated citizens, BIPOC, and other populations, with a particular emphasis on lower-income individuals; (experience with specific strategies related to living wages and quality employment a plus); Strong research, writing, and communication skills and the ability to gather, analyze, and track data trends and labor market statistics to inform effective program designs – the ability to use GIS is a plus; and Ability to advocate for sustainable land use practices and greater equity throughout Metro Boston, especially in housing, employment, and other issues. Preferred : Master’s degree in a related field; AICP certification. Benefits & Compensation
The Senior Economic Development Planner salary ranges from $79,000 – $89,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Master’s Degree, AICP Certification, and additional experience are a plus for the high end of the salary range. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits, a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to professional development. How to Apply: Apply online atwww.mapc.org/jobs . The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates shouldsubmita cover letter and resume. Candidates selectedto interviewwill be asked tosubmitthree (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 indifferent partsof the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us todeterminework 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 moreequitableworkplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see ourEquity at MAPC page.
#J-18808-Ljbffr