Senior Government Affairs Specialist – Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Description

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Senior Government Affairs Specialist to help further the public policy goals of the agency. The Senior Specialist will help draft and analyze legislation, engage in strategic development with a dynamic team about how to advance legislative and policy campaigns, and work with coalition partners to advance our regional plan and our commitment to regional collaboration, smart growth, and equity.

About the Department: 
MAPC’s Government Affairs team is a 4-member team that advocates at the local, regional, state, and federal level. We work closely with municipal leaders and other allies and stakeholders, leading coalitions like the Metro Mayors Coalition and North Shore Coalition and legislative focused efforts. This position will report to the Director of Government Affairs. More information available here: https://www.mapc.org/get-involved/legislative-priorities/.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

Advocacy, analysis, writing, and policy responsibilities:

  • Develop policy strategies to implement MetroCommon2050 at the local and state level
  • Engage in direct outreach to the Legislature, Administration, Congressional delegation, municipal officials, and other allies to advocate for MAPC’s policy and budgetary priorities
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal officials, community, and advocacy groups and deepen relationships with the Congressional delegation
  • Engage and support coalitions to advocate for regional policy priorities that align with MAPC’s legislative and policy agenda with a focus on clean energy related priorities
  • Support the development of strategic policy priorities for the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, the Metro Mayors Climate Task Force and the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies
  • Develop key elements of the agency’s policy agenda and support data-driven policy and advocacy strategies, including leading advocacy efforts on key issues at the local, state, and federal level
  • Work with departments at MAPC to craft reports, fact sheets, and other materials to support our advocacy and policy agenda and advance legislative and policy solutions
  • Collaborate with other departments to best position MAPC and communities for federal funding

Administrative responsibilities:

  • Provide logistical support to the Government Affairs team and the Metro Mayors Coalition
  • Work with Legislators, the Administration, and municipal officials to host events in Boston and around the region 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 and BlueBikes membership.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in public policy, planning or a related field and at least 6 years of related experience, preferably in a public policy arena, OR a Master’s degree in public policy, planning, or a related field plus 4 years of relevant job experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.