Program Specialist
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks a Program Specialist to implement
regional programs to enhance public safety in Greater Boston, with a particular focus on
helping the region prepare for and respond to natural or human-caused disasters through
work on behalf of the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC), as
well as preventing violence by or against youth and advancing equity in the criminal justice
system through work on behalf of the Metropolitan Mayors Community Safety Initiative
(CSI). The Specialist will work with other MAPC departments and staff, state and local
officials, first responders, community-based prevention partners, academic researchers,
and others to advance programs and projects that enhance the safety of people who live,
work, play, and learn in the MAPC region and beyond. The Specialist will be a member of
the Public Safety Division in the Municipal Collaboration Department, reporting directly to
the Director of Municipal Collaboration.
About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in
metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities involve sustainable development, advancing
equity, regional collaboration, and creating a climate-friendly region. 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 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 Department:
The Municipal Collaboration Department works to make our communities safer and more
resilient, improve the quality and efficiency of municipal services, modernize the operation
of local governments, help individual municipalities to resolve local problems, increase
coordination among municipalities to address common challenges, and procure goods and
services collectively for the benefit of our cities and towns. By leveraging federal, state,
regional, and local funding, the services we provide can vary over time to meet changing
needs.
The Public Safety Division within the Department provides program facilitation and
management to NERAC, helping the region to enhance public safety and prepare for
natural or human-caused disasters. The Division also brings together regional law
enforcement and prevention partners to combat youth violence and gang involvement
through law enforcement, job training, and after-school programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This is a writing-intensive position that works in collaboration with other staff members to
implement federal and state grants and manage projects that serve to enhance regional
homeland security preparedness and public safety efforts and decrease violence against
youth. This position also collaborates with other departments across the agency,
specifically the Public Health team, on specialized projects to advance equitable and
innovative health-focused public safety initiatives, including how best to address the
substance use disorder crisis. The Specialist must understand and be able to work within
complex systems such as emergency preparedness, criminal justice, education, and social
services, and understand data collection and analysis protocols.
Specific duties will include:
• Draft and ensure the completeness of approval documents, scopes of services, and
equipment specifications for grant funded projects;
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings that bring together grant stakeholders to
determine funding and project priorities to bolster the safety and security of area
communities;
• Work with stakeholders to research and develop project ideas and plans to meet
identified gaps in emergency preparedness, public safety, and youth empowerment
efforts;
• Monitor grant budgets and review, adjust, and process requests from stakeholders
for reimbursement of grant approved expenses;
• Develop and regularly track performance metrics to evaluate how grant funded
projects meet their objectives;
• Gather data and information for grant projects and complete state and federally
required reports;
• Develop policies and procedures for grant funded equipment and programs;
• Schedule events to include identifying appropriate facilities, registration of
attendees, and other logistics; and
• Research grant opportunities and draft grant applications to expand opportunities
to improve emergency preparedness and public safety in the region.
Evening events, occasional weekend events, and travel throughout Massachusetts
(approximately 1-2 times per month) 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 MBTA passes, a Zipcar account, and BlueBikes
membership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for this position should have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of
relevant work experience OR a Master’s degree and 1 year of relevant work experience.
The successful applicant will demonstrate all or most of the following skills:
• Ability to work with diverse communities and to focus on advancing equity in the
implementation of public safety programs;
• Knowledge of federal and/or state government grant processes and systems;
• Ability to proactively set priorities and multi-task without compromising attention to
detail;
• Excellent time management, organizational, and project management skills;
• Strong written and verbal communications skills with the ability to tailor messages
to specific audiences;
• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently in a resourceful and innovative
manner;
• Ability to effectively communicate and work within grant specific policies and
procedures;
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines;
• Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders and in a team environment;
• A professional demeanor and a positive “can do” attitude, with high public service
standards;
• Willingness to perform administrative functions as needed, such as filing,
photocopying, and database management; and
• Advanced computer skills including working with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook
and Adobe.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary ranges from $63,000 - $70,000, depending on qualifications and experience. 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
