Director

Organization

Transportation for Massachusetts 

Location

Boston, MA

Organization Overview

Founded in 2011, Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) is a diverse coalition of more than 50 organizations working together to create safe, convenient, climate-friendly and affordable transportation for everyone. We advocate for transportation funds to be spent fairly and wisely, for transportation decisions that are transparent and accountable, and to ensure that our transportation system has sufficient resources to meet tomorrow’s needs throughout the state.  We are committed to advancing transportation options that reverse racial and economic disparities.

The member organizations of our coalition represent and serve people who take transit, walk, bike and drive. This diversity and strength, coupled with the deep expertise of our members in transportation, economic development, health, housing, and the environment, give Transportation for Massachusetts a unique role in advocating for lasting, positive change for a stronger commonwealth.

Our goal is to ensure that the state sets transportation priorities to meet tomorrow’s needs. To do this, we work with the legislature to support laws that provide adequate revenue for transportation, with appropriate accountability and reform. We work with the administration to ensure transportation decisions result in better public, environmental, and climate health and boost economic opportunity and development. And we work with local and regional leaders and transportation advocates across the state to identify and support the projects and priorities that are essential to support thriving communities.

The coalition has won a variety of policy victories, ranging from keeping transit fares affordable to securing new funding for regional bus agencies, the MBTA, safer roads and bridges, and complete streets. For more information, please visit: www.t4ma.org

Job Description

The Director will build on T4MA’s successful policy advocacy, public education and outreach to create a statewide network of supporters and successfully craft and lead issue campaigns. Specifically, s/he will inspire all of T4MA’s members and constituents, and collaboratively marshal the talent and resources necessary to implement the remaining two years of our strategic plan. At the same time, the Director will prepare for and help design T4MA’s future.

This is a compelling opportunity for a seasoned policy strategist, relationship- and coalition-builder as well as an entrepreneurial, disciplined manager who is passionate about advancing an effective policy agenda that generates action to protect our climate while increasing mobility for all. 

Coalition Leadership, Policy and Advocacy

• Advocate for transformative public policy change by setting and driving the implementation of multiple state issue campaigns in partnership with coalition members;
• Staff and engage the coalition’s Executive Committee to ensure well-informed decision-making, timely action, and that all perspectives are heard;
• Link disparate groups, non-traditional partners and resources into effective statewide advocacy campaigns;
• Balance short-term legislative and policy needs with the long-term need to influence public opinion and secure adequate funding for transportation investments;
• Deepen partnerships with public agencies while also calling for accountability;
• Identify a research agenda and work with partners to scope and deliver research products (reports, white papers, forums);
• Monitor and influence trends related to transportation policy and investments;
• Advance an active learning agenda for coalition members.

 Management

• Develop a coalition-wide workplan -- with multiple, linked strategies -- and budget, as well as oversee the implementation of all strategies by coalition members and a small, talented staff;
• Raise the coalition’s annual budget through philanthropic fundraising, and the identification of other sources of revenue;
• Recruit, manage and mentor a committed staff (4 currently); ensure the optimal organizational structure, roles, responsibilities and training that meet T4MA’s evolving needs;
• Personally model a culture of collaboration and accountability;
• Oversee sound finances and operations, in partnership with the fiscal agent partner.

Communications and External Affairs

• Serve as one of the public faces of the coalition; champion T4MA’s mission externally to a variety of stakeholders: regularly speak at events, with the media, and with policymakers;
• Partner with and support grasstops and community-based leaders to advance transportation- and mobility-specific strategies;
• Ensure excellence and clarity of critical position papers, policy briefings and public education materials;
• Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues in other states; adapt best practices to MA.
• Transportation for Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage women and people of color to apply. 

Transportation for Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage women and people of color to apply. 

Qualifications

The Director will be a seasoned leader who is action- and results-oriented; resourceful and entrepreneurial; inclusive; adaptable and relationship-oriented with high emotional intelligence. He or she will bring:

• A significant track record:

  • advancing an ambitious policy agenda in transportation or a related field (such as urban planning, affordable housing, public health, or social justice or economic development).

  • engaging and unifying diverse stakeholder groups – across the public, nonprofit and business sectors – to develop and implement action-oriented strategies that lead to measurable policy outcomes.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to:

  • effectively represent the organization to a wide array of audiences (elected and appointed officials, community groups, business leaders)

  • authentically hear all points of view and drive consensus where possible, while also recognizing that, at times, hard decisions need to be made.

  • keep the Executive Committee and other key stakeholders informed of T4MA initiatives and issues important to advancing the strategic plan.

• A strong commitment to addressing climate change and social inequity as well as building economic prosperity and improving public health.

• Experience with diverse organizational cultures, including organizations rooted in and led by people of color and low income people. 

• Some familiarity with Massachusetts’ policy and political landscape (preferred).

 How to Apply

For more information, please contact Kathleen Yazbak and Babette Meyer at Viewcrest Advisors at: apply@viewcrestadvisors.com