Senior Research Analyst: Qualitative and Mixed-Methods

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council seeks an innovative and mission-driven Senior Research Analyst to conduct policy-oriented research in support of a more equitable and sustainable region. The Senior Analyst will help MAPC to deepen its portfolio of qualitative and mixed methods research through the design, management, and implementation of research projects. Their work will span topics such as housing, racial equity, the digital divide, arts and culture, climate change, sustainable development and preservation, and more. 

Applicants must be proficient in qualitative and quantitative methods, possess strong communication and data storytelling skills, and be familiar with issues and topics relevant to regional planning. This is an ideal position for someone excited to apply robust and community-centered research methods to real-world applications in a large metropolitan region with a variety of social, environmental, and economic challenges. We seek an individual who is committed to advancing equity through just, inclusive, empowering, and data-informed public processes.  

The Senior Analyst will serve in MAPC’s Data Services Department, a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of planners, analysts, GIS professionals, and web developers using data and technology to support informed regional planning. The Data Services Department is recognized as a national leader in data dissemination, regional indicators, scenario modeling, spatial analysis, and open-source interactive websites. For more information about the department’s work, visit www.mapc.org/learn/research-analysis/. 

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 120 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 within 60 days of their position start-date. 

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  

• Support the design, management, and implementation of policy-oriented mixed methods and qualitative research addressing local, regional, and statewide issues impacting Metro Boston.
• Support MAPC’s growing practice in qualitative research, evaluation, and participatory action research by leading the Qualitative Methods Working Group and advising colleagues on how to build qualitative and participatory methods into their projects.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of novel and non-traditional datasets, such as online rental listings or arts and culture assets. Help determine whether and how such datasets could be used in research activities.  
• Summarize and communicate research results in narrative, visual, and digital formats for use in planning reports, policy briefs, public presentations, and other MAPC communications. Present findings to team members, stakeholders, and the general public in a variety of settings.
• Provide on-demand data analysis for MAPC’s executive leadership and other MAPC departments, municipal staff, the media, and other constituents. Quickly identify relevant datasets and provide summary statistics, maps, and key findings as requested.
• Build relationships with other agencies and allied organizations to support ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

• Carry out other functions as necessary to support the implementation of MetroCommon2050 and the work of the department and agency.

Candidates for this position should have either a Bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, sociology, public health, statistics, economics, or a related field, and at least 6 years of relevant professional experience; OR a Master’s degree in one of these fields plus at least 4 years of experience OR a PhD and 2 years of experience.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate most or all of the following:

• Demonstrated experience in mixed-methods research design, methods, and interpretation; experience with participatory action research preferred.
• Experience using NVivo, AtlasTi, Dedoose, or other computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software.
• Proficiency in R, Python, PostgresSQL or other statistical and data management tools.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) with experience presenting and writing research reports with detailed technical documentation. Ability to translate findings into compelling, data-driven narratives and visual presentations.
• Proficiency with diverse datasets from federal, state, and local agencies including the Decennial Census, American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and others.
• Successful experience working in interdisciplinary teams with colleagues from various topical backgrounds. 
• A commitment to advancing sustainable development and preservation, regional collaboration, equity, and progressive climate policy in Metro Boston. Fluency discussing various types of diversity, as they relate to data interpretation, policy, engagement, and research.
• Experience with program evaluation preferred. 
• Proficiency analyzing and visualizing spatial and tabular data preferred.
• Experience using GIS for mapping and spatial analysis preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regional planning topics, and experience with the planning and policy context of a metropolitan region, Metro Boston preferred. 

Compensation:

This is a full-time position. The starting salary ranges from $90,000 to $97,000 annually depending on qualifications and experience. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment. 

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. 

Salary : $90,000 - $97,000