Transformation Project Manager

boston planning & development agency

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT **

TITLE: TRANSFORMATION PROJECT MANGER

GRADE: L STATUS: EXEMPT

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: DIRECTOR’S OFICE

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Both the City of Boston and the BPDA are at a historic moment for guiding the Boston’s future where the need is great and the opportunity is equally large. A newly-formed Transformation Team will provide the problem solving, analytical skills, and interpersonal influence to shepherd the BPDA’s transformation and drive impact for the communities we serve. Help us continue to reimagine and reform how we serve Boston residents, to make sure our organization is evolving along with our city’s needs, in line with the Mayor’s message of change and with our core values.

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Transformation, and in extensive collaboration across the Agency, the Transformation Project Managers will be part of a small team responsible for leading, implementing, and coordinating transformation efforts at the BPDA. Transformation Project Managers will work in close coordination with current staff as subject matter experts to support managing working groups, facilitating internal and external workshops and synthesizing different perspectives. Transformation project managers will also work with a broad set of additional stakeholders including the Mayoral Administration, other government entities, private and nonprofit organizations, and community-based stakeholders to seek input and feedback on the effort. This role will be highly influential in developing both strategic and operational recommendations to BPDA leadership including the Chief of Planning on the future of planning and development in the City of Boston. Those recommendations/decisions will advance the desired outcomes of transparency, equity, trust, and alignment with citywide policies. To that end, changes for consideration include: reforming planning, development review, zoning code, community engagement, intergovernmental collaboration, and internal “enablers” (people, processes, technology).

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Transformation Project Manager will:

• Project manage; including managing different components of transformation, driving efficient progress, administrating for project needs, defining quality project-based outcomes, tracking budgets, and monitoring/reporting at milestones or regular intervals
• Bridge and navigate across internal and external departments, build strong interpersonal relationships through superior communication & empathy
• Produce slides, reports, memos, and/or other written forms to facilitate conversations, show qualitative and quantitative analysis, recommend, support decision-making, and communicate to internal and external stakeholders
• Support vision creation by engaging with City leadership, internal and external stakeholders, and communities served by the BPDA
• Support translating vision and ambitious goals into multi-year roadmap with recommendations for prioritization, sequencing, and resource management to deliver output and outcomes,
• Document existing operating procedures and, working with internal stakeholders, identify areas of misalignment with transformation goals
• Develop efficient and effective standard operating procedures institutionalize change without excessive bureaucracy and without stifling innovation and initiative
• Create, review, update onboarding and training documents and training plan to reflect organizational change
• Be inquisitive and think outside the box to identify opportunities to both bring best practices from other communities to Boston and to establish innovative leadership in structuring planning and development work
• Conduct effective internal communication at all levels of the organization
• Procure and manage consultants to support transformation work

In addition to the tasks above, the Transformation Project Manager may also perform other duties as assigned to advance the transformation priorities of the Agency. While by its nature the job of a Transformation Project Manager is inherently temporary, once reforms have been implemented the individual in this role will be in an excellent position to transition into permanent roles within reimagined functions of the Agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires 3+ years directly relevant experience.
  • Experience in project management, management consulting, or transformation / change management a strong plus
  • Certificate or Degree in related field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, design thinking, organizational development or related field); Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree or Certificate in change management replaces 1 year of experience, Master’s degree can replace 2 years of experience
• Big picture, strategic thinker balanced with detailed-oriented project management skills
• Influential, with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships and consensus in cross-functional stakeholder groups
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Self-motivated team player able lead cross functional groups through complex work
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Not deterred by challenges, but sees opportunities
• Excellent critical thinking
• Values-driven leader that priorities diversity, inclusivity, and public good
• Must exercise discretion and sound judgment and be capable of handling confidential and highly sensitive information with professionalism and unquestionable integrity

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Mostly office environment work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Little or no exertion; may spend extended periods at desk. May need to travel between the multiple BPDA sites

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT **