Director of Planning

ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Streets for Infrastructure & Design, the Director of Planning leads a team of transportation planners and analysts as the data analysis and plan development arm of the Streets Cabinet. This role provides a strategic, data-informed, and community-supported vision to guide capital projects, operational functions, and policy-making. The Director oversees divisions focused on information, data, research, neighborhood planning, and transportation systems planning to build and maintain safe, accessible streets. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Act as a technical advisor for boards and commissions, managing sensitive confidential information and communications between developers, attorneys, and public officials. - Develop and implement policies for neighborhood transportation action plans, prioritizing recommendations for future capital and state-of-good-repair work. - Provide leadership to develop and execute a strategic, data-driven transportation work plan, including resource allocation. - Lead citywide policy development for Streets planning with the authority to establish operating guidelines and public-facing service. - Manage and supervise a team of three or more direct-report group managers, including hiring, budgeting, staff assignment, performance reviews, and professional growth. - Oversee systematic collection, storage, and analysis of transportation data, including asset conditions, walking, biking, transit, traffic, and curbside use. - Prioritize and direct transportation research conducted in-house and by outside consultants to support cross-Cabinet needs. - Coordinate intake and assessment of transportation-related requests to maintain neighborhood-based expertise and on-the-ground needs assessment. - Manage and update strategic transportation networks and systems-level plans, including bike networks, transit networks, traffic circulation, and freight logistics. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - At least 10 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional or technical experience in urban/regional planning, land use planning, transportation engineering, or planning, including oversight of public transportation projects with various stakeholders. - At least 5 years of the required experience must be in a supervisory capacity (supervisory experience may not be substituted). - A bachelor's degree in urban planning, regional planning, engineering, transportation, or a related field is preferred and may substitute for 2 years of required experience. - A master's degree in the above-mentioned field is preferred and may substitute for 1 year of required experience. - Demonstrated track record in leading multidisciplinary teams to successfully complete transportation data, policy, and planning projects. - Demonstrated understanding of multimodal transportation policies and projects from planning through implementation and evaluation. - Knowledge of managing, implementing, and evaluating diverse programs with an eye toward data collection and continued improvement. - Familiarity with city or local government operations and the ability to build relationships across departments and levels of government. - Ability to prepare clear reports, direct research, and communicate effectively orally, graphically, and in writing. - Proficiency in modern productivity and collaboration tools, with good judgment and attention to detail. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Boston residency is required. - Experience with Boston Complete Streets Guidelines, and working knowledge of MUTCD, AASHTO, and FHWA guidelines are strongly preferred. - Candidates with a Master's Degree are strongly preferred. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be evaluated based on the candidate's education, professional experience, and supervisory track record against the minimum entrance qualifications. - Candidates may be assessed on their demonstrated understanding of multimodal transportation policies, data management, and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official City of Boston job portal before the posting end date. - For inquiries, contact: elisa.rodrigues-pires@boston.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Traffic Division, Streets Cabinet - Location: Pwd Central Off. Admin. Rm 714, Boston, MA - Job Type: Regular Full-Time - Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union / MM2-12 - Hours per week: 35 - Posting End Date: November 7, 2026 - The City of Boston is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.