Senior Policy Analyst

MBTA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The MBTA is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst on the Strategic Research team within the Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI). You will lead transportation research projects from hypothesis through analysis to results for MassDOT and MBTA, with a focus on equity, climate, and data quality across multiple modes.

You will prioritize projects, coordinate data collection and analysis, and deliver findings to inform policy and practice while collaborating with diverse stakeholders in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; five years of relevant experience in transportation research or analysis.
• Experience with multiple data sources and research methods across transportation modes.
• Proficiency in GIS, SQL, Python, or R for data analysis and visualization.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to translate complex research into policy recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate transportation research across MassDOT and MBTA on equity, climate, and data quality.
• Prioritize and manage multiple research projects, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Communicate complex research findings to academic, practitioner, and decision-maker audiences.
• Establish standardized processes for work intake, prioritization, and release of findings.
• Support cross-team collaborations and contribute to the broader research agenda at OPMI.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Project management

GIS

SQL

Python

R

SPSS

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Senior Policy Analyst on the Strategic Research team in the Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) is responsible for leading and coordinating transportation research processes from hypothesis development, to field work and analysis, to delivery of results for multiple simultaneous research projects in all areas (and modes) of MassDOT and the MBTA. Major areas of focus will include issues of transportation equity, the changing transportation, climate, and economic environment, and the changing availability and quality of data for research and measurement.

This role has primary responsibility for prioritizing and managing transportation research projects undertaken by OPMI to support MassDOT and the MBTA. Research projects include both those specifically requested within the organization and those self-generated within OPMI, with a specific focus on how multiple transportation modes interact to create a transportation network. Projects may include research to support innovative measurement frameworks; design of pilot project evaluations, and general exploratory research.

To meet these responsibilities, the Senior Policy Analyst carries out projects involving data from all areas of transportation, including public transportation, active modes, and car-based modes, to support activities and decision-making by all divisions of MassDOT and the MBTA. Projects will include data assessment, collection, and cleaning, research and survey design, qualitative and quantitative data analysis. and best practice research.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of the broader research agenda at OPMI.
• Keep up to date and engaged in the research and analysis being done in the transportation field as well as the primary transportation challenges in the agency to bridge the gap between research and practice.
• As part of a collaborative team, prioritize and manage transportation research projects, including identifying research needs, conducting data collection and analysis, reporting results within and outside the organization, and using research results to inform practice.
• Communicate complex transportation research concepts to various audiences (academic, practitioners, decision-makers, etc.) as appropriate in order to contribute to the body of transportation research.
• Establish and maintain organized, efficient, and standardized processes for work intake, prioritization, resource allocation, quality control, and release of findings.
• Assist with other duties in OPMI as needed, including providing support to Performance Management and Data Strategy verticals and cross-team projects.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision

• No direct reports.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• Five (5) years of directly relevant experience in quantitative or qualitative analysis, research, or project management in transportation or related field.
• Relevant experience includes all steps of the research process: generating hypotheses, acquiring appropriate data from primary or secondary data sources, and collecting new data when necessary. filtering and cleaning data. conducting appropriate statistical analyses, including correcting for data inadequacies, and developing actionable recommendations, reports, and visualizations.
• Expertise in at least one approach to advanced data analysis (e.g. GIS, SQL, Python, R, SPSS, or other).
• Strong critical thinking and written communication skills along with ability to collaborate effectively with variety of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Effective organizational, analytical, quantitative, qualitative, multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, take direction, and work independently, and ability to resolve issues with creative and collaborative approaches.
• Advanced expertise in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to successfully complete a timed assessment demonstrating their ability to analyze data, synthesize findings into actionable policy recommendations, and develop a supporting slide deck.

Substitutions

• A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience working within public-sector transportation agencies or similar large, multi-modal transportation systems, preferably with exposure to MassDOT, MBTA, or comparable entities.
• Advanced proficiency in multiple analytical tools (e.g., R for statistical modeling, Python for workflow automation, GIS for spatial analysis, or SQL for building scalable data pipelines).

Job Conditions

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers And Definitions

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [e-mail] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.