Policy Analyst

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, and sustainability 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.

The Policy Analyst will primarily support OPMI's performance management related projects and policy initiatives, providing analytical and project coordination support. The Policy Analyst will support departments across MassDOT and the MBTA to develop metrics that measure success for tracking progress towards transportation performance goals. The Policy Analyst will work on a variety of project teams, utilizing data analysis skills, general knowledge of the transportation system, and project management and communication skills. The Policy Analyst may support the following projects: MBTA's Service Delivery Policy and Bus Network Redesign, evaluation of the implementation of MassDOT's Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans, performance measure and operations support for the Registry of Motor Vehicles and MassDOT Highway Division, and target setting and annual production of the MassDOT Tracker report.

• Support all divisions, as needed, in developing performance measures and the reporting of these measures for a variety of initiatives. Ensure consistency in reporting and collection strategies across MassDOT and the MBTA.
• Support the implementation of the performance management target-setting and tracking process among all operational divisions at MassDOT and the MBTA.
• Support the production and publication of the MassDOT Annual Performance Report (Tracker).
• Perform a variety of analyses using Excel, GIS, R, or Python and other tools to calculate and develop metrics.
• Manage timelines, project milestones, and communications with internal and external partners.
• Develop written reports, PowerPoint presentations, and other communication materials.
• Maintain knowledge of transportation industry best practices to further performance of transportation system.
• Support and manage tasks for ad hoc OPMI projects, as needed.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in political science, history, urban planning, urban studies, mathematics, computer science, sociology, engineering, environmental policy, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Two (2) years' experience in policy, transportation and/or project management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, with multiple competing priorities/projects.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Must be able to pass MBTA Excel Assessment
• Experience writing and editing reports and policy documents.
• Ability to learn quickly, take direction, work independently, and use creative and collaborative approaches to resolve issues.
• Strong project management skills, including time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with data or spatial analysis (for example with Excel, Tableau, SQL, ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro, Python, or R).

• 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 degree from an accredited institution 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 year of experience.

• Understanding of transportation performance measures and best practices.
• Background in transportation-related work.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation, reporting requirements, and planning cycles.
• Knowledge of program or policy evaluation, performance metric development, transportation asset management, system operations, ITS, transportation modeling, planning, etc.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a 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 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 medical Clinic screening, potentially including a 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

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. 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.
2. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
3. 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.
4. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
5. 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.
6. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 or
10. 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