Job Description

Overview

Chief Executive Officer & President

• Boston Municipal Research Bureau
• October 01, 2024
• Boston, MA

About the Research Bureau

Founded in 1932, the Research Bureau is a cornerstone of Bostons civic landscape, dedicated to providing rigorous, data-driven research, analysis, and recommendations regarding the citys services and finances. Renowned for its independence and objectivity, the Research Bureau serves as a trusted and vital resource to its members, policymakers, elected officials, journalists, and the public. The organization aims to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of Bostons government and to shape a more equitable and prosperous city.

The Research Bureau helps promote a more efficient, effective, and responsible city government by:

• Providing expert research and fact-based insights to initiate or support constructive action.
• Proactively tracking city operations and finances.
• Fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors on critical policy issues affecting the delivery of city services, promotion of economic health, and improved quality of life in Boston.
• Serving as a valued source for accurate information and opinion to Research Bureau members, government officials, the media, and the public.
• Promoting better public understanding of issues to stimulate informed citizen participation in city affairs.
• Addressing evolving challenges and opportunities critical to Bostons future.

Learn more about the Research Bureau at .

The Opportunity

The next Chief Executive Officer and President (CEO) of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau will inherit a legacy of being an indispensable voice for fiscal responsibility and government efficiency in Boston. This is an opportunity for a strategic leader to guide the Research Bureau into its next chapter with a focus on objective, impartial research and policy analysis, addressing key challenges and opportunities facing Boston today. The CEO will also work to build the organizations membership and financial sustainability.

To advance its mission, the CEO has the opportunity to:

• Safeguard independence, objectivity, and public trust by producing fact-based, timely, impartial research and independent oversight that earns broad respect.
• Preserve the Citys fiscal health and address evolving urban challenges (e.g., housing affordability, climate resilience, transportation, economic inequality) by delivering insightful analysis and recommendations considering local government constraints and long-term implications.
• Maximize impact through effective communication strategies to members, the business community, elected officials, policymakers, the media, and the public.
• Ensure financial sustainability by expanding membership, increasing event sponsorships, and building philanthropic funding.

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working with the Executive Committee, the CEO will lead operations and finances, represent the Research Bureau across Bostons civic landscape, and uphold fiscal accountability, inclusivity, and governance best practices to help Boston become a more efficient, equitable, thriving city.

The CEO will be a skilled communicator, adept at representing the organization in high-profile settings, including media engagements. The role requires political acumen and community engagement to ensure the Bureaus work resonates across diverse audiences and drives meaningful impact.

Candidate Profile

There is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success. Ideal candidates will display these qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Strategic, Adaptable Leader

• Thought Partnership: Work with board leaders to envision the future, set goals, and develop a roadmap to achieve strategic objectives.
• Adaptability: Be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances, combining foresight with agility.

Research-Driven and Policy-Savvy

• Research Integrity: Uphold the Bureaus reputation for high-quality, data-driven research and recommendations; develop and implement the research agenda.
• Policy Expertise: Leverage intellectual curiosity to ensure work addresses Bostons fiscal health and urban challenges.

Independent and Objective

• Political Independence: Maintain independence from electoral politics while navigating political dynamics diplomatically.
• Balanced Approach: Support long-term success of Boston while collaborating with City officials and staff.

Communicator and Relationship Builder

• Public Engagement: Serve as a visible leader and spokesperson for the Bureau.
• Relationship Management: Build relationships with stakeholders to advance goals.
• Media Management: Represent the Bureau with authority and elevate its work across media outlets.

Fundraiser and Resource Developer

• Revenue Enhancement: Lead efforts to increase revenue, including membership growth, event sponsorships, and grants.
• Membership Strategy: Retain and attract members with a compelling value proposition.

Champion of Operational Performance and People

• Operating Efficiency: Oversee operations and modernize infrastructure for research accessibility, communications, and engagement.
• Inclusive Culture: Foster a collaborative, diverse workplace with clear direction for staff.
• Performance Management: Manage a 4.5 FTE team, coop students, contractors, and vendors.

Proponent of Best Practices in Nonprofit Governance

• Governance Leadership: Ensure best practices in nonprofit governance and financial management.
• Board Collaboration: Engage the Board and Executive Committee in guiding strategy and sustainability.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• Master's degree in law, business, and/or public policy preferred, with 10+ years in relevant environments.
• Understanding of municipal government, finance, and policy.
• Ability to develop and execute a data-driven research agenda and influence policy dialogue.
• Credible, non-partisan thought leader with high integrity; willingness to take necessary positions for mission.
• Strong communication skills; ability to frame complex issues for diverse audiences; capable of leveraging multi-media and public speaking opportunities.
• Exceptional relationship-building; political acumen and diplomacy.
• Experience setting direction, managing priorities, and cultivating a positive work culture.
• Proven ability to increase revenue, member base, and philanthropic funds.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, detail-oriented with strategic focus and results orientation.
• Effective manager who can engage, empower, and retain staff and involve the board.

Measures of Success

In Year One:

• Organizational Assessment: Complete an assessment covering financial health, operations, staffing, market position, value proposition, and external environment.
• Enhanced Public Presence: Be a visible, credible civic leader in Boston across forums and media.
• Proactive/Responsive Research Agenda: Ensure a rigorous, unbiased research agenda addressing current and emerging issues.
• Revenue Growth: Increase revenue streams including membership, sponsorships, and grants.
• Strengthened Governance: Implement governance best practices with the Board and committees.
• Modernized Technology: Begin modernization of digital and data tools for accessibility and engagement.

Beyond Year One:

• Strategic Planning: Lead strategic planning with equity and inclusion as core components.
• Long-Term Impact: Demonstrate continued relevance and impact through high-quality research and recommendations.
• Revenue Growth: Grow revenue with an expanding membership base.
• Leadership and Culture: Foster a positive culture that attracts and retains talent.
• Engagement and Inclusivity: Ensure inclusive practices in research, engagement, and operations.
• Reputation and Influence: Strengthen the Bureaus reputation as an independent, non-partisan voice.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range is $185,000 - $200,000 with a benefits package.

Contact

Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, led by Alicia Salerno.

Submit a cover letter and resume by or emailing the search team directly at . All inquiries are confidential.

Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group is committed to reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance, please email . If selected for an interview, you will receive information about accommodations.

The Boston Municipal Research Bureau is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is a mission-driven search firm focused on leadership for nonprofits and related sectors. Diversified Search Group is recognized by Forbes as a top executive recruiting firm and emphasizes inclusive leadership and diversity in its work.

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