Executive Director

What we’re looking for:

WalkBoston is looking for an Executive Director to lead the organization into an exciting next phase
which will include implementing the newly developed Strategic Plan, expanding our organizational reach
statewide, and continuing our advocacy and organizing efforts in support of safe pedestrian
infrastructure and public policy.

Who we are and what we do:

WalkBoston, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization, makes walking safer and easier in
Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment and more vibrant communities. We
have a vision of a Massachusetts where people walking – no matter their race, identity, age, ability, or
lived experience – feel safe, connected, and valued on our streets and sidewalks. Our small, committed
staff work as a team to make change: whether it’s getting a crosswalk painted in a neighborhood or
influencing Massachusetts state policy to make streets safer for all. Key to our effort is the value we place
in Community, Equity, and Partnership.

As the first pedestrian advocacy organization in the country, for over 30 years WalkBoston has been an
industry leader and cutting-edge advocacy organization. As an innovator in the walkability field,
WalkBoston has helped pass legislation and write pedestrian design manuals; created walks, maps and
wayfinding systems; led the nation’s first Safe Routes to School program; promoted healthy living
campaigns; and publicized the economic value of good walking environments for business success.
We’ve used tactical urbanism and social media to tell people’s stories to help make changes to street
design, policies, and to drive public sentiment for projects.

What the Executive Director will do:

Our next Executive Director will lead the organization and further our mission of making walking safer
and easier in Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment, and more vibrant
communities. The Executive Director will be a leader who believes in WalkBoston’s mission, vision and
values, and is an excellent communicator and coalition builder with a demonstrated commitment to
racial equity principles. The Executive Director will be tasked with implementing our newly developed
equity-centered Strategic Plan.

The Executive Director will uphold WalkBoston’s values of community, equity and partnership and work
towards a Massachusetts where people walking - no matter their race, identity, age, ability, or lived
experience - feel safe, connected, and valued on our streets and sidewalks.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a track record in managing budgets, staff, and fundraising
and/or comfort with asking for money. Professional or lived experience in the following is desired but not
required; fundraising for a small non-profit, advocating or organizing among diverse populations,
knowledge of transportation planning, urban planning, or public health, and board recruitment /
retention.

WalkBoston is seeking a diverse (race, age, geography, background and experience) candidate pool. The
Executive Director is a leader who can apply a varied set of professional and lived experiences to the
betterment of WalkBoston. We encourage individuals to apply who share a passion for our vision,
mission, and values and enjoy contributing ideas on how we can become stronger as an organization.

Job responsibilities:
Administration and Management
Lead 5 to 6 person staff to execute day-to-day responsibilities that further the mission and achieve the
strategic plan.
Hire, supervise, and evaluate all staff while maintaining up-to-date human resources practices and
protocols for the organization.
Develop annual operating budget, monitor grant and contract budgets, review monthly financial reports,
oversee payroll, and manage our accountant and bookkeeper consultants.

Program Support
Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence in advocacy initiatives and grant-funded projects. Guide and
support staff to ensure program goals and deliverables are met.
Monitor new program development to advance WalkBoston’s reach in Massachusetts.
Maintain relationships with state agencies, municipal staff, advocates, allied organizations, and subject
matter experts to stay informed of and shape policies and project implementation.

Fundraising
Oversee implementation of annual fundraising plan with the Deputy Director of Operations.
Cultivate relationships with various organizations, foundations, corporate and individual donors, and
perform other donor stewardship activities.
Negotiate fee-for-service agreements with partners dedicated to the advocacy and awareness building
goals of the organization.

Board of Directors Coordination
Meet regularly with the Board of Directors (currently 10 evenings/year) to provide program, financial,
and advocacy updates. Solicit feedback and input from Board members to shape WalkBoston advocacy
initiatives, policies, and procedures.
Meet regularly with the Executive Committee to review monthly financials, set Board meeting agendas,
and address any other organizational issues.
Support recruitment and training of new board members.
Develop and maintain relationships with Board members to best support their engagement with the
organization.

Desired qualifications:
Expertise in non-profit and/or business management, including but not limited to skills in organizational
structure, operations, and finance.
Strong public presentation skills to represent the organization in the media and other public forums.
Collaborative leadership style that values broad perspectives and provides an environment for people of
all races, genders, abilities, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive.
Coalition builder.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity principles.
Lives in or willing to move to Massachusetts.

Compensation:
Full-time position (37.5 hours/week)
Annual salary range: $90,000 - $110,000 based upon prior work experience
Standard benefits include holiday compensation, paid time off, health insurance, and flexible scheduling.
In-state travel is required.
Availability for occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours is required.

Currently, WalkBoston staff is working on a hybrid model, with a flexible number of days spent in-person.
We have a shared office space at the CIC in Downtown Boston which we share with several other
transportation advocacy organizations.

If you are interested in the job but do not meet all the desired skills and qualifications, please do not
hesitate to apply! The successful candidate will meet many of the requirements listed and will
undoubtedly grow into others.

WalkBoston is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity
employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, ability,
age, or veteran status. We work hard to ensure diverse slates of candidates for openings at our company.

To apply email a resume and cover letter answering the question “What relevant experience, skills and
assets would you bring to the role of Executive Director?” to jobs@walkboston.org by December 16th

To apply email a resume and cover letter answering the question “What relevant experience, skills and
assets would you bring to the role of Executive Director?” to jobs@walkboston.org by December 16th