Chief Executive Officer & President

Chief Executive Officer & President – Boston Municipal Research Bureau

Location: Boston, MA 02108

Founded in 1932, the Boston Municipal Research Bureau (Research Bureau) is a cornerstone of Boston’s civic landscape, dedicated to providing rigorous, data-driven research, analysis, and recommendations regarding the city’s 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. As Boston confronts increasingly complex urban challenges, the Research Bureau’s role in enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of Boston’s government and in shaping a more equitable and prosperous city has never been more critical.

The Opportunity

The next Chief Executive Officer and President (CEO) of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau (the Research Bureau) will inherit a remarkable legacy of being an indispensable voice for fiscal responsibility and government efficiency in Boston. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a strategic leader to build on this legacy, guiding the Research Bureau into its next chapter with a renewed focus on its mission to provide objective and impartial research and policy analysis in addressing the key challenges and opportunities facing Boston today. Additionally, the new CEO will need to build the organization’s membership and shore up its finances to ensure the Research Bureau has the resources to thrive.

To advance this impactful mission, the CEO has the opportunity to:

• Safeguard independence, objectivity, and public trust by producing fact-based, timely, impartial research and independent oversight.
• Address evolving urban challenges such as housing affordability, climate resilience, transportation, and economic inequality by delivering insightful and actionable analysis and recommendations.
• Maximize the Research Bureau’s impact through effective communication strategies to an array of audiences.
• Ensure the Research Bureau’s financial sustainability through innovative ways to expand membership, increase event sponsorships, and build effective philanthropic fundraising.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Strategic, Adaptable Leader

• Work with board leaders to envision the future and develop strategic objectives.
• Be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances, ensuring the Research Bureau adjusts its strategies accordingly.

Research-Driven and Policy-Savvy

• Uphold the Research Bureau’s reputation for producing high-quality, data-driven research, analysis, and recommendations.
• Leverage an intellectual curiosity and commitment to policy analysis to ensure the Research Bureau’s work addresses Boston’s most significant urban challenges.

Independent and Objective

• Maintain the Research Bureau’s independence from electoral politics, acting as a neutral, fact-based voice.
• Balance a watchdog role while also collaborating with City of Boston leaders.

Communicator and Relationship Builder

• Serve as a visible, articulate leader and spokesperson for the Research Bureau.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Represent the organization effectively in the media.

Fundraiser and Resource Developer

• Lead efforts to increase revenue through expanded membership, event sponsorships, and partnerships with corporate and foundation funders.
• Develop strategies to retain and attract members.

Champion of Operational Performance and People

• Oversee operations, ensuring quality performance and efficient use of resources.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives.
• Manage a team of 4.5 FTE employees, as well as coop students, contract services, and vendors.

Proponent of Best Practices in Nonprofit Governance

• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of nonprofit governance.
• Partner effectively with the Board of Directors to ensure best practices in organizational oversight and financial management.

Measures of Success

In Year One:

• Conduct an organizational assessment to analyze financial health, operational performance, and market position.
• Establish presence as a visible, respected, and credible civic leader in Boston.
• Develop a research agenda that maintains the Research Bureau’s reputation for high-quality, data-driven research and policy analysis.
• Achieve measurable progress in increasing revenue.
• Implement best practices in nonprofit governance.
• Begin modernization of digital and data management tools.

Beyond Year One:

• Engage the Board and key stakeholders in strategic planning.
• Demonstrate the Research Bureau’s continued relevance and impact.
• Grow revenue and expand the membership base.
• Foster a collaborative organizational culture that attracts and retains top talent.
• Ensure the Research Bureau’s research, recommendations, and internal operations reflect a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Cement the Research Bureau’s reputation as a respected, independent voice in Boston.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $185,000 – $200,000 with a competitive benefits package.

Contact

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

Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out the Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

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 l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the Koya Partners website.

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