Chief Executive Officer & President
Founded in 1932, the 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 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 Boston’s future.
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 and effectiveness 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. In addition, 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.
The landscape of member-focused nonprofits and advocacy groups is often dominated by organizations that represent specific industries or special interests. In contrast, on behalf of its wide-ranging members, the Research Bureau is dedicated to the broader effort of fostering a thriving city and effective government through comprehensive analysis of municipal operations, policies, and finances. 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 that earns respect across the political spectrum.
- Preserve the City’s fiscal health and address evolving urban challenges such as housing affordability, climate resilience, transportation, and economic inequality by delivering insightful and actionable analysis and recommendations that consider the constraints of local government and the totality of public interest implications.
- 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.
Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with the Executive Committee, the CEO is charged with sustaining and enhancing the Boston Municipal Research Bureau’s operational and financial health while providing clear and thoughtful leadership to the staff. In this highly visible role, the CEO will represent the Research Bureau across Boston’s civic landscape, ensuring the organization remains a respected and influential voice.
The CEO will be a skilled and strategic communicator, adept at representing the organization in high-profile settings, including the media. A core aspect of the Research Bureau’s mission is its ability to effectively communicate and influence, and the CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering this message. Politically astute and deeply engaged with the community, the CEO will build and maintain relationships with key constituencies, ensuring the Bureau’s work resonates across diverse audiences and drives meaningful impact.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal 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 objectives.
- Adaptability: Be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances.
- Research-Driven and Policy-Savvy:
- Research Integrity: Uphold the Research Bureau’s reputation for producing high-quality, data-driven research.
- Policy Expertise: Leverage commitment to research and policy analysis.
- Independent and Objective:
- Political Independence: Maintain the Research Bureau’s independence from electoral politics.
- Balanced Approach: Maintain the Research Bureau’s watchdog role while collaborating with city leaders.
- Communicator and Relationship Builder:
- Public Engagement: Serve as a visible, articulate leader for the Research Bureau.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Media Management: Represent the organization with authority and expertise.
- Fundraiser and Resource Developer:
- Revenue Enhancement: Lead efforts to increase revenue and funding sources.
- Membership Strategy: Develop strategies to retain and engage members.
- Champion of Operational Performance and People:
- Operating Efficiency: Oversee the Research Bureau’s operations.
- Inclusive Culture: Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace.
- Performance Management: Manage a team, providing guidance and direction.
- Proponent of Best Practices in Nonprofit Governance:
- Governance Leadership: Ensure adherence to the highest standards of nonprofit governance.
- Board Collaboration: Partner effectively with the Board of Directors.
In addition, strong candidates will offer:
- Master’s degree in law, business, and/or public policy preferred, with 10+ years of experience.
- Understanding of municipal government, finance, and policy.
- Ability to develop and execute a high-quality, data-driven research agenda.
- Credible and respected thought leader with high standards and integrity.
- Skilled, persuasive communicator.
- Exceptional relationship-builder, politically astute, and diplomatic.
- Experienced at setting an organization’s direction.
- Proven ability to increase revenue and develop a member base.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented.
- Effective manager, able to engage and empower staff.
Measures of Success
In Year One:
- Organizational Assessment: Lay the groundwork for strategic planning.
- Enhanced Public Presence: Establish presence as a respected civic leader.
- Proactive/Responsive Research Agenda: Ensure the Research Bureau’s research agenda is rigorous and unbiased.
- Revenue Growth: Achieve measurable progress in increasing revenue streams.
- Strengthened Governance: Implement best practices in nonprofit governance.
- Modernized Technology: Begin the modernization of digital and data management tools.
Beyond Year One:
- Strategic Planning: Engage stakeholders in strategic planning.
- Long-Term Impact: Demonstrate the Research Bureau’s continued relevance.
- Revenue Growth: Grow revenue to ensure long-term financial health.
- Leadership and Culture: Foster a positive, collaborative organizational culture.
- Engagement and Inclusivity: Ensure commitment to diverse practices.
- Reputation and Influence: Cement the Research Bureau’s reputation as a leading voice.
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, which is being led by Alicia Salerno.
Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at . All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
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.
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