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 intern on the Policy & Strategic Planning team will be part of a team that develops new policy for the MBTA while also planning for the organization's needs for the future.

 Depending on skills and interests, an intern would have an opportunity to work with all four business units within the Policy and Strategic Planning team. These include:

• The Transit Policy team: creates and maintains a set of rider-centered policies and guidelines for decision making that are grounded in fairness and inclusive of our diverse ridership, that are clear and easy to understand, and that are the product of a visible and transparent process.
• The Strategic Transit Planning team: creates, implements, and communicates decision making frameworks informed by our values, that inform the service we provide and help us to achieve our mission, vision, and values.
• The Fare Policy team: creates and revises fare policy to increase riders and ridership, address affordability and equity, provide sustainable revenue for the MBTA, and make the system more approachable.
• Capital Program Planning team: manages the development, implementation, and analysis of the MBTA's five-year Capital Investment Plan. We collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to assess our capital needs and build a program that advances the Authority's goals.

 The intern will receive guidance and mentorship from department leaders. The work may include researching and developing new rider-focused policies, supporting the implementation of the MBTA's strategic plan, supporting the development of long-term plans, and analyzing fare policies and products, including policy and operational decisions in preparation for a new, modernized fare payment system - AFC 2.0. This position engages with internal and external stakeholders to make tangible, positive impacts on riders.

• Assist MBTA staff to conduct due diligence on potential policy changes, including participating in discussions with peer agencies, reviewing published research and engaging internal stakeholders.
• Assist MBTA staff to prepare presentations for decision-makers and the public related to planning initiatives and recommended policy changes.
• Support MBTA staff with research and analysis to inform strategic planning and transit planning initiatives.
• Determine appropriate data inputs, clean and prepare data sets, and use data to create models which will support policy and operational decision making.
• Assist MBTA staff to effectively communicate insights and questions raised as the result of policy and data analysis to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 
• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate school program. 
• Interest in public service, transit, or transportation and how it operates.
• Experience with planning, policy analysis, and/or complex data analysis (e.g., some coursework, on-the-job experience, or other experiences).
• Experience working responsibly with sensitive items, systems, or data.
• Interest in learning about or deepening experience translating and framing complex data into clear choices and impacts.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail

None.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Students in public policy, public administration, business administration, urban planning, urban studies, public health, law, or a related field.

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 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
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 mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.