The Boston Cyclists Union’s mission is to transform the streets of greater Boston into equitable and inviting people-centered spaces affording access and connection for every body. We accomplish this through organizing, advocacy, public actions, and holding city and state agencies accountable to build out the network of safe, protected bike infrastructure.

We envision a Greater Boston where people, especially those of color, elders, youth, female-identified people and those who have historically been most vulnerable can safely ride for transportation and leisure on a network of connected, low-stress and physically separated infrastructure year round. As a result, Boston will be a city where residents are healthier, neighborhoods greener with less pollution from motor vehicles, and traffic congestion eased as more and more opt to ride a bike to reach their destinations.

The BCU seeks an Executive Director (ED) who is collaborative, results-oriented, forward-thinking and dedicated to our mission. You do not need to be a bicycle rider, but you must share our core values of people power, dignifying each person, mobility justice, joy and freedom, and sustainability.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for organizational leadership and management, oversight of program implementation and evolution, board development and engagement, fundraising, operations, and fiscal and legal oversight.

• Staff Development & Supervision

  • Maintain an effective and satisfied team of staff

  • Lead, manage, develop, and support several direct-report staff

  • Oversee the hiring process and onboarding of new staff, as needed

  • Oversee programs including organizing, fundraising, and membership

• Serve as the Public Face of the Organization

  • Liaise with local and state elected officials and decision makers

  • Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations

  • Serve as the default liaison with the media

• Board Development and Engagement: The ED serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and its four committees.

  • Build relationships and maintain open communication at board meetings (currently, six evenings / year) and in other settings.

  • Participate in committee meetings and prepare materials as required

  • Work with Board to ensure organization’s work is in line with the BCU’s strategic plan, and update the plan when needed

• Development:

  • Oversee individual membership fundraising and events

  • Develop strong relationships with existing major donors (foundations, individuals), including proactive communications and cultivation

  • Work with Board of Directors and Development Committee to evolve and implement fundraising strategy

  • Pursue additional funding via foundations and other opportunities

• Operations and Administration:

  • Oversee the BCU’s budget to ensure a financially viable, sustainable organization with the resources to meet current and projected program growth.

  • Meet regularly with Executive Committee to review financials, set Board meeting agendas, and report on other organizational issues

  • Ensure organization has up to date and appropriate business (stuff?) including insurance, employment policies, etc.

  • Approve expenses, pay bills, ensure payroll and bank reconciliation are accurate

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Close alignment with our mission. Whether you ride a bicycle or not, you are passionate about transforming the streets of greater Boston into equitable and inviting people-centered spaces.

• Strong track record of leadership. You have held senior leadership positions in other organizations. Your colleagues trust you. You have made hard decisions yourself and you have held decision makers accountable.

• A deep commitment to equity and inclusion in your work. You have a successful track record of building effective, inclusive coalitions. You are deeply committed to racial equity and have a record to show it. You are comfortable letting others lead. You value lived experience in all aspects of the job.

• Excellent people-management skills. You can motivate people and teams to bring their best selves to the task at hand. You have managed teams and have had people reporting directly to you. You give constructive and meaningful feedback that empowers staff. You know when to delegate.

• Knowledge of the political process and how to effect change. You care about changing the political landscape to prioritize access and equity.

• Strong communication and relationship building skills. You know how to listen to, and build relationships with, community members, partners, decision makers, funders and the media. You bring people together to get things done.

• Experience raising money for nonprofit organizations. You know how to foster alignment and collaboration around both big goals and essential details. You have worked with at least one Board of Directors at another nonprofit.

Salary: $95,000-$100,000

Location: Boston

Benefits include health and dental insurance offerings (including 100% health insurance monthly premium coverage by employer for individuals and 75% for individual+; 80% dental insurance monthly premium coverage by employer for the individual employee); retirement plan with employer match; three weeks of paid vacation in the first year along with paid federal holidays, five personal days, and paid sick time; $50 monthly reimbursement for cell phone use; and a commitment to training and professional development opportunities. Staff can work from home (with a stipend) or in the office though this position does require presence at in-person events, rides, and engagement opportunities.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. NRG Consulting Group is conducting this search. Please contact 

jo**@nr****************.org











 with questions.

Boston Cyclists Union is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that staff with a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability or political orientation.

We strongly encourage applicants to submit their application as soon as possible. Women, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.