Research and Organizational Change Management (OCM) Co Op Fall 2026
Job Description
Position Description
The Research and Organizational Change Management (OCM) Co Op will report to the Senior Director of Organizational Alignment and directly support the director and the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for MassDOT. The Administrative Office supports Fiscal, HR, IT, Property Services, and the Office of Real Estate and Economic Development at MassDOT and so, this position would indirectly support the department heads and senior staff of those departments.
The Co Op will have the opportunity to help shape long-term strategy for the organization and how the administrative groups support MassDOT's operating divisions (Highway, RMV, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit). The Co Op will be exposed to a variety of work focused on how to shift organizational culture in service of long-term goals. This role will be a mix of research, analysis, and practical change management activities.
The Co Op will take part in two major, ongoing change initiatives at MassDOT (among others): the implementation of departmental strategic plans (in alignment with MassDOT's upcoming Strategic Business Plan) and the Commonwealth-wide BEST Initiative which replaces legacy HR systems across the state and transforms many business processes along the way. The Co Op will have the opportunity to help craft and facilitate workshops, work closely with executive-level staff, and support both internal and external relationship management key to the agency's change management strategies.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Interpret and summarize available literature and research.
- Assist development and facilitation of workshops, strategy, events, and programs that intentionally work towards organizational change over time.
- Identify opportunities and create proposals for organizational change metrics.
- Create research plans and coordinate data collection to meaningfully measure behavioral shifts over time.
- Conduct surveys, "field" observations, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.
- Assist development of change management plans, strategic plans, and action plans for various initiatives and departments.
- Interpret and summarize behavioral, organizational, or sociological, etc. research for a variety of internal audiences, including executives.
- Provide literature reviews and reputable sources to support research summaries.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Enrollment, recent graduation, or experience in one or more of the following bachelor's or master's fields/programs: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Education, Sociology, Socioeconomics, Human Resources, Learning & Development, Change Management, Business Administration, Public Administration.
- Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong presentation skills and comfortable leading or facilitating meetings.
- Ability to summarize and share information in an effective way.
- Experience with different types of research methods.
- Strong critical thinking skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively.
- Strong analytical and reasoning skills.
About MassDOT
The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) takes great pride in connecting the Commonwealth's residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT's culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.
MassDOT's divisions include: Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.
Qualifications
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.
All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.
Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.
- For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us..
- For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
- For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call call ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857-274-1935.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program