[1][3] Outside of politics, McMorrow taught English at Boston Latin and Newman Preparatory School and was director of research and statistics for the Massachusetts Department of Education.

[11] During the campaign, McMorrow worked as a strategist and assistant for Collins and following his upset victory, was his chief aide during the transition period.

He studied a number of reforms aimed at streamlining city government, specifically in the areas of urban renewal, public relations, assessing, recreation, and administration.

[4] On December 18, 1959, Collins announced that McMorrow would serve as his deputy mayor (a position officially titled director of administrative services).

[4] During his tenure as deputy mayor, McMorrow was known as "Mac the Knife" for his work in cutting the city budget.

[12] In 1961, McMorrow was appointed to the newly created position of director of administrative management for the Boston Redevelopment Authority.