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Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Mission 

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve quality of life through the effective use, taxation, and stewardship of land. A nonprofit private operating foundation whose origins date to 1946, the Lincoln Institute researches and recommends creative approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through education, training, publications, and events, we integrate theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide. With locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix; and Beijing, we organize our work around six goals: low-carbon, climate-resilient communities and regions; efficient and equitable tax systems; reduced poverty and spatial inequality; fiscally healthy communities and regions; sustainably managed land and water resources; and functional land markets and reduced informality. 

Position Overview 

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks a Director, Water Policy to manage and nurture the water-related policy analysis and research housed within the land and water impact area. You will set strategies and conduct timely and relevant policy and research analysis that aligns and agrees with the strategic goals (portfolio) of the impact area and the mission of the Lincoln Institute. 

The preferred base for this position is Phoenix, AZ. However, consideration may also be given to candidates seeking to be based in Cambridge, MA, or Washington D.C. where we have additional offices. This position will be expected to be in office at least 2 days weekly, and to travel up to 35% of the time. 

What You’ll Do  

Produce: Design, oversee, and conduct research and analysis on water and land policy integration to advance the programs of the Land and Water Impact Area.  

• Identify and help define the key conceptual frameworks and knowledge base that guides the Institute’s work on land and water systems and policy 

• Understand and map the policy systems relevant to the land and water impact area, and map the requisite strategies to advance the Institute’s mission 

• Prioritize and plan policy and research activities relating to water and land management, urban water management, agricultural water management, land conservation, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions. 

• Partner with the leaders on program implementation, land conservation, and others in aligning and prioritizing research needs. 

• Plan timely and relevant research needs and execute research/analysis of those needs. 

• Work with the Center for Geospatial Solutions to implement research and products focusing on the use of geospatial data, as related to land conservation and water policies. 

• Prioritize and implement strategy for timely and relevant policy analysis and research for the impact area. 

• Produce slide decks and other presentations associated with research outcomes for use across the Lincoln Institute. 

• Serve and nurture others to be subject matter experts of areas of interest within the land and water impact area. 

Manage and Implement:  

• Build and sustain partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, utilities, and peer organizations working on water policy and resource stewardship. 

• Lead and facilitate workshops, convenings, and cohort-based learning programs (such as the Lincoln Vibrant Communities Cohort) that bring together practitioners to address shared water policy challenges. 

• Monitor emerging pressures and relevant policy discussions on water systems and land management on private and public lands; position the Lincoln Institute as a trusted, nonpartisan source of guidance. 

• Represent the Lincoln Institute in public forums, media, and professional networks, including through published commentary, testimony, and speaking engagements. 

• Collaborate with colleagues across impact areas to ensure water policy work is integrated into the Institute's broader body of work. 

• Supervise and mentor program staff and consultants assisting the water policy programs. 

• Curate all water-related research and knowledge based within the land and water impact area. 

• Manage cross-institute research/policy analysis initiatives that impact more than one impact area/centers of the Lincoln Institute. 

• Develop budget and staff support plans within the Institute’s annual planning and budgeting process 

• Manage budgeted and grant-funded projects, including reporting and relationships with funders. 

What You'll Need 

• 10+ years of relevant experience 

• 5-7+ years of experience related to water and land management, urban water management, agricultural water management, land conservation, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, or similar expertise. 

• Demonstrated ability to deliver plan policy and research activities relating to water and land management, urban water management, agricultural water management, land conservation, biodiversity, and/or nature-based solutions. 

• Take initiative to collect new program ideas and explore opportunities and new collaborations. 

• Translate complex ideas into wide-reaching comprehension through discussion and presentations to various audiences 

• Build programs on medium-term 3–5-year goals aligned with long term strategic goals 

• Manage annual measurement and evaluation of goals to increase overall impact 

• Manage budget of goal area and develops narrative 

• Exceptional communication skills to connect individuals and build trust amongst widely diverse backgrounds and experiences 

• Determine with other goal and geography leads to leverage opportunities 

• Facilitate strategic communications with the communications team 

• Manage employee gaps and recommends solutions by assessing skills and capacities to foster growth, teamwork, and a positive environment

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should succinctly describe your interest in joining, why you are qualified, and what relevant expertise and experience you offer. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Compensation Overview

The salary market range for this role is posted above and dependent on level of education and years of experience. We value internal and external equity and encourage those who may be missing qualifications to submit their materials still.

Our Benefits

Our Benefits Benefits highlights include but are not limited to (a) 3x employer contribution towards retirement matching your employee contribution up to 15%, (b) health insurance with no deductible (c) dental insurance, (d) vision insurance, (e) copay assistance through an employer-funded health reimbursement account, (f) short-term disability coverage, (g) long term disability coverage, (h) paid parental leave, (i) voluntary insurances such as accident insurance, (j) health care flexible spending, (k) dependent care flexible spending, (l) paid time off for holidays, vacation, personal, sick, bereavement, and jury duty, (m) office closure between December 24 Jan 1 each calendar year, (n) flexible schedule and option for a compressed 4 day workweek, (o) tuition and staff development reimbursement, (p) pet insurance, and (q) Employee Assistance Program.

Our Values

Cooperation and Teamwork, Forthright Feedback, Initiative, Acceptance of Responsibility, Multicultural Sensitivity

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment by hiring, training, promoting, and carrying out personnel procedures with respect to compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, or terminations, on the basis of individual merit, experience, and ability without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture, length of hair, protective hairstyles or cultural or religious headdresses), color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), ancestry, citizenship status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, military service, serious medical condition, expunged juvenile record, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, status as a victim, credit information, homelessness status, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by law or otherwise. 

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
 

Non-Smoking Organization

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a Non-Smoking organization. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited at all times and on all property owned, leased, or under the control of Lincoln Institute of Land Policy at all times, including, but not limited to indoor and outdoor grounds, walkways and sidewalks, parking lots, company vehicles, and private vehicles parked on Lincoln Institute of Land Policy property.

MA Polygraph Statement

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.