Policy Analyst, Land and Water

Our 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.

Team Overview

The Land and Water team of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy focuses on sustaining land, water and other natural resources to support both human and ecosystem health. It works to integrate land and water considerations into planning and infrastructure, ensuring current and future needs are met while balancing competing demands among diverse stakeholders. By advancing policies and practices that restore biodiversity, protect watersheds, and improve soil health, the impact area promotes healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities.

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy housed within the Land and Water impact area, seeks to advance the integration of land and water management to meet the current and future water needs of communities, economies, and the environment. We develop tools and best practices to guide decisions through research, training, and partnerships for sustainable management of land and water resources. 

Position Overview 

The policy analyst monitors emerging trends in land and water policy, examining laws, regulations, and best practices to design actionable, evidence-based recommendations. It supports governments and stakeholders by translating complex technical issues into clear strategies and frameworks that integrate land and water planning for resilience and sustainable decision-making. 

This role requires up to 10% travel, primarily domestic travel with limited international travel.  

What You’ll Do 

• Monitor trends in land and water policy to identify opportunities for innovation and Institutional leadership 
• Keep track of new laws, regulations, debates, and best practices 
• Review existing and emerging policies related to the team’s programs, specifically, land use, water allocation and use, water quality and security, and climate resilience 
• Evaluate policy tradeoffs and design actionable recommendations tailored to governments, agencies, and community stakeholders. 
• Translate complex technical and policy issues into clear, practical strategies. 
• Support state, regional, and municipal governments in integrating land and water planning into decision-making through sound policy investigation and research. 
• Develop frameworks to help policymakers and other stakeholders apply best practices. 
• Research and scrutinize land policies relating to the following:  
  • the advancement of planning tools and strategies to support smart land and water integration in planning, and land and water management;  
  • new approaches to identify the local, state, regional, and federal actions that will enable communities to address challenges and opportunities effectively; 
  • Author and edit various research publications. 
• Present at conferences and workshops the lessons learned from your work and more generally on behalf of the Institute. 
• Perform other ad hoc tasks as requested. 

What You’ll Need 

• 3-5 years of experience working on land or water policy and management or related fields.  
• Bachelor’s degree required.  
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to advancing water policy and land use integration  
• Demonstrated outstanding writing, research, and presentation skills 
• Highly organized with strong project management and problem-solving skills 
• Sensitivity to the needs of practitioners, researchers, government agencies, public and elected officials, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector interests  
• Ability to discern and communicate important knowledge in useful formats 
• Self-starter who can work independently and still coordinate with multiple teams 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and focus on delivering results 
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills  
• Proficiency in basic office software (e.g., Office, SharePoint, Asana, etc.) 

Our Benefits

Include but are not limited to (a) 3x employer contribution towards retirement matching your employee contribution up to 15%, (b) health insurance, (c) dental insurance, (d) vision insurance, (e) 100% reimbursement of the health care deductible through a 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. 

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should succinctly describe your interest to join the team; 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 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.