Director, Water Policy

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks a Director, Water Policy to lead policy analysis and research within the Land and Water Impact Area. You will set strategies and align work with the Institute’s mission and goals, with Phoenix as preferred base.

This role requires building partnerships with universities, government agencies, utilities, and peer organizations; overseeing staff and consultants; and traveling up to 35% to advance water policy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in water policy research and program management.
• Strong collaboration with academic, government, and nonprofit partners.
• Leadership skills with ability to mentor staff and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee policy analysis on water and land integration.
• Build partnerships with universities, agencies, utilities and peers.
• Lead workshops and learning programs for practitioners.
• Monitor policy discussions and position the Institute as a trusted advisor.
• Represent the Institute in public forums and media.
• Manage budgets, grants and reporting.
• Curate water research outputs within the land and water area.

Job description

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.