Executive Director, Latin America and Caribbean

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 the achievement of 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.

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is an independent, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to help solve global economic, social, and environmental challenges to improve the quality of life through creative approaches to the use, taxation, and stewardship of land. For over 29 years, the Institute has had a major presence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), especially on matters related to land markets, land-based finances, informality, property tax, and large-scale urban projects. More recently, the Institute's scope of work in LAC has begun to include climate action and resilience, accessible and affordable housing, as well as land and water policy. The LAC program has been, and strives to remain, a major source of innovative research and education in the region on a range of land policy and management issues and themes, including urban economics, informal land markets and housing, land value capture, property taxation, and geospatial technologies. The Institute's work and impact in LAC have been leveraged by the creation, deployment, and active maintenance of a broad network of academics, practitioners and experts in urban economics, planning, climate, and housing, among other disciplines.

The Institute seeks an Executive Director to lead and further develop its Latin America and Caribbean programming. Broadly, you will be expected to maintain both the continuity in current LAC programming and commitments, as well as build a new vision for its presence and impact in the region. A new vision would include a careful assessment of and plan to leverage LAC's historical assets and contributions, as well as plans for the creation of one or more centers that could manage and oversee the Lincoln Institute's work in and for the region. As the Executive Director, you will work closely with the Institute's Chief Program Officer to lead existing efforts and propose innovative approaches to working in the region.

This is a full-time, fully-benefits eligible position (37.5 hours/week) reporting to the Chief Programs Officer. This position is a hybrid position with approximately two (2) days weekly in the office. Most of our staff utilize a four-day work week, and you would be welcome to that work arrangement as well. We prefer you to be based out of our Cambridge, MA office, but also have locations in Washington DC, and Phoenix, AZ. This position will require a substantial portion of travel.

• Lead the Institute's work in Latin America and the Caribbean geography, including the development of a mission statement and long-term goals based on an analysis and articulation of emergent land policy and land market issues in LAC.
• Identify opportunities for new programming and network building on land and water policy and reduce poverty and spatial inequality in LAC, among other topics.
• Work with the Institute to prepare and frame LAC's annual goals in the context of the Institute's evolving institutional structure and global aspirations. Develop a strategic plan of research, courses, programs, pilot/demonstration projects, activities, and publications that support the Institute's presence in LAC.
• Oversee and participate in LAC's in-person and remote education and training activities:
• Assess the management and sustainability of LAC's current portfolio of courses and training activities and identify opportunities to enhance that portfolio;
  
  
  
  • Contribute to LAC courses and training sessions, including the UNED-Lincoln Institute Masters of Land Policy and Sustainable Urban Development, as well as other certificate programs in the region.
  • Support and nurture LAC's network of advisers, practitioners, and researchers. Assess and propose ways to nurture and build upon the network of academics and practitioners that advise and help guide the Institute's work in the region.
  
  
  
  
• Sustain a regional presence through lectures, seminars, workshops, and other events within and outside of LAC.
• Lead the feasibility and planning needs to launch one or more Lincoln Institute affiliate center(s) for land policy in Latin America.

• Direct LAC staff and oversee hiring processes to expand capacity as needed.
• Communicate feedback to staff on a regular basis in ways that foster their growth and development.

• Lead budget development and resourcing for geography, including presentation to Lincoln's Board of Directors, engagement of outside funders:
  
  
  
  • Work with program staff to prepare the annual budget. Plan and estimate costs for courses, research, demonstration projects, publications;
  • Work with LAC program staff to monitor commitments and disbursements, and recommend midyear reallocations as necessary;
  • Review, monitor, and approve the work of researchers, faculty, and authors working on contract with the program;
  • Maintain active program involvement in all research and educational contracts;
  • Assist with the publication of new products and their dissemination.
  
  
  
  
• Develop a fundraising pipeline in collaboration with impact area teams and the Institute's Partnerships unit.
• Be available to present to the Board of Directors and Planning & Budget Committee, and prepare related documentation as necessary, regarding LAC's programmatic work.
• Supervise and maintain active/significant involvement in all LAC research and educational contracts.

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  Doctorate, Juris Doctorate, or graduate degree in related field.

  
  

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  Expert-level subject matter expertise on land policy and land market issues in Latin America and the Caribbean.

  
  

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  15+ years of academic or industry experience working with municipal governments and other state entities in any of the thematic areas of our work.

  
  

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  Demonstrated business acumen and experience addressing strategic and operational issues when managing initiatives, complex projects, and teams.

  
  

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  Demonstrated ability and interest in teaching policymakers, their advisors, and staff.

  
  

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  Demonstrated ability and interest to initiate and negotiate collaborative work with relevant institutions working in and for the region.

  
  

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  Fluency in Spanish and English required, proficiency in Portuguese desired.

  
  

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  Management experience, and extensive history, leading project teams to successful completion of work

  
  

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  Excellent critical thinking/critical thinking skills and ability to develop new/creative approaches to difficult issues.

  
  

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  Superior communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills

  
  

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  Successful record brings rigor and best practices in the development of academic and technical work products.

  
  

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  Professional demeanor and positive, collegial, and collaborative leadership skills for multidisciplinary programs

  
  

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  Task-oriented work ethic, responsiveness to deadlines, and a commonsense approach to moving projects and agendas forward.

  
  

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  Integrity and sound judgment.

  
  

Please submit your application with your C.V. and a cover letter.

Benefits highlights 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.

We support a culture of forthright feedback, initiative, cooperation and teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accepting responsibility.

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy are considered without regards to race, 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.

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.

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.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.