Senior Urban Planner

Position Overview

Contribute your leadership and expertise in urban planning and scenario planning to drive the success of these programs within the Institute. You will design, implement, assess, and increase the reach and impact of our networks, programs, and projects globally. We want your deep subject matter expertise and interdisciplinary and adaptable mindset to continue our values of professionalism, a collaborative mindset, initiative-taking, listening skills, honesty, and reliability.

About Our Team

Planning practitioners and academics rely on learning from one another to advance the field of planning. The Lincoln Institute plays a key role in this dynamic, as planners us, as a connector of ideas and people, and as a conduit between researchers and practitioners.

Communities around the world face uncertain futures, the "Preparing for the Future" (scenario planning) program teaches and encourages a future-focused mindset that helps planners be nimbler and better prepared to pivot, no matter what issues their communities are facing. We do this through teaching, facilitating workshops, managing a network, attending conferences, conducting research, and producing publications and resources.

This is a full-time, hybrid position located in Cambridge, MA at 37.5 hours/week reporting to the Director for Planning Practice and Scenario Planning. While we anticipate this position to be based in Cambridge, MA, candidates interested in a hybrid arrangement with our Phoenix or DC offices will also be considered.

What You Will Do

• Lead the planning, design, management, execution, and evaluation of programs, projects, and activities that advance the strategic objectives of the team within a designated portfolio.
• Facilitate and contribute to the development and regular monitoring of planning practice and scenario planning programs, project strategy, and multi-year planning.
• Conduct or manage research and add new content on key issues and topics. Synthesize and present this content through the writing and dissemination of knowledge products including toolkits, case studies, newsletters, and webinars.
• Build relationships, conduct outreach, and work closely with others to enhance the team's efforts to increase representation and participation from new audiences in our networks for event attendance and access of our resources.
• Represent the team, teach, and/or present at key meetings, conferences, and events to build, grow, and strengthen relationships to translate complex concepts into policy- and practice-relevant recommendations, and share the scope and impact of our work amongst various internal and external audiences.
• Assist in the development of curricula, courses, training, facilitator guides and education efforts of our scenario planning work.
• Ensure efficient project management processes within the team, working collaboratively to prepare workplans, track progress, and capture learnings.
• Initiate the collection and documentation of ideas to ready the development of new programs or projects internally and/or externally.
• Lead planning and program development for conferences and events.
• Manage contracts and assist in the review and follow-up of deliverables and publications from partners.
• Identify, contact, cultivate, and pursue development prospects.
• Develop, track and report on relevant program and project budgets.
• Work effectively on routine administrative and operational matters with Institute staff.
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.

What You Will Need

• 6 or more years of experience applying your skills and expertise to real-world questions related to urban planning, local or regional planning, public policy, scenario planning, foresight, or other relevant fields.
• Expertise in planning or scenario planning in the public, private, or academic sectors with a strong working comprehension of key planning concepts.
• Demonstrated research, writing, teaching, and/or public speaking skills reflecting excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Able to travel both within and outside the US, up to 25% of time
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese skills preferred

What You Will Find Amongst Us

• Positive, professional, and collaborative mindsets
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Outstanding attention to detail and follow-through
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to find fresh solutions to problems
• Creative and proactive in taking initiative to improve programs
• Positive "can-do" approach to work and team spirit
• Flexible, adaptable, dependable, tactful
• Efficient, able to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to effectively build relationships with individuals from a variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds, adapting to different expectations and work styles.

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Please note, we are registered to employ individuals who reside in one of the following states: AZ, DC, MA, NC, NH, TX, VA, WY

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.

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.