Manager, Program Operations

Who We Are

The Center for Geospatial Solutions (CGS) is a self-sustaining nonprofit enterprise. Founded to help bridge the gap between policy and practice, our mission is to enable people and the planet to meet the pace of change by expanding access to new technologies that power more sustainable and equitable outcomes.

We are a fully remote team of award-winning professionals with decades of applied expertise and end-to-end GIS capabilities. By embracing whole-system thinking and state-of-the-art technology, we enable partners across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to tackle complex, real-world challenges-like housing affordability, ecosystem conservation, water management, and sustainable infrastructure-with greater clarity.

Our work liberates and connects key information, creates nuanced pictures of complex situations, and makes data easier to use, understand, and act on. We use tools like satellite data and artificial intelligence to deliver insights for impact.

At CGS, we believe that technology can be a tool for positive change. We are dedicated to building a diverse team that represents the communities and systems we live and work in. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, curiosity, and lived experiences, and know a more inclusive team makes us a stronger organization.

About the Lincoln Institute

CGS was established in 2020 at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy which 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, the Lincoln Institute integrates theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide and has office locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix, Arizona; and Beijing, China.

Position Overview:

The Center for Geospatial Solutions is seeking an OperationsProgram Manager to lead the execution and coordination of several high-impact projects focused on modernizing water data infrastructure.

This role contributes directly to the Internet of Water (IoW), a bold, coalition-led effort to improve water data sharing to fundamentally transform water management. Since 2022, CGS has served as the official home of the IoW Coalition, advancing this shared vision by developing and promoting new tools and best practices that strengthen the nation's water data sharing systems, in partnership with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Global Engagement for the Internet of Water, the OperationsProgram Manager will serve as both a strategic coordinator and hands-on implementer, supporting a dynamic portfolio of services projects. This unique role requires a versatile and experienced manager who can seamlessly transition between facilitating Scrum ceremonies, managing complex stakeholder relationships, designing knowledge management systems, and serving as a thoughtful representative or the organization in meetings with national and international organizations.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated agile project management expertise, working knowledge of the water sector, and be passionate about leveraging technology and data to address critical water challenges.

What You Will Do:

Project Implementation

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  Work closely with the IoW team at CGS to serve as thought partner, manager, and coordinator for all project logistics, ensuring contract deliverables are met in a timely manner

  
  
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  Serve as author and editor on program materials, including meeting agendas, technical presentations, and publications for technologists (data producers and users) and diverse audiences

  
  
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  Plan, facilitate, and execute meetings and workshops, ensuring coordination and alignment between technical activities and stakeholder engagement activities

  
  
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  Lead and support workshops with multi-cultural stakeholder groups, providing logistical coordination and programmatic presentations about technical water information

  
  
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  Contribute to the overall success of the IoW by participating in strategy sessions and maintaining strong relationships with staff, partners, and stakeholders

  
  

Agile Program Management & Process Leadership

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  Serve as organizational Scrum Master and agile coach, implementing and adapting Agile methodologies across team initiatives

  
  
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  Lead sprint planning, daily standups, retrospectives, and other Agile ceremonies while coaching team members in agile principles

  
  
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  Manage program-level coordination across multiple concurrent water data projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives

  
  
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  Track and optimize team velocity, sprint progress, and cross-project dependencies in a rapidly evolving environment

  
  
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  Design and continuously improve project management processes based on team feedback, performance metrics, and organizational growth needs

  
  
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  Identify and proactively remove impediments to team productivity across technical, administrative, and stakeholder domains

  
  

Knowledge Management Leadership

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  Design and implement comprehensive knowledge management strategies that capture, organize, and make accessible the team's collective water expertise and technical processes

  
  
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  Develop and maintain documentation systems supporting efficient access to water data standards, methodologies, and best practices

  
  
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  Create and maintain standard operating procedures for water data collection, processing, and dissemination workflows

  
  
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  Align knowledge capture activities with CGS organizational priorities to harmonize processes across water-focused teams and activities

  
  
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  Lead analysis of team processes and knowledge gaps to identify areas for improvement in water data management

  
  
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  Implement tools and systems to measure effectiveness of knowledge management initiatives within the water domain

  
  

Planning and Analysis

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  Analyze team performance metrics and knowledge utilization patterns specific to water data projects to inform strategic planning

  
  
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  Develop recommendations for process improvements based on data analysis and water sector best practices

  
  
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  Create and maintain dashboards for tracking key performance indicators related to Internet of Water goals

  
  
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  Contribute to strategic planning for the IoW Coalition and broader water data ecosystem

  
  
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  Assist in grant writing and reporting through knowledge capture and analysis of water project outcomes

  
  

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development

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  Develop and support partnerships and networks with global water stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations

  
  
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  Support planning and implementation of stakeholder engagement activities with diverse water community members

  
  
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  Manage contract logistics including reporting requirements for water-focused partnerships and collaborations

  
  
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  Develop supporting materials about Internet of Water projects for diverse audiences, including decision-makers and technical practitioners

  
  

Who You Are:

You get energy from solving messy, meaningful problems alongside smart, mission-driven collaborators. You're comfortable navigating change, curious about new tools and ideas, and excited to stretch your skillset when the work calls for it. You bring creativity, adaptability, and a sense of possibility to everything you do, and you're not afraid to try, learn, and try again.

What You Will Need:

• Master's degree in water resources management, environmental sciences, geography, planning, or related field required
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, with demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification required
• Demonstrated experience implementing knowledge management systems and processes in growing organizations
• Proven ability to work effectively across multiple functional areas simultaneously without losing focus or quality
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to translate technical water information for diverse audiences, from data scientists to policy makers
• Strong systems thinking and organizational design capabilities
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort in ambiguous, fast-paced environments where priorities and processes evolve rapidly
• Experience with MS Office suite, project management tools, and learning new technologies quickly
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in high-responsibility roles with competing demands
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse, international stakeholder groups

You will be preferred if you have:

• Strong technical understanding of water resources, hydrology, and water data systems
• Experience with GIS, remote sensing, or other geospatial technologies applied to water resources
• Background working with government agencies, water utilities, or water policy organizations
• Knowledge of water data standards, APIs, and interoperability frameworks
• Experience in grant writing and federal or foundation reporting requirements
• International or cross-cultural project management experience
• Experience with data visualization and dashboard development tools

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 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.

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.