Project Assistant Intern (55425)

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, nonpartisan 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. We organize our work around three impact areas: land and water; land and fiscal systems; and land and communities. We envision a world where cities and regions prosper and benefit from coordinated land use planning and public finance; where communities thrive from efficient and equitable allocation of limited land resources; and where stewardship of land and water resources ensures a livable future. We work globally, with locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix, Arizona; and Beijing, China. 

Lincoln Institute's affordable housing effort is designed to address systemic failures in national housing policies, lending practices, and land policies that contribute to growing income and wealth inequality. These failures, built into local, state, and federal housing programs and practices, have produced unacceptable housing outcomes for low- and moderate-income households and underserved communities. The results show up as gaps in wealth, education, and health, as well as differences in life expectancy that can be measured in decades. 

The Lincoln Institute brings unique expertise in illuminating the role that land policies (land use planning, zoning, taxation, and valuation) play in exacerbating inequality through housing markets. More importantly, we identify and promote remedies for inequality that begin with, but do not end, at land policy reform. For example, with the Ford Foundation, we provided initial support of the National Community Land Trust Network (which became Grounded Solutions Network) to mobilize providers of permanently affordable housing into a national movement. The Lincoln Institute is the convener of the Innovations in Manufactured and Modular Homes (I'm HOME) network. I’m HOME comprised of 400 practitioners, policymakers, researchers and homeowners working to expand homeownership and promote stable housing. 

Lincoln Institute’s affordable housing work focuses on four interventions in the sector: (1) land-use and zoning; (2) building performance and quality; (3) housing finance and titling; and (4) homeowner stability.  

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is seeking an Intern position for the I’m HOME and Housing Access and Affordability project. As a member of this team, you will complete a wide range of independent and directed research activities; help plan convenings and activities; and provide administrative assistance for both teams.  

The high-level goals of the I’m HOME Network include: (1) Challenge the perception of manufactured housing and other forms of off-site housing, which are not well understood and misperceived as inferior housing. (2) Develop evidence-based tools and policy options that encourage innovation in home construction, while addressing affordable homeownership and responsible land-use policies. (3) Strengthen the network by exchanging data and best practices among members. 

This is a part-time at 20 hours/week paid internship located in Washington, DC, reporting to the Director for Housing Access and Affordability. This Internship is scheduled to start in January 2027 and go through May 2027.  

• Provide administrative support to both initiatives, including scheduling of meetings of networks/communities of practice, managing contracts as needed, and other administrative tasks 

• Draft written materials for a variety of audiences, including case studies, memos, white papers, meeting materials, web content, and social media posts. 

• Plan event content, draft event materials, and coordinate with speakers and the Events team 

• Work with other internal teams to advance the work of I’m HOME. 

• Be a point of contact for the public by addressing inquiries and directing them appropriately. 

• Research topics of interest including greening legacy cities, economic development and other revitalization activities, and good planning practices for avoiding displacement as markets revitalize. 

• Assist with network outreach activities, including research on cities and their leaders, drafting materials to send to potential network members, and tracking contacts and their engagement with the network. 

• Assist with other activities as requested. 

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or law degree, or equivalent community-based experience. 

• People from marginalized communities who may have personally experienced affordable housing discrimination or know people who have, are particularly encouraged to apply. 

• Distinct interest in affordable housing, community development, or planning. 

• Professional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong organizational skills. 

• Ability to independently solve problems. 

• Coalition building skills with an ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. 

• Proficiency in basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office). 

• Orientation to diversity, equity, inclusion, and continuous learning 

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. 

The hourly market range for this role is dependent on the level of education and years of experience. 

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. 

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.