Intern, Fiscal Systems (53471)

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Mission

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve the 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. 

Summary of Position and Objectives 

Assist with data collection and analytic tasks for research projects under the supervision of the Institute’s Municipal Fiscal Health Program Manager, gaining foundational knowledge and professional experience on property taxation, public finance, and municipal fiscal health. 

Team Overview: 

The work of the Lincoln Institute’s Fiscal Systems team advances efficient and equitable methods of taxation and the use of land-based financing tools to supply a full range of public services, from social housing to investment in climate resilience measures. We provide public officials with tools and training to improve community welfare through fiscal policy, including modern valuation methods, new techniques for gauging the land value increment resulting from public investment, and case studies of successful implementation of these approaches. We also publish extensive databases that allow comparison of alternative approaches to land-based taxation, covering state-by-state property tax features and local finance measures across many revenue categories.

Position Overview: 

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is looking for a part-time intern to join the Fiscal Systems team. As a member of the Fiscal Systems team, you will assist with research activities of the Institute’s Municipal Fiscal Health program. Specifically, you will support an ongoing research collaboration between the Lincoln Institute and the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center on how declining office values are affecting local government budgets in select U.S. cities. The project examines how cities’ exposure to commercial real estate may affect property tax revenues, fiscal risk, and public policy responses. Your work will focus on supporting data collection and analysis related to select U.S. cities’ annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFRs), budget documents, assessed values, property tax revenues, and/or public indicators of office market conditions.

The Fiscal Systems team will provide guidance on priorities, data templates, and expected outputs. You will receive access to relevant project materials, data templates, public data sources, and guidance from the project team. The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy will provide staff support through regular check-ins and feedback. Work will rely primarily on publicly available data, shared files, and standard software such as Excel, Google Sheets, Stata/R, or similar tools, as needed.

What You Will Do  

• Assist on specific projects as directed and perform tasks in line with established procedures. 
• Research and knowledge development: assist in gathering and organizing research materials for reports and presentations. 
• Assist in gathering information and proposing basic solutions for assignments under supervision. 
• Maintain accurate documentation for all assigned tasks.  
• Provide regular updates on task progress to supervisors.  
• Adhere to organizational policies, processes, and guidelines. 

What You Will Need 

• At least 2 years of previous work experience with data analysis. 
• College degree or current enrollment in a higher education program on economics, public administration, public policy, data analytics, or statistics. 
• Advanced computer, analytical, and organizational skills. 
• Strong willingness to learn and take direction. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 

Compensation Overview: 

The hourly/salary market range for this role is $15-18/hour. The average weekly work hours will be 18 (part-time position) for up to 3 months from the first day of work.  

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.

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.

Salary : $15 - $18