Senior Product Strategy Lead

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 such as 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 land, water, and social 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 (CGS) is seeking a Product Strategy Lead to help identify, develop, and launch new geospatial products and services. This position will play a key role in shaping CGS’s long-term product direction as a strategic partner to CGS leadership, helping inform our long-term growth strategy through product innovation and market insights through technical knowledge to turn our expertise and project experience into products that can serve a broader audience.

Reporting to the Director of Solutions, you will lead product discovery and market research, evaluate new product opportunities, define product goals and value, and guide products from initial concept through early development and launch. The role will also coordinate with external partners as needed and support efforts related to funding, marketing, and product adoption.

Because CGS is still building its product portfolio, the successful candidate must be comfortable working in an evolving environment where priorities, processes, and opportunities are still taking shape. You will help establish how products are identified, developed, and brought to market within the organization.

This position combines strategic planning, technology, and mission-driven work. It offers an opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future direction of CGS's products and services while supporting the organization's long-term goals.

What You Will Do:

Product Strategy & Opportunity Development

• Identify and evaluate opportunities to translate CGS’s services, data assets and technical capabilities (e.g. water data, wetlands, environmental markets, and social impact) into scalable products and productized offerings.
• Synthesize insights from across projects, partners, and domains to identify high-potential opportunities.
• Establish decision frameworks for evaluating product opportunities, risks, and long-term sustainability.
• Conduct market research, user discovery, and evaluation to inform product and service direction.
• Define product vision, value propositions, and potential business models.
• Prioritize and select 1-2 initial products for development.

Product Development and Launch

• Develop early-stage product development from concept through Minimum Viable Product “MVP” stage. You would:
  • Identify an opportunity.
  • Define the solution.
  • Work with technical teams.
  • Build a first version.
  • Test it with users.
  • Refine based on feedback.
• Define product requirements, roadmaps, and success metrics.
• Partner with the Director of Solutions and the Senior Manager of Growth & Revenue to develop and pitch products to funders and partners.
• Work closely with data scientists, engineers, and designers to co-develop products.
• Ensure products are user-centered and aligned with CGS’s mission.

Connect “Services to Product Translation”

• Embed with CGS service teams to identify repeatable workflows, user needs, and scalable opportunities.
• Translate project-based work into structured product concepts or hybrid product-service offerings.
• Help define CGS’s emerging portfolio of products and repeatable services.

Market Testing & Launch

• Design and execute pilot projects and early product testing.
• Engage partners and early adopters.
• Refine products based on user feedback and performance.
• Support go-to-market strategy and initial rollout.

Cross-Organizational Leadership

• Build alignment and drive cross-functional decision-making across CGS teams (data science & engineering, knowledge, innovation, solutions, & communications) to advance product priorities and support organizational goals.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to CGS leadership on product strategy, market opportunities, and emerging technology trends.
• Translate complex technical capabilities (e.g., remote sensing, AI, knowledge graphs) into clear product direction.
• Align product development with CGS’s broader strategy

Develop Product Function

• Establish and operationalize product management practices, processes, and tools at CGS in partnership with the Director of Solutions.
• Contribute to long-term product strategy and roadmap
• Build and mature CGS's product management capabilities, including processes, governance structures, and future staffing plans.

• Inform future product investments and scaling choices

What You Will Need:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience (graduate degree preferred in a relevant field)
• 10 years of experience delivering product strategy, managing domain-specific product portfolios, and delivering innovative solutions in complex environments.
• 3 years of experience supporting fundraising, partnerships, or revenue generation for early-stage products.
• Experience with geospatial technologies, environmental data, or climate/water domains.
• Demonstrated experience building and launching products.
• Demonstrated experience influencing executive stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives in complex organizations.
• Ability to bring structure to ambiguous problem spaces and drive toward clear product outcomes.
• Demonstrated interpersonal strengths in growing cooperation and team trust.
• Strong judgment in identifying, prioritizing, and sequencing product opportunities.
• Strong experience with market research, user discovery, and product validation.
• Ability to work across technical and non-technical teams and translate complex concepts into clear product direction.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build alignment and collaborate on commitments and decision buy-in.
• Experience working in environments where products are supported by a mix of funding sources (e.g., grants, partnerships, earned revenue.)

Helpful Experience (Nice to Have):

• Familiarity with AI/ML-driven products or data platforms.
• Experience working in or with nonprofits, public sector, or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience with data products, APIs, or analytics platforms.
• Background in environmental policy, land use, or water management.

Salary : $116,000 - $130,000