Manager - Strategic Initiatives & Projects

Trust for Public Land•Boston, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is seeking a full-time Strategic Initiatives Manager to support its work in advancing systems-level change with communities nationwide. This role will also play a key part in developing thought leadership and resources for priority topics, particularly at the intersection of parks, housing, land use, and community development. It is a highly collaborative position that involves working across TPL teams and with external partners to translate ideas into actionable strategies for expanding equitable access to parks and public space. The position will contribute to high-impact work in advancing research and thought leadership on priority themes, supporting business development and project delivery, and contributing to major strategic initiatives that enhance TPL’s national impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred; graduate-level training in urban planning, public policy, environmental studies, or a related field strongly preferred
3–5 years of relevant experience (e.g., planning, policy, research)
Demonstrated interest in parks, public space, housing, land use, or community development
Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong commitment to TPL’s shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or coordinating projects across teams is a plus
Familiarity with GIS, data analysis, or policy research tools is helpful but not required
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Responsibilities

Serve as a key point of contact and support for research, analysis, and knowledge development on priority topics, including the intersection of parks, public housing, community development, land use, and equitable park access.
Conduct landscape scans, case studies, policy scans, interviews, and other analysis to inform TPL’s strategies, tools, and external thought leadership.
Translate research and insights into accessible products for internal and external audiences, including briefs, presentations, memos, frameworks, guidance documents, case studies, and technical assistance resources.
Support internal and external co-creation of findings by synthesizing input from community partners, public agencies, housing authorities, field teams, and other collaborators.
Contribute to the development of practical tools, recommendations, and guidance that help communities and partners advance equitable access to high-quality parks and public spaces.
Manage the development and/or implementation of projects and initiatives, including work related to parks, housing, climate, health, and funding, and other emerging strategic opportunities.
Draft and coordinate concept memos, proposals, project briefs, workplans, scopes of work, timelines, deliverables, budgets, and related materials.
Coordinate across internal teams (including research, GIS, advisory services, field teams, policy, communications) to clarify roles, align inputs, and support integrated project delivery.
Support engagement and coordination with external collaborators, including public agencies, housing authorities, community organizations, funders, consultants, and other partners.
Track project progress across multiple workstreams, monitor timelines and deliverables, organize project materials, and help ensure follow-through on next steps, decisions, and partner commitments.
Support the AVP and Strategic Impact Team in advancing cross-initiative and enterprise-wide priorities connected to TPL’s Center for Community Impact.
Provide coordination and operational support for strategic initiatives, convenings, pilots, partnerships, and cross-cutting efforts that test, refine, and scale promising approaches across teams and geographies.
Support portfolio-level work, tracking, and reporting.
Assist with preparing meeting materials, tracking priorities and follow-up items, supporting internal communications, maintaining shared planning tools, and advancing special projects that connect strategy, learning, and implementation.
Perform other duties as assigned.