Job Description
Job Description
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute has more than 48,000 members worldwide representing the spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service. As the preeminent, multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among local, regional, national, and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. The mission of ULI is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.
The new ULI Impact Labs bring together ULI’s centers of excellence—including the Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate, the Terwilliger Center for Housing, the Center for Capital Markets and Real Estate, and ULI’s renowned Advisory Services Panels (ASPs) and Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs). Together, the Labs accelerate solutions in sustainability, housing affordability, capital markets, and community resilience.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Fellow, Market Transformation will provide strategic leadership to ULI’s research program, advancing ULI’s mission to shape the built environment through evidence-based insights, innovative programming, and global thought leadership. The role includes holding the Charles E. Fraser Chair for Environmentally Responsible Development, advising on environmental and policy issues, and serving as a visible leader across ULI, its membership, and the broader real estate and policy community.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute an overarching strategic vision for ULI’s research program within the broader Impact Labs strategy.
- Influence market action by advancing research beyond “what is” to “what could be,” defining opportunities, roadmaps, and quantifiable benefits.
- Enhance methods and measures, introducing rigorous evaluation and impact assessment approaches.
- Define and expand target audiences, with particular attention to policymakers, advocates, and other high-impact segments.
- Facilitate collaboration across ULI entities (e.g., Randall Lewis Center, Terwilliger Center, ReeCAP, District Councils, and global partners).
- Partner with ULI Europe and ULI Asia teams to ensure a consistent global market transformation approach.
Charles E. Fraser Chair for Environmentally Responsible Development & Policy Fellowship
- Advise ULI and members on environmental issues and sustainable development.
- Participate as moderator, panelist, and speaker at ULI meetings, District Council events, and policy symposiums.
- Support District Councils and external audiences by representing ULI’s thought leadership on policy and sustainability.
- Contribute to ULI and external publications (articles, papers, and books).
Program Innovation
- Leverage ULI research to launch innovative “market transformation” initiatives, including:
- Program initiatives – e.g., buyer’s clubs for low-carbon steel.
- Network initiatives – e.g., pilot demonstration projects with District Councils and members.
- Evidence-based initiatives – e.g., tools and resources for market intelligence.
Team Development
- Mentor research leaders and staff, ensuring excellence and consistency in research outputs.
- Identify skill gaps and recruit/build capacity where needed.
External Relations & Fundraising
- Represent ULI in media, research forums, and with members and partners.
- Partner with the CIO and ULIF team to support fundraising strategy and secure programmatic support.
Organizational Leadership
- Serve on the Impact Labs senior leadership team, actively contributing to biweekly leadership discussions and cross-initiative planning.
OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Act as a visible champion for ULI’s mission and values.
- Contribute to organizational strategy, thought leadership, and cross-team collaboration.
- Provide subject-matter expertise on sustainability, housing, resilience, and capital markets.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree in real estate, public policy, urban planning, environmental studies, economics, or a related field.
- 15+ years of progressive leadership in research, policy, or market transformation.
- Demonstrated expertise in sustainability, housing affordability, or related built environment disciplines.
- Proven ability to engage with senior-level stakeholders and policymakers.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong track record of published research and thought leadership in real estate or policy.
- Experience working in a global, member-driven, or nonprofit organization.
- Fundraising experience and ability to secure external support for programs.
- Familiarity with ULI’s membership network and global real estate markets.
COMPENSATION
This is a part-time position. The full-time equivalent salary range for this role is $231,200 – $260,000, with actual compensation prorated based on the agreed-upon schedule. Final compensation will be determined by experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors, and is part of ULI’s comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply, please follow the link. Please submit a résumé and a letter of interest/cover letter.
ULI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran or active military status, non-citizenship or citizenship status, arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, familial status, unemployment status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, or any other status protected by applicable law.
EOE/m/f/d/v. No relocation reimbursement is offered at this time.