VP, External Partnerships & Market Development

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 across 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 policymakers 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 Vice President, External Partnerships & Market Development will lead the growth and positioning of ULI’s Advisory Services Panels (ASPs) and Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) as flagship offerings of the Institute. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, the VP will serve as both a program innovator and business builder—responsible for driving new business, cultivating high-level partnerships, and ensuring panels deliver measurable outcomes that advance housing affordability, sustainability, and community resilience.

This highly entrepreneurial role positions ULI as a trusted convenor and problem-solver for cities, developers, philanthropies, and corporations. The VP will expand the reach and financial sustainability of Advisory Services while strengthening ULI’s reputation as the go-to partner for actionable, market-informed solutions to today’s most pressing land use challenges.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Lead the strategy to expand ASPs and TAPs as ULI’s premier vehicles for local and regional impact.
• Identify and develop new markets, funding streams, and sponsor relationships to sustain and scale program delivery.
• Position ASPs/TAPs as a core differentiator for ULI in advancing housing, sustainability, and community resilience.

External Partnerships & Business Development

• Serve as ULI’s primary relationship manager for ASP/TAP engagement with cities, developers, district councils, corporations, and philanthropies.
• Cultivate and steward partnerships that unlock philanthropic, corporate, and municipal support for panels.
• Collaborate with ULI’s Foundation team to align donor engagement and impact reporting with ASP/TAP growth.

Program Excellence & Impact

• Ensure panels deliver high-quality, actionable, and measurable outcomes for clients and communities.
• Partner with district councils, ULI members, and external experts to design and deliver panels that inspire industry change.
• Develop systems to capture and communicate the outcomes and impact of panels to funders, members, and stakeholders.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a visible leader within ULI’s membership network, inspiring participation and highlighting the value of Advisory Services.
• Partner with the Chief Impact Officer and other Impact Lab leaders to integrate ASP/TAP work into ULI’s global sustainability and housing strategy.
• Mentor and manage staff supporting ASP/TAP program design, delivery, and partnerships.

OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a visible champion for ULI’s mission and values.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 12+ years of leadership experience in real estate, urban planning, economic development, philanthropy, or related fields.
• Proven success in business development and partnerships, with the ability to engage senior-level decision-makers across sectors.
• Strong knowledge of land use, real estate markets, sustainability, and housing affordability.
• Demonstrated track record in designing and scaling programs with measurable impact.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset, with the ability to translate vision into execution.
• Passion for ULI’s mission and the role of real estate in creating sustainable, equitable communities.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $163,000 – $198,000. Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. This role is part of ULI’s comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive benefits.

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.