Marketing & Communications Manager, ULI Foundation

ABOUT ULI

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is entering a defining moment. The 90-year-old organization is expanding its capacity to turn philanthropic investment into measurable impact across cities and communities for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable built environments—and the ULI Foundation is poised to play a transformational role in ULI’s future.

The Marketing Communications Manager plays a central role in this transformation, developing compelling communications to advance the organization’s mission. This highly collaborative role partners with advancement, operations, and program teams to craft messaging, campaigns, and marketing materials that demonstrate the impact of philanthropic investment and deepen engagement with the Foundation’s community of supporters.

JOB PURPOSE / OBJECTIVE:

Working closely with Foundation leadership and staff, the Marketing Communications Manager leads the development of donor-focused marketing and communications strategies that translate complex initiatives into clear, persuasive narratives for donors, members, and stakeholders. The position supports a wide range of philanthropic efforts—from annual giving and donor stewardship to major gift proposals and capital campaign initiatives—helping strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization. The Marketing Communications Manager will report to the Executive Director of Foundation Operations and work in close partnership with ULI’s Marketing Communications team, ensuring alignment between Foundation communications and overall ULI messaging.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donor Communications and Fundraising Campaigns

• Collaborate on the development of donor-focused communications that support philanthropic fundraising efforts, including major gift proposals, stewardship reports, fundraising appeals, and campaign materials.
• Translate complex programs and initiatives into clear narratives that demonstrate impact and inspire investment.

Integrated Marketing and Content Development

• Plan and execute integrated marketing initiatives that promote the work of the ULI Foundation across digital and print channels.
• Collaborate closely with ULI’s Membership and Marketing team to ensure alignment with ULI’s messaging and branding.
• Draft and edit a wide range of materials including email campaigns, web content, reports, presentations, and marketing collateral.

Digital Communications and Email Marketing

• Manage and execute digital communications supporting fundraising and engagement efforts, including drafting and deploying email marketing campaigns, updating website content, and coordinating digital messaging across platforms.

Marketing Planning and Campaign Execution

• Support the development and execution of marketing plans that advance fundraising priorities and strengthen engagement with donors and members.
• Assist in coordinating campaign schedules, communications calendars, and content workflows.
• Coordinate the production of marketing materials by working closely with internal teams and external vendors including designers, writers, and communications specialists.
• Manage timelines, track deliverables, and ensure consistency with organizational messaging and brand standards.

Cross-Team Collaboration & Reporting

• Serve as communications partner to advancement officers, program teams, and operations staff.
• Collaborate across departments to gather program information, develop messaging, and align communications with organizational priorities.
• Assist with marketing budget, track campaign activities and outputs, and maintain project documentation using tools such as spreadsheets and project management systems.
• Compile basic performance metrics and reporting to inform ongoing communications efforts.

Other Key Responsibilities

• Represent the advancement team internally and externally, reinforcing alignment with the President’s strategic direction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 6+ years of marketing, communications, or fundraising communications experience.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with experience developing marketing or donor-facing communications.
• Ability to manage multiple communications projects simultaneously and coordinating with internal stakeholders.
• Familiarity with email marketing and digital communications, including drafting campaigns and managing content updates.
• Experience coordinating with designers, writers, or external vendors to produce marketing materials.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including use of spreadsheets or project management tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and translate complex information into clear messaging.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience supporting fundraising or advancement communications, including proposals, donor reports, or campaign materials.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or membership organizations, particularly within professional associations.
• Familiarity with CRMs and digital marketing tools and systems.
• Experience managing or updating website content and digital marketing materials.
• Experience supporting integrated marketing plans or communications campaigns.
• Experience tracking communications budgets, campaign metrics, or reporting data.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is committed to shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide, and we embrace our core values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and excellence in service to our members. In alignment with the Board of Directors’ strong commitment to in-person collaboration, our roles require regular on-site presence to foster teamwork, innovation, and organizational effectiveness. ULI’s primary workplace remains its offices, where in-person collaboration supports our mission and service to members.
• Regular in-person attendance required at local events.
• Occasional national travel (1–2 times/year).
• Must lift up to 30 lbs., work extended hours for events, and sit/stand for prolonged periods.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $79,000 to $85,000. Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors.

ULI offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance; generous vacation leave; and a retirement plan with employer match.

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.