The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a member-led research and education organization focused on shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. The ULI Atlanta District Council advances the mission of ULI at a local level. ULI Atlanta was founded in the late 1990s and includes 1,400 members across the state of Georgia.
ULI’s Mission Priorities include:
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Accelerating decarbonization and net zero in development
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Increasing attainable housing
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Educating the next generation of diverse leaders
ULI Atlanta’s local work elevates the global mission priorities, and in addition focuses on:
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Increasing ULI’s statewide footprint in offering more opportunities for members outside of the Atlanta MSA to participate in ULI
As a member-led organization, ULI’s strength lies in its members’ industry knowledge and expertise. Members advance ULI’s mission, grow professionally, and benefit Georgia’s communities through ULI Atlanta programming and serving on committees, local product councils, affinity groups, and Initiatives.
ULI Atlanta is hiring full-time Strategic Initiatives Lead to lead several key committees including Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) program; Local Product Councils; and supporting the existing work of UrbanPlan. While ULI does not lobby or endorse legislation or candidates, ULI does educate and advocate for best practices in the priority areas listed above.
ULI Atlanta’s offices are headquartered in Atlanta, GA and staff are required to be in the 2-3 days per week and attend in-person staff meetings, committee meetings, and to provide onsite support for events and other programming.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Strategic Initiatives Lead, ULI Atlanta reports to the Executive Director of ULI Atlanta. The Strategic Initiatives Lead will work with the District Council team to deliver the mission of ULI to the local community, create member value and position ULI Atlanta as a thought leader. Implementing the responsibilities below, the Strategic Initiatives Lead is accountable to volunteer members, including the District Council Chair, Committee Leadership and Advisory Board, to implement the ULI Atlanta Strategic Plan and plays a significant externally facing role in leading interactions with key local stakeholders and partners in the ULI HQ Centers.
The Strategic Initiatives Lead will direct all strategic, operational, and programmatic aspects of the following:
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Technical Assistance Panels (30%). The Strategic Initiatives Lead will oversee the member led efforts of the TAPs committee in sourcing opportunities, marketing programs to nonprofits and government agencies throughout the district council footprint and recruiting experts from ULI’s membership to serve on panels, relevant task forces, and in other advisory capacities. Additionally, supporting the TAPs process from conception to completion in working with nonprofits and local governments on complex land use challenges.
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Local Product Councils (20%). The Strategic Initiatives Lead will oversee activities of three councils including the Capital Markets Council, Creative Development Council, and Livable Communities Council which are multidisciplinary groups of senior-level professionals involved in a specific real estate focus area who commit to meet on a regular basis to develop trusted connections and share best practices.
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The Strategic Initiatives Lead will oversee working groups within the product councils focused on specific real estate policies and/or projects such as housing affordability and infrastructure. The Strategic Initiatives Lead will identify opportunities within the membership to engage council members in other areas of the district council, particularly technical assistance and programs.
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Member Engagement (20%). The Strategic Initiatives Lead will direct member-driven work in strengthening and promoting work between ULI Atlanta public and private sector members and with non-member, public sector partners through ULI Atlanta’s statewide expansion efforts.
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DEI Committee (15%). The Strategic Initiatives Lead will oversee ULI Atlanta’s member driven DEI Committee, to ensure the goals are represented across all of ULI Atlanta’s bodies of work.
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UrbanPlan (10%). The Strategic Initiatives Lead will become trained and be able to assist the existing team in executing UrbanPlan trainings and workshops, especially those being administrated throughout the state.
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Strategic Partnerships (10%). The Strategic Initiatives Lead will pursue organization partnerships that elevate and amplify ULI Atlanta’s strategic priorities and stand-in for the Executive Director on various committees and taskforces where ULI Atlanta needs representation.
The Strategic Initiatives Lead will provide input on ULI Atlanta’s operations plan, provide support to other ULI Atlanta staff on large scale projects/events, and may be called upon to lead on smaller projects as opportunities present themselves throughout the year.
The Strategic Initiatives Lead is one of the faces of ULI Atlanta – members will call on the Strategic Initiatives Lead for assistance and information, so it is imperative that they be friendly, professional, and an informed resource about ULI. The Strategic Initiatives Lead must take initiative and responsibility and demonstrate meticulous attention to scheduling details and deadlines. The Strategic Initiatives Lead must also have professional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with senior business, real estate, and public sector executives. The ideal candidate will have a passion for issues affecting cities and communities such as real estate development, urban planning, economic development and possess excellent communication, scheduling, and organizational skills.
The position necessitates the staff person to be able to travel occasionally to District Council events primarily in the Atlanta region, but also attend events in other parts of the state such as Savannah, GA. Must be available to support in-person early morning or evening events that are hosted. Occasional travel to headquarters in Washington, D.C. and to national meetings (up to 2-3xs per year) is required.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
The overall qualifications and responsibilities:
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Have a solid policy background with a passion for real estate development and urban planning and possess excellent communication, scheduling, and organizational skills.
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Be able to immerse themselves in Georgia’s real estate development and policy issues.
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Lead TAPs and prospecting new TAPs for the organization with an emphasis on statewide projects.
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Lead 3 local product councils and their growing bodies of work.
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Oversee and provide direction to the DEI committee.
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Stand in for the Executive Director on various committees and taskforces where ULI Atlanta needs representation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and seven- to ten-years relevant work experience in public policy, government affairs, or working for an organization supporting the urban planning, or real estate development communities.
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Significant experience in volunteer coordination, scheduling, and event management/planning.
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Proactive, positive attitude and desire to work in collaborative environments.
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Ability to initiate tasks, assume responsibility for them, and to work with minimal supervision in a high-production position.
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Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple tasks concurrently and completely, and complete tasks on time, with attention to detail and responsible follow-through.
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Ability to attend early morning and evening events as required.
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Strong, professional oral and written communication, including exceptional spelling and grammar.
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Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
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Ability to learn new technologies and systems quickly.
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., as needed.
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Ability to travel to events throughout the region with use of personal vehicle.
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Knowledge of the Atlanta region and/or Georgia real estate market preferred.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply, please follow the link below. Please submit a résumé and letter of interest. ULI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
EOE/m/f/d/v. No relocation reimbursement is offered at this time. #LI-Hybrid
