Manager for Research, Lewis Center for Sustainability

Urban Land Institute • Full-time • Washington, District of Columbia, United States • 5d ago

POSITION SUMMARY:

The ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate is seeking a committed Manager to advance Center goals by supporting key research initiatives and undertaking collaborative projects in partnership with our District Council (local chapter) networks. This position will support a range of ULI research efforts focused on health, real estate, sustainability, climate resilience, and related topics. This position will report to the Lewis Center's Senior Director for Healthy Places.

This position is funded by external grants. It will initially be an engagement lasting through September 2026, with the potential for an extension or a renewal.

The ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate leads the real estate industry in creating places and buildings where people and the environment thrive. In collaboration with ULI members and partners, the center drives industry transformation, cultivates leaders and champions, and helps foster solutions for sustainable, resilient, healthy, and equitable cities and communities. The center pursues these goals via cutting-edge research, convenings, community technical assistance, leadership networks, and other strategies. The center's core programs are decarbonization, healthy places, and urban resilience.

The Urban Land Institute is a dynamic research and education nonprofit organization focused on best practices in real estate development. Our mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. ULI is a member-driven organization with over 47,000 members globally.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Report Writing (50% of time). The position will serve as a lead research author for at least two major reports or research efforts per year, in addition to several shorter publications. Topics will relate to sustainability, resilience, health, and real estate. (Typical tasks involved in writing a new report include exploring past studies and reports, refining the scope, conducting interviews with members, writing up case studies, locating images, and coordinating across the Lewis Center and other ULI departments to advance associated marketing and communications efforts.) Priority research projects will include expanding on ULI's 10 Principles for Embedding Racial Equity in Real Estate, undertaking research and programming on equitable approaches to housing, and producing a report on best practices in community engagement for real estate leaders.
Communications (30%). The position will be responsible for utilizing various communication channels to increase the visibility of ULI programming and content.
Evaluation and administration (20%). The position will participate in the Lewis Center's evaluation programming, and support efforts to track and maintain key performance metrics which help the Center tell the story of our work and impact. The Manager will have limited administrative responsibilities, such as tracking budgets, scheduling meetings, and the like.

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least five years of related professional experience
Demonstrated research and writing skills, and ability to write compelling and informative reports
Knowledge of the Lewis Center's focus areas - decarbonization, health and equity, and urban resilience, and some understanding of real estate development and investment - is a plus.
A strategic thinker, a problem solver, a program manager, a team player, and an excellent communicator
Excellent professional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Comfort engaging with ULI members and partners of all levels.
Ability to initiate and prioritize tasks and implement programs and projects with relative independence, handling multiple tasks concurrently with responsible follow-through.
Self-motivated, keen attention to details, timelines and various moving project pieces, with outstanding organizational skills
Desired experience includes demonstrated project coordination, experience in nonprofit organizations, and experience in communication and outreach
Ability to travel about once every other month, with trips lasting two to four days.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), and experience with web design/WordPress a plus.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in urban planning, real estate, public health, public policy, public administration, and/or a related field in the social sciences, or equivalent experience.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
ULI has a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance; vacation leave; and a retirement plan. Compensation is commensurate with experience. For more information, click here.

To apply, please follow the link below. Please submit a résumé and a letter of interest.

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.