Chief Impact Officer

The newly created position of Chief Impact Officer is responsible for driving the strategic direction, operational oversight, and impactful execution of ULI’s philanthropically funded programs. As a pivotal leader, this role ensures that ULI’s mission to shape the built environment for transformative community impact worldwide is consistently realized across all funded initiatives.

The Chief Impact Officer will collaborate closely with Executive Directors of each program to set clear, measurable goals, rigorously assess outcomes, and transparently communicate results to ULI members, donors, and other stakeholders. In addition, this role will work in partnership with the Chief Fundraising Officer to strategically align funding opportunities with ULI's mission, ensuring that financial support is effectively channeled toward initiatives that drive maximum impact.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Program Management:
   • Oversee and manage the Executive Directors of the ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate, Terwilliger Center for Housing, and Curtis Infrastructure Initiative, aligning program priorities, resources, and strategies to achieve high-impact outcomes.
   • Develop and maintain systems for the effective implementation, tracking, and evaluation of ULI’s programmatic work.
2. Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence:
   • Develop, implement, and monitor strategic and operational plans, incorporating clear, measurable goals, objectives, work plans, and budgets for each program.
   • Regularly review plans to identify new opportunities for impact and innovation that align with ULI’s mission.
3. Donor and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Foster strong, trust-based relationships with ULI members, advisory boards, and external partners, cultivating a comprehensive donor engagement strategy that promotes continuous feedback and improvement.
   • Collaborate with the ULI Foundation to pursue funding opportunities and provide transparent, timely reports to donors on program progress, impact, and financial stewardship.
4. Program Development and Innovation:
   • Identify and incubate new initiatives aligned with ULI’s mission, partnering with program teams to stay responsive to emerging trends and community needs.
   • Lead efforts to align organizational goals with member needs, ensuring ULI’s relevance and impact within the built environment sector.
5. Compliance and Reporting:
   • Partner with ULI’s CFO, General Counsel, and compliance teams to ensure all programs adhere to gift agreements and donor commitments.
   • Regularly update ULI’s executive leadership and board on program performance, providing insights into challenges, achievements, and opportunities for growth or strategic shifts.
6. Marketing and Communications:
   • Work with ULI’s marketing and communications teams to elevate program visibility and communicate ULI’s impact, making program outcomes accessible to a broader audience.
   • Distribute philanthropically funded content through ULI’s networks for member engagement.
7. Collaboration and Organizational Culture:
   • Champion a collaborative, mission-driven culture across programs and regions, grounded in ULI’s values.
   • Promote best practices and information sharing within the networks to enhance each center’s work.
8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
   • Embed DEI principles in each program’s design and execution, ensuring inclusivity and representation that reflects the diversity of communities served.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level management experience in a complex organization, including strategic planning, budgeting, and team leadership, preferably within foundations or mission-driven environments.
• Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including members, donors, executive leaders, and partners, fostering collaborative and trust-based relationships.
• Strong strategic and financial acumen, with expertise in translating data into impactful program strategies and reports.
• Experience in global or multinational environments, with a proven understanding of cultural nuances and regional collaboration.
• Passionate alignment with ULI’s mission and goals.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for engaging donors, executive teams, program directors, and advisory boards.
• Background in nonprofit operations or program management preferred, with a track record of setting long-term strategies that anticipate trends and proactively shape programmatic impact.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.

The anticipated annual total cash compensation range for this position is $276,600 to $304,350, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance; vacation leave; and a retirement plan.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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.