Marketing & Communications Manager, ULI Foundation

URBAN LAND INSTITUTE•Washington, DC

2d•$79,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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