Program Lead, Resilience

URBAN LAND INSTITUTE•Washington, DC

9h•$89,097 - $97,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Lead, Resilience plays a key leadership role within ULI’s Urban Resilience Program (URP) and reports directly to the Vice President, Resilience. This role: Leads the strategy and execution of global convenings, cross-sector roundtables, and pilots that advance market transformation Bridges high-level climate adaptation strategy and practical real estate application, driving member engagement and program growth Collaborates closely with ULI departments (including Marketing, Corporate Partnerships, Meetings, the ULI Foundation, District and National Councils, and Impact Lab colleagues), as well as members, external partners, and community stakeholders Operates as an individual contributor, leading through influence, coordination, and subject-matter expertise rather than formal people management

Requirements

Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in climate resilience, adaptation, or hazard mitigation within the private, nonprofit, or public sectors.
Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in physical climate risk and adaptation as applied to real assets / communities (able to credibly engage executive CRE audiences)
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Program Leadership: Proven track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs and overseeing departmental or project-based budgets. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure buy-in and follow-through program successes and program outcomes
Communication Skills: Exceptional public speaking, facilitation, and professional writing skills, with the ability to translate complex climate adaptation and resilience concepts for executive real estate audiences.
Operational Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Values Alignment: Demonstrated commitment to resilience, sustainability, and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:
Develop near-and long-term strategies to optimize the success and impact of URP’s convenings, cross-sector roundtables, and pilots across the globe.
Coordinate with regional colleagues in the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific to maximize ULI member value and engagement while driving market transformation.
Establish, track, and report program impact in alignment with ULI Impact Lab’s impact measurement practices. Develop and document processes to streamline and optimize program activities.
Program Management:
Lead strategy and ensure successful implementation of URP’s convenings and cross-sector roundtables, including ULI’s annual Resilience Summit.
Set program objectives and manage toward key milestones across a variety of stakeholders such as DC, NC and ULI HQ staff, member leaders, and public partners.
Ensure the ongoing success of URP’s convenings and cross-sector roundtables with memorable and impactful attendee experiences that surface opportunities for new pilots and initiatives with scalable impact and clear follow-through pathways.
Market Transformation Pilots:
Design and oversee initiatives that test feasibility and market transformation potential. This may include catalyzing local-level or sector-specific resilience activities, coordinating closely with ULI district council staff to co-develop place-based strategies, or executing technical assistance projects that translate convening insights into actionable pilots and scalable solutions.
Communications Oversight:
Direct the narrative strategy for URP convenings, cross-sector roundtables, and new pilots and initiatives to support the program’s growth and impact goals.
Leverage related program content and impact stories through channels like UrbanLand Magazine, ULI’s website, and social media in collaboration with ULI’s Marketing and Communications team, District and National Councils, and partners.
Ensure that all written program materials are up-to-date, technically accurate, and aligned with ULI brand standards and program positioning.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Act as a primary liaison for external partners, representing ULI to fellow nonprofit organizations and industry partners and strengthening relationships with aligned resilience, infrastructure, and climate adaptation networks.
Cultivate and maintain engagements with real estate members to ensure connectivity and relevance of work products to member needs.
Business Development & Fundraising:
Partner with ULI’s Corporate Partnerships and Foundation teams to support sponsorship, philanthropic funding, and grant-funded initiatives for the Resilience Summit and related programs.
Contribute to funder relationships, support grant reporting, and manage program budgets in coordination with the Vice President, Resilience and development partners.
Team Collaboration & Guidance:
Provide programmatic direction and coordination to junior staff, shared resources, and cross-departmental teams to ensure projects meet timelines, budgets, and quality expectations.
Other:
Support other strategic priorities of the ULI Impact Lab as required.