Senior Storyteller

76dd43dd-5757-401e-9ef5-65813f73b552•Washington, DC

10h•$78,986 - $85,898•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Storyteller is ULI’s lead writer and interviewer for impact stories. Working closely with the Vice President, Strategic Narratives and Storytelling, the role turns ULI’s narrative priorities into compelling, accurate, evidence-grounded stories that show the impact of its members, research, Impact Lab, Foundation, and District Councils. The position identifies and interviews story subjects, researches complex material, follows outcomes over time, and produces stories that connect with readers and increase awareness of ULI and its work. The role produces content for Urban Land magazine, ULI’s website, podcast, member app, social channels, virtual and in-person events, executive communications, and media. It adapts stories across voices, formats, audiences, and lengths; leads the Annual Report project; edits staff contributions; collaborates with creative and social teams; and manages freelance writers and videographers. The Vice President sets narrative direction and provides final sign-off. Success is measured by greater awareness of ULI and its impact, strong and timely storytelling across channels, and effective processes for identifying and tracking stories over time. ULI is a nonprofit research and education organization with more than 45,000 members across land use and real estate disciplines. The position requires regular on-site presence to support in-person collaboration. ULI describes its workplace as primarily office-based.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in storytelling, journalism, editorial, or communications roles.
A portfolio of published work; candidates advancing past the first conversation will be asked for two to three published pieces demonstrating creative storytelling across platforms.
Exceptional writing and interviewing ability, including the ability to turn interviews, data, notes, and other raw material into clear, engaging, fact-based, emotionally compelling narratives while adhering to brand standards.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience telling impact stories for nonprofit, civic, or philanthropic organizations, or for a range of clients.
Ability to write in different voices and formats and find creative ways to tell stories for contemporary audiences.
Experience interviewing a wide range of people, including senior executives, donors, and community members, and earning their trust; comfort and professionalism with high-profile stakeholders.
Maturity and judgment to handle sensitive subjects and senior relationships with care and decide what matters most when priorities compete.
Experience leading multi-stakeholder publications or projects, managing freelancers and contractors, and working to a budget.
Experience working within editorial and brand standards, taking feedback well, and contributing an independent point of view.
Curiosity, eagerness to learn, and interest in digging deeply into the programs and people behind the work.
Regular on-site presence is required.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of and enthusiasm for cities and the built environment; direct industry experience is a bonus, not a requirement.
Experience in another dense, technical, or multifaceted field and an ability to make complex subjects approachable, with eagerness to learn about urbanism, housing, climate resilience, and community development.

Responsibilities

Work with the Vice President to turn narrative priorities into a storytelling schedule, propose stories, and move them from idea to publication on time.
Identify appropriate people to interview, including members, District Council leaders, researchers, Foundation partners, donors, and community members reached by ULI’s work.
Plan and conduct introductory and formal on-the-record interviews, asking questions that reveal the story and its impact.
Research reports, data, policy content, and technical material to ensure stories are accurate and grounded in evidence.
Follow programs, events, and Advisory Services panels over time to document what changed.
Write impact stories, member profiles, and case studies that communicate measurable impact and connect with readers on a human level.
Lead the Annual Report project, including project management, coordination with an external copywriter and design team, content planning with the Vice President and senior leadership, and story selection.
Write in different voices and adapt stories for audiences, lengths, and formats, from long-form features to short content for social channels, events, and the member app.
Balance long-form projects with fast-turnaround opportunities.
Edit and shape stories contributed by ULI staff to meet editorial standards.
Follow ULI editorial and brand standards and coordinate collaborative reviews, with the Vice President providing final sign-off and relevant colleagues reviewing technical or funder-related pieces.
Collaborate on publishing stories through ULI channels, including Urban Land magazine, the website, podcast, member app, events, press releases, and media pitching.
Partner with the social media team on campaigns and publishing cadence, and help extend stories through video, graphics, and other visuals.
Work with Brand and Creative Services on photography, video, and graphics supporting stories.
Propose and test new story formats and series with marketing, design, and video colleagues.
Manage freelance writers and videographers supporting storytelling work.
Build trusted relationships with the Impact Lab, Foundation, and District Councils so stories surface early and colleagues know how to refer them.
Help staff recognize and share potential stories while also proactively seeking stories directly.
Build relationships with senior ULI leaders, donor-facing teams, District Council chairs, and high-profile members, and represent them fairly and accurately.
Track story performance, including reach, engagement, and pickup by members and partners, and share findings with the Vice President.
Help develop a sustainable way to track the long-term impact of ULI’s work and identify subsequent chapters of stories.