Events & Membership Senior Associate, ULI San Francisco

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute has more than 48,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service. As the preeminent, multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among local, regional, national, and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. The mission of ULI is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

ULI district councils deliver the Institute’s mission at the local level by providing members with education, networking, and opportunities to give back to the community. With over 2,100 members across the Bay Area, ULI San Francisco (ULI SF) represents one of the Institute’s largest district councils and is the preeminent local organization focused on creating and sustaining communities through wise land use, development, and redevelopment decisions.

ULI San Francisco (ULI SF) seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Senior Associate to support local programming and member engagement. As part of a small, high-performing team, this role is ideal for someone with experience in event coordination, membership organizations, or nonprofit operations.

The Senior Associate will manage event logistics, assist volunteer committees, and serve as a key point of contact for members—especially new ones. Strong candidates will be highly organized, proactive, and comfortable juggling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. A background in real estate is not required, but excellent communication and customer service skills are essential.

The ULI SF team is currently working in a hybrid environment with 1-3 days a week in-person at our San Francisco office. Attendance in person at our office and at events will be required. All ULI staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The salary range for this position has been set at $62,370 - $64,735. Actual salaries will vary based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, skills and other job-related factors. The range listed is just one component of ULI’s total compensation package for employees which includes a full and competitive benefits package.

Specific Responsibilities

The Senior Associate will collaborate with the Executive Director and district council staff on educational events and programming, member engagement, meetings and committee support, and lead ULI SF’s marketing and communications efforts.

Events Programs Fall Meeting

ULI San Francisco’s member-driven committees produce over 60 programs per year, supported by ULI staff, including the Senior Associate. In collaboration with ULI SF members, the Senior Associate will oversee the development and execution of timely, high-value programs and events that align with ULI’s mission and serve our members and the broader industry.

• Support all programming and committee management for the ULI SF Programs Committee.
• Manage logistics and execution of programming, including catering, venue needs, and rentals.
• Prepare and manage programming budgets, ensuring events remain within financial targets.
• Track and analyze program success metrics.
• Develop and improve internal systems to streamline event delivery.
• Attend events to ensure smooth execution and manage logistics before, during, and after.
• Assist with Local Product Council meetings as needed.
• Support ad-hoc committee events as necessary.
• Assist in planning and executing ULI SF’s 2025 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, including tours, programs, receptions, and events.

Member Engagement

Engaging and retaining members is a top priority for ULI SF, as a strong, connected membership base is essential to advancing our mission. The Senior Associate will play a key role in fostering an inclusive and engaging member experience by developing initiatives that welcome new members, strengthen connections, and encourage long-term involvement. Through strategic programming, outreach, and collaboration with committee leadership, this role will ensure members feel valued and actively participate in ULI SF’s vibrant professional community.

• Manage and support the Member Engagement Committee, including coordinating meetings, updating work plans, and providing membership reports.
• Plan and execute New Member Coffee events and nine Member Happy Hours annually.
• Collaborate with committee leadership to develop strategies for engaging new members, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring long-term retention.
• Lead efforts to enhance the member experience from onboarding to continued engagement.
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote membership benefits and drive renewals.

Marketing and Communications

The Senior Associate will work closely with the Executive Director and district council team to enhance ULI SF’s visibility and influence.

• Manage communications efforts, including newsletters, email blasts, press releases, and the annual impact report.
• Maintain and update the ULI SF website and oversee social media channels.
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of marketing and communication initiatives.

Non-Profit Management and General Administration

All ULI SF team members contribute to the organization’s day-to-day operations. The Senior Associate’s responsibilities will also include:

• Cultivating relationships with local nonprofits, public agencies, and industry leaders aligned with ULI’s mission.
• Supporting internal team meeting coordination.
• Utilizing ULI’s database to generate reports, mailing lists, event rosters, badges, and invoices.
• Performing other operational duties and managing special projects as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong candidates will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to accuracy. They should be effective multitaskers who thrive in a fast-paced environment and can work independently while collaborating with a team. Specific qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experiences
• 2-4 years of related experience, preferably in program or event planning.
• Experience in marketing, communications, and/or working with a membership-based organization is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Friendly and welcoming demeanor and a collaborative attitude.
• Ability to work with business and public-sector executives.
• Self-motivated, demonstrating meticulous attention to both details and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple responsibilities concurrently with responsible follow- through.
• Fluent/proficient computer skills and strong aptitude with applications like Microsoft Office and Google Drive are required. Design skills (Adobe Creative Suite) and website software (WordPress and basic HTML) a plus.
• Ability to attend ULI events (in the early morning or evening) throughout the region.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds is required.
• Demonstrated interest in land use and urban development preferred.
• Familiarity with Bay Area real estate and land use industry a plus.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.