At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful ESG programmes and drive decarbonisation in the housing sector across Europe.
- Company: Join the Urban Land Institute, a global non-profit shaping the future of urban development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainable housing while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in housing or sustainability, strong project management, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 78500 - 88000 £ per year.
THE ORGANISATION
ULI, the Urban Land Institute, is a non-profit research and education organisation supported by its members. Founded in 1936, we now have over 48,000 members worldwide. ULI has been active in Europe since the early 1990s and today we have over 5,000 members. Members, both individual and corporate, represent all disciplines active in real estate and urban development from public and private sectors, including architects, developers, investors, and urban planners.
ULI’s mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide, delivered through a wide variety of events, awards, and thought leadership. Research and ESG programmes are a key element of the value proposition offered to members and the wider industry. Topics and projects are initiated and executed in close cooperation with ULI’s members, providing perspectives from across the value chain to help members and the broader industry navigate challenges and unlock opportunities.
ABOUT THE ROLE
ULI Europe is seeking a Senior Director to lead the delivery and shaping of C Change for Housing, and to support C Change, ULI Europe’s two flagship programmes driving decarbonisation of the built environment across Europe. C Change for Housing launched in January 2025 with philanthropic support from the Laudes Foundation, with the aim of mobilising the real estate industry to decarbonise Europe’s existing and future affordable housing stock. Two workstreams are currently active - defining affordable, sustainable housing and rebuilding the business case for it, with a third workstream due to launch in early 2027.
This is a maternity cover position, with the postholder joining ahead of the current programme lead’s leave to allow for a handover period. The role reports to the Vice President, Content, who will provide guidance rather than close day-to-day management; this is a role for someone confident shaping programme direction and managing their own workload with real autonomy. There is genuine scope to shape both programmes over the course of the term, working closely with ULI members, the C Change for Housing steering committee, and the Vice President, Content. Should additional funded work be secured during the term, there is potential for the role to extend or convert to a permanent position.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Delivery of C Change for Housing: Work with ULI’s members, staff, consultants, and the wider industry to deliver the programme’s active workstreams and progress them toward tangible, actionable solutions.
- Develop new programme workstreams related to existing interventions, including supporting the launch of a third workstream in early 2027.
- Manage the relationship with the Laudes Foundation and other funders, including quarterly reporting and ongoing stakeholder engagement to maintain funder confidence and support future grant renewal.
- Closely collaborate with other industry associations and sustainability-focused organisations to gather input and share progress.
- Identify potential corporate and philanthropic funding sources and support fundraising for the core programme and specific workstreams, including contributing to live funding bids.
Support for C Change: Work with the C Change Programme Lead to support programme development. Focus on raising the profile of the programme and identifying business development opportunities.
Development of New ESG Programmes: Work with staff, members, and external organisations to develop new ESG programmes. Work closely with research colleagues within ULI to prime new ideas. Identify potential corporate and philanthropic funding sources for new programmes.
Internal and External Representation: Work with ULI Europe’s national council team to support the pan-European rollout of programme outputs. Support the preparation of research project-related events, in particular the C Change Summit. Represent the Institute in Europe by presenting at national councils’ events, ULI Europe’s flagship events, and external conferences. Represent ULI to the media on an as-needed basis. Serve as an expert resource and adviser to ULI members, product and national councils, and staff.
Management: Provide clear direction and decisive leadership to supporting freelancers and, as the function grows, staff. Develop and manage the annual budget for C Change for Housing, monitor financial performance of individual workstreams, and provide regular financial and other reporting.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
- 8–12 years of progressively responsible experience in housing, affordable housing, decarbonisation, sustainability consulting, or related real estate/ESG research or programme work, including experience initiating or directing projects.
- A background either within industry (e.g., a real estate developer, investor, or ULI member organisation) or within a non-profit or mission-driven organisation; candidates moving from industry into more purpose-driven work have historically been particularly strong fits for this team.
- Genuine subject-matter depth in housing and/or decarbonisation — this is not a pure programme-management role, and candidates should bring hands-on content expertise alongside project management skill.
- A demonstrated self-starter, able to shape and manage programme direction with minimal day-to-day oversight.
- Strong relationship-building skills across a wide stakeholder landscape — members, funders, industry partners, and internal teams.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting research and programme work to senior audiences.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred.
- Based in or able to work from London, with availability for a minimum of two days per week in the office.
Preferred
- Experience working with philanthropic or foundation-funded programmes, particularly relating to housing.
- Experience contributing to fundraising, grant reporting, or bid-writing.
- Familiarity with sustainability and decarbonisation policy and the affordable housing sector across Europe.
- Fluent in written and spoken English; additional European languages a plus.
- Ability to travel within Europe occasionally.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Within the term, a successful Senior Director will have driven tangible progress on solutions across the active C Change for Housing workstreams and supported the successful launch of the third workstream in early 2027. They will have maintained strong funder relationships particularly with the Laudes Foundation through consistent, high-quality reporting and engagement. They will have raised the profile of C Change for Housing across the European real estate industry, grown industry engagement with the programme, and made a meaningful contribution to C Change’s broader profile-raising and business development goals. They will have established themselves as a credible, trusted voice with ULI members, the steering committee, and the wider Impact Lab and Europe teams.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is £78,500 to £88,000. Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. ULI offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance; generous vacation leave; and retirement plan with employer match.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is committed to shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide, and we embrace our core values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and excellence in service to our members. This role is based in ULI’s London office on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days per week on-site to support in-person collaboration with the wider Europe team.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To send in your application, please click APPLY below. Please submit a résumé and a letter of interest. ULI has a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance; vacation leave; and a retirement plan. Compensation is commensurate with experience. 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.
Senior Director, ESG Programmes in London employer: Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of real estate and urban development. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ULI provides opportunities for meaningful engagement in impactful ESG programmes, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, generous vacation leave, and a retirement plan. Joining ULI means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values integrity, inclusion, and excellence, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a difference in communities worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, ESG Programmes in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Urban Land Institute.
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Urban Land Institute.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, ESG Programmes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Urban Land Institute. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Director, ESG Programmes, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Land Institute
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Urban Land Institute. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
