ULI Northwest Arkansas is excited to announce an incredible career opportunity to join our team as the new Director of Marketing and Development. As our region continues to grow and evolve, this position will play a vital role in driving ULI NWA’s mission to shape the built environment of Northwest Arkansas for transformative impact. We’re looking for a talented, strategic professional with a passion for non-profit revenue development, storytelling, and relationship-building. If you’re ready to make a difference in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, read on for details about this unique role.

POSITION TITLE: Director of Marketing & Development

ORGANIZATION: Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas (ULI NWA)

LOCATION: Hybrid-Remote (Office from home w/ in-person meetings)

POSITION STATUS: W-2 Employee

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

ANNUAL SALARY: $75,000

Position Overview:  ULI Northwest Arkansas is seeking an innovative, strategic professional to serve as our Director of Marketing and Development. This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial leader who thrives on creating and executing high-impact strategies to drive visibility, revenue, and engagement. As a key member of our team, you’ll be instrumental in growing ULI NWA’s reach and influence across the region, advancing our mission to shape sustainable, vibrant communities in Northwest Arkansas.

About ULI Northwest Arkansas: ULI Northwest Arkansas is a trusted and relied-upon network advancing responsible land use and development throughout Northwest Arkansas. We engage members, community leaders, and industry partners in creating solutions to local and regional challenges. ULI NWA provides resources, educational programs, and networking opportunities focused on sustainable growth and responsible land use in one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S.

ULI NWA operates in a complex, fast-paced environment with a large volume of work conducted by multiple teams with varying objectives spread across the region. The Director of Marketing & Development must be adaptable, self-motivated, detail oriented, and well organized, with the ability to identify implied tasks, work with minimal supervision, and meet assigned deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Marketing & Branding Strategy:
• • Develop and implement multi-channel marketing strategies that build brand awareness across broader audiences.
  • Craft and execute compelling storytelling strategies across print, digital, and video platforms to communicate the impact of ULI programs, members, and sponsors.
  • Collaborate with ULI partners and media outlets to secure earned media coverage and broaden ULI’s presence within the region.
  • Oversee ULI NWA social media, digital content, newsletters, and promotional materials, ensuring consistent, on-brand, high-quality messaging that resonates with ULI members and stakeholders.

• Fundraising & Development:
• • Lead initiatives to increase annual and event sponsorships, small donor engagement, and major gifts to support ULI’s mission and programs.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners, serving as the primary contact for key supporters.
  • Plan and manage high-impact fundraising events and donor stewardship programs, ensuring successful execution and meaningful engagement.

• Community & Stakeholder Engagement:
• • Build and nurture relationships with ULI members, community leaders, and industry partners to foster collaborative initiatives and enhance ULI NWA’s network.
  • Actively engage with ULI’s membership, sponsorship, and development committees, supporting ULI’s organizational growth through strategic stakeholder outreach.
  • Be present at ULI NWA regional events, promoting our mission and connecting with potential partners and supporters.

• Leadership & Reporting:
• • Provide strategic guidance to the ULI NWA Executive Director, Management Committee members, and other staff in areas related to marketing, communications, and development.
  • Regularly analyze and report on metrics related to engagement, revenue, and reach, using data-driven insights to adjust and refine strategies.
  • Support and mentor ULI member-leaders and staff, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving ULI’s mission and objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in marketing, communications, or fundraising, with a proven track record of success in a growth-focused role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, sponsorship development, and event planning.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, brand management, and community engagement strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to create compelling narratives and build relationships with diverse audiences.
• Highly organized and proactive, with a capacity to balance multiple priorities and manage complex projects effectively.
• Demonstrated experience working with high-performing, collaborative teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using digital CRM systems.
• Passion for making cities great and a commitment to shaping a thriving built environment for Northwest Arkansas.

Location: This hybrid role is based in the Northwest Arkansas metro with flexible remote work options. The Director of Marketing & Development may office from home or another remote location and enjoy a highly flexible schedule. The Director of Marketing & Development must be willing to travel throughout the NWA region to attend meetings and events, sometimes scheduled outside of normal business hours (evenings and weekends). Short-term, occasional travel throughout the U.S. may be required for professional development conferences and similar events.

Compensation: In addition to an annual salary of $75,000 with annual cost of living adjustments, the Director of Marketing & Development will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and more. The Director of Marketing & Development will be awarded a complementary membership to the Urban Land Institute.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Send via email to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews conducted periodically until the position is filled.

If you are a motivated leader ready to apply your skills in marketing, development, and community engagement, we invite you to apply for this role and help us shape the future of Northwest Arkansas. ULI NWA is a vibrant, collaborative staff and network, and we look forward to welcoming a new team member dedicated to making a lasting impact. Take the next step in your career with ULI Northwest Arkansas!