Director of Administration & Special Projects, ULI Foundation chez Urban Land Institute (ULI)

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

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 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. 

Position Summary

ULI is seeking an Executive Director of Administration and Special Projects to serve as a senior leader within the ULI Foundation. Reporting directly to the President, this role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising operations, campaign execution, donor data management, and internal administration. The Executive Director will also lead high-impact initiatives and special projects, ensuring financial discipline, operational excellence, and system improvements that enhance donor engagement and organizational effectiveness.

The salary range for this position is $106,916 – $127,000. Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. This role is part of ULI’s comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive benefits.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Oversight & Budget Management

• Lead the Foundation’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Monitor financial performance against projections and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Liaise with ULI’s Finance team on reconciliations, audits, and fund allocations.
• Ensure funds are recorded, designated, and used in line with donor intent and compliance requirements.

Fundraising Operations & Gift Processing

• Oversee and continuously improve gift processing, receipting, pledge tracking, and acknowledgments.
• Establish and enforce internal policies aligned with IRS regulations and best practices.
• Ensure donor data accuracy and manage CRM/financial systems to support reporting and stewardship.

Campaign Strategy & Execution

• Partner with the President to plan and implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Develop timelines, metrics, and engagement strategies to achieve campaign goals.
• Support campaign committees and volunteer leaders with tools, coordination, and accountability.

Portfolio Management & Donor Strategy

• Build and maintain systems for strategic donor portfolio and pipeline management.
• Partner with fundraisers to assess donor strategies and monitor progress.
• Provide data analysis on donor behavior, trends, and giving segments.
• Oversee donor research and preparation of personalized cultivation and stewardship materials.

Communications & Marketing Coordination

• Collaborate with ULI’s Marketing & Communications team to align messaging and donor updates.
• Coordinate Foundation-related communications including reports, newsletters, and donor recognition.
• Support communications for Foundation Board activities and campaign initiatives.

Staff Supervision & Internal Operations

• Manage and mentor assigned staff, including the Development Operations Manager and Communications Officer.
• Lead process improvement, meeting planning, and cross-functional collaboration.

Board Relations & Strategic Initiatives

• Serve as staff lead for ULI Foundation Board engagement and communications.
• Support Board meetings, Governors gatherings, and campaign-related events.
• Lead or contribute to special projects advancing Foundation strategy and impact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising operations, campaign management, or nonprofit administration.
• Proven success executing multi-year campaigns and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong proficiency with fundraising data systems (Salesforce, NetFORUM, or equivalent).
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with major donors, volunteer leaders, and nonprofit boards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a membership-based or real estate-related organization.
• Familiarity with planned giving and grant funding models.
• Prior experience supporting C-level leaders or liaising with nonprofit boards.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, please follow the link. Please submit a résumé and a letter of interest/cover letter. 

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.