Director of Advancement, ULI Foundation na Urban Land Institute

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 a Director of Advancement to serve as both a strategic leader and frontline fundraiser within the ULI Foundation. Reporting directly to the President, the Director will oversee the Major Gift and Annual Fund programs by supervising program leads, while also managing their own portfolio of donors and prospects. This role blends program leadership with hands-on fundraising to ensure ULI’s advancement efforts are effective, coordinated, and aligned with organizational priorities.

The salary range for this position is $110,916 – $131,000. 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

Strategic Program Oversight

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Major Gift and Annual Fund leads.
• Establish benchmarks, track fundraising performance, and drive accountability and innovation.
• Foster collaboration across the advancement team and integrate best practices in donor engagement.

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of donors/prospects giving between $1,000 and $250,000+.
• Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Lead donor pipeline development including acquisition, retention, and reactivation.
• Identify and qualify new prospects and engage ULI volunteers in fundraising efforts.

Foundation & Corporate Giving (with program lead)

• Cultivate and solicit gifts up to $50,000 in coordination with District Councils and program teams.
• Draft tailored proposals and grant materials aligned with ULI priorities.
• Coordinate with Corporate & Foundation Relations and Stewardship Officers for long-term reporting and stewardship.

Donor Relations & Portfolio Management

• Ensure accurate donor records and effective use of ULI’s CRM system.
• Partner with senior leadership to align fundraising portfolios with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with stewardship and communications teams on recognition and impact reporting.
• Build strong cross-departmental and volunteer leader relationships to sustain philanthropic support.

Other Responsibilities

• Represent Advancement internally and externally, reinforcing alignment with the President’s strategic vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising/advancement.
• Proven success in soliciting and closing gifts of $1,000–$250,000+.
• 2–3 years of supervisory experience leading fundraising staff or programs.
• Strong communication, project management, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders and within complex organizations.
• Proficiency in donor databases/CRM systems and pipeline management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in nonprofit, membership association, or real estate sector.
• Experience developing and leading multi-platform fundraising campaigns.
• Knowledge of foundation and corporate philanthropic processes.
• Familiarity with volunteer fundraising networks.

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.