Director of Advancement, ULI Foundation
ABOUT ULI AND THE FOUNDATION
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is the world’s leading nonprofit focused on shaping the future of the built environment. With more than 48,000 members globally, ULI advances responsible land use through research, convenings, and catalytic programs that drive more resilient, equitable, and sustainable cities.
The ULI Foundation fuels this work through philanthropic investment — and we are entering a defining moment of growth and transformation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Director of Advancement is the senior frontline fundraising leader responsible for driving revenue performance and strengthening ULI’s culture of philanthropy.
Reporting to the President of the ULI Foundation, this role blends strategy and execution:
- You will lead and develop a focused, high-performing advancement team overseeing the Major Gifts and Annual Fund programs..
- You will personally manage and grow a regional high-value donor portfolio.
- You will serve as a key advisor to the President on advancement strategy.
- You will drive accountability, performance metrics, and pipeline discipline.
This is an ideal role for a proven fundraiser who still wants to close meaningful gifts while mentoring and elevating others.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Team Leadership & Portfolio Oversight
- Supervise and mentor Major Gift and Annual Fund Leads.
- Establish performance benchmarks and portfolio discipline.
- Drive collaboration across Advancement, Programs, and District Councils.
- Evaluate revenue trends and adjust strategy to meet goals.
Frontline Fundraising
- Manage a portfolio of donors contributing $1,000–$250,000+.
- Develop and execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies.
- Expand pipeline through new prospect identification and reactivation.
- Build strong relationships across departments and with ULI leaders and volunteers to advance peer-to-peer fundraising and deepen philanthropic engagement.
- Model best-in-class frontline fundraising behaviors.
Foundation & Corporate Giving
- Cultivate and solicit foundation and corporate gifts up to $50,000.
- Coordinate larger institutional opportunities with the CFR Officer.
- Ensure strong proposal development and impact reporting alignment.
Advancement Strategy & Portfolio Management
- Maintain strong CRM discipline and pipeline tracking.
- Strengthen donor stewardship and engagement processes.
- Represent Advancement internally and externally.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Within the first 12 months:
- Major Gift and Annual Fund programs meet or exceed targets.
- A strengthened pipeline of mid- and major-level prospects.
- Clear KPIs and portfolio metrics embedded across the team.
- Increased cross-departmental collaboration.
- Elevated visibility and confidence in ULI’s fundraising efforts.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising or advancement.
- Demonstrated success soliciting and closing gifts of $1,000–$250,000+.
- At least 2–3 years of supervisory experience leading fundraising staff or programs.
- Strong executive presence with excellent communication, project management and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working within complex organizations and with volunteer leaders.
- Proficiency with donor database/CRM systems and pipeline management.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Background in nonprofit, membership association, or real estate-related sector
- Experience developing and leading fundraising campaigns across multiple platforms
- Knowledge of foundation and corporate philanthropic processes
- Prior involvement with volunteer fundraising networks
WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL
This position is based in Washington, DC and follows ULI’s hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work from the office at least three days per week to support collaboration, team engagement, and organizational alignment.
The role requires travel approximately 12–15 times per year, including bi-annual Americas meetings and donor engagement activities.
WHY ULI
Joining ULI means joining a movement. Here, your work doesn’t just raise funds — it shapes the future of cities, sustainability, and inclusive growth. You’ll be part of a passionate, global community united by purpose, creativity, and collaboration.
ULI offers a competitive salary range of $127,500 – $140,000 along with an exceptional benefits package and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment.
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.
