Urban Land Institute
Director of Advancement, ULI Foundation
Urban Land Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you a visionary fundraiser and inspiring team leader ready to shape the future of philanthropy at one of the most respected organizations in the real estate and land use world?
The Director of Advancement at the ULI Foundation offers a rare opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the Foundation President to chart the next chapter of ULI's fundraising strategy. You'll lead a talented and growing team, mentor emerging fundraisers, and personally engage major donors whose generosity fuels ULI's mission-driven impact across sustainability, housing, capital markets, and community development.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, driving strategy, and mentoring others - someone who sees fundraising not just as a transaction, but as a transformative partnership that propels bold ideas forward.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead with Vision Serve as a strategic partner to the Foundation President, helping to define and execute the advancement vision for ULI's next era of growth. Supervise and mentor leads overseeing Major Gifts and the Annual Fund, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Set clear goals and performance metrics, ensuring ULI's advancement programs achieve ambitious targets and deliver measurable results. Fundraise with Purpose
Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving $1,000-$250,000+, cultivating deep and lasting philanthropic relationships. Craft tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship - transforming donor engagement into lasting partnerships. Work closely with volunteer leaders and ULI members to amplify peer-to-peer fundraising and expand ULI's philanthropic reach. Build the Pipeline
Partner across departments and District Councils to identify new funding opportunities for ULI's key initiatives and thought leadership programs. Drive acquisition, retention, and reactivation of donors through integrated campaigns and personalized outreach. Collaborate with Corporate & Foundation Relations and Stewardship Officers to ensure consistent donor recognition and impact reporting. Shape the Team and the Culture
Lead with authenticity, empathy, and accountability - modeling ULI's values of collaboration, integrity, and impact. Inspire your team to think creatively, take initiative, and grow as fundraising professionals. Serve as a visible ambassador for the Advancement team across the organization and with external stakeholders. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
6-8+ years in development/advancement with a track record securing 4-6 figure gifts 2-3+ years leading or coaching fundraisers Experience working with senior executives, boards, or high-influence volunteers CRM fluency and a data-driven approach to portfolio and pipeline management (Preferred) Experience in a membership-based, nonprofit, or real estate-oriented organization, and familiarity with multi-platform fundraising campaigns.
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.
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.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you a visionary fundraiser and inspiring team leader ready to shape the future of philanthropy at one of the most respected organizations in the real estate and land use world?
The Director of Advancement at the ULI Foundation offers a rare opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the Foundation President to chart the next chapter of ULI's fundraising strategy. You'll lead a talented and growing team, mentor emerging fundraisers, and personally engage major donors whose generosity fuels ULI's mission-driven impact across sustainability, housing, capital markets, and community development.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, driving strategy, and mentoring others - someone who sees fundraising not just as a transaction, but as a transformative partnership that propels bold ideas forward.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead with Vision Serve as a strategic partner to the Foundation President, helping to define and execute the advancement vision for ULI's next era of growth. Supervise and mentor leads overseeing Major Gifts and the Annual Fund, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Set clear goals and performance metrics, ensuring ULI's advancement programs achieve ambitious targets and deliver measurable results. Fundraise with Purpose
Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving $1,000-$250,000+, cultivating deep and lasting philanthropic relationships. Craft tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship - transforming donor engagement into lasting partnerships. Work closely with volunteer leaders and ULI members to amplify peer-to-peer fundraising and expand ULI's philanthropic reach. Build the Pipeline
Partner across departments and District Councils to identify new funding opportunities for ULI's key initiatives and thought leadership programs. Drive acquisition, retention, and reactivation of donors through integrated campaigns and personalized outreach. Collaborate with Corporate & Foundation Relations and Stewardship Officers to ensure consistent donor recognition and impact reporting. Shape the Team and the Culture
Lead with authenticity, empathy, and accountability - modeling ULI's values of collaboration, integrity, and impact. Inspire your team to think creatively, take initiative, and grow as fundraising professionals. Serve as a visible ambassador for the Advancement team across the organization and with external stakeholders. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
6-8+ years in development/advancement with a track record securing 4-6 figure gifts 2-3+ years leading or coaching fundraisers Experience working with senior executives, boards, or high-influence volunteers CRM fluency and a data-driven approach to portfolio and pipeline management (Preferred) Experience in a membership-based, nonprofit, or real estate-oriented organization, and familiarity with multi-platform fundraising campaigns.
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.