ABOUT ULI:

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 across 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 policymakers dedicated to creating better places. The mission of ULI is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

JOB PURPOSE / OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic and operational support to the Foundation team, enabling effective donor engagement, informed decision-making, and streamlined internal processes. The role ensures the accuracy and accessibility of critical donor data, supports high-level initiatives led by the President and Executive Director, and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Foundation's development efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Operations Manager is a pivotal member of the ULI Foundation team, that plays a critical role in managing and improving Foundation operations. This role provides high-level operational and strategic support to the Foundation team, with a focus on executive coordination, donor and data management, and internal systems. Reporting to the Executive Director, the position plays a key role in supporting the President's development-related activities, managing cross-functional projects, and maintaining accurate and organized donor data. The role also collaborates with internal teams on fundraising analytics and system improvements, supports training and documentation efforts, and assists with events and daily team operations.

WHY THIS ROLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU:

• You enjoy working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where you can support a growing fundraising team and gain exposure to multiple aspects of nonprofit development, including donor relations, data management, events, and executive support.
• You are detail-oriented and like solving problems, organizing information, and working with systems and data to keep operations running smoothly across a team.
• You want a role with variety and growth potential, where you won’t be limited to one task but instead will learn new tools, processes, and skills while helping build and improve how the ULI Foundation operates.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Executive Support & Special Projects

• Provide high-level administrative and logistical support to the President and Executive Director, including but not limited to managing complex calendars, scheduling internal and external meetings, coordinating pre- and post-development travel, and preparing related materials.
• Anticipate the team’s needs during donor outreach and engagement cycles, ensuring timely follow-up and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Lead and manage special projects from concept through completion, often requiring cross-functional coordination, independent research, and regular progress reporting to senior leadership.
• Serve as a trusted resource to the Executive Director on time-sensitive initiatives, including confidential assignments, donor correspondence, and project planning.

Donor & Data Management

• Maintain, audit, and improve the accuracy of donor and member data in CRM and related systems, ensuring timely updates to contact information, philanthropic society status, and historical records such as proposals, pledges, and activities.
• Conduct ongoing data hygiene by identifying and resolving issues such as duplicate records, incomplete profiles, and misclassified donor accounts.
• Develop detailed donor research profiles and concise summaries to inform leadership’s engagement strategy; regularly update Foundation communications and materials to reflect current donor insights.
• Organize and streamline the digital file structure across platforms, including SharePoint, to enhance accessibility and team collaboration.

Systems & Analytics

• Collaborate with Foundation and internal ULI staff to build and maintain dashboards, fundraising reports, and internal metrics to inform decision-making and evaluate progress toward fundraising goals.
• Serve as a liaison with the Infrastructure Technology team to support the optimization, integration, and maintenance of CRM and related donor systems.
• Lead the development and upkeep of user-friendly training documentation for internal systems and processes; facilitate onboarding and continuous learning across the team by ensuring materials are clear, current, and accessible.

General Administrative & Team Support

• Manage the Foundation team’s shared inbox, triaging and responding to external and internal inquiries with professionalism and efficiency.
• Provide operational and event support for Foundation-led initiatives, including planning assistance, logistics coordination, and on-site or virtual event support.
• Partner with Foundation leadership and colleagues to support ad hoc initiatives, contribute to a positive team culture, and uphold standards of excellence in service and execution.
• Perform additional administrative tasks and duties as assigned in support of the Foundation’s evolving needs.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

• Within the first few months, you develop a strong understanding of ULI Foundation’s systems, processes, and donor data tools, and become a reliable resource for keeping information accurate and organized.
• You build strong working relationships across teams, collaborate effectively with colleagues in finance, membership, IT, and development, and help resolve operational issues efficiently.
• Over time, you work independently, anticipate team needs, and identify ways to streamline processes, improve reporting, and support fundraising efforts with accurate data, thoughtful coordination, and dependable follow-through.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising, development, administrative, or nonprofit program support.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects or initiatives
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., NetForum, Microsoft Dynamics) and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Demonstrated discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in donor engagement, executive support, or event planning.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles or nonprofit operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is committed to shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide, and we embrace our core values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and excellence in service to our members. In alignment with the Board of Directors’ strong commitment to in-person collaboration, our roles require regular on-site presence to foster teamwork, innovation, and organizational effectiveness. ULI’s primary workplace remains its offices, where in-person collaboration supports our mission and service to members.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $65,822 to $71,851. Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors.

ULI offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance; generous vacation leave; and retirement plan with employer match.

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.