Advancement Officer, Annual Fund

Urban Land Institute

Urban Land Institute

Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Mar 31, 2026

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.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ULI Foundation’s Advancement Officer, Annual Fund plays a key role in cultivating philanthropic support for ULI’s mission through the design and execution of a strong annual giving program. Working across an organization-wide portfolio and in close collaboration with Advancement Officers, Major Gifts this role is responsible for the strategic implementation of the Foundation’s annual fund program, including but not limited to segmentation, prospect identification, and stewardship.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Annual Fund Officer is responsible for leading ULI’s comprehensive Annual Fund strategy, spanning a diverse range of funding priorities and organizational initiatives. Operating across the full ULI enterprise, this role partners with District Councils, Centers/Initiatives, and member networks to align fundraising strategy with institutional priorities while driving consistent, high-quality execution.

This individual serves as the single point of accountability for Annual Fund strategy, performance, and results, while also building the infrastructure, tools, and practices that strengthen annual giving across the organization.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Fund Strategy and Leadership

  • Own and lead the strategy, execution, and performance of the ULI Annual Fund
  • Establish, forecast, and deliver on annual participation and revenue targets, with full accountability for results
  • Direct and optimize a multi-channel Annual Fund campaign, leveraging segmentation, testing, and data insights to drive growth
  • Identify and implement new approaches to expand and evolve the Annual Fund, including digital strategies and donor experience improvements
  • Serve as liaison to the Annual Fund Working Group and support volunteer leadership engagement

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

  • Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, including leadership-level relationships and high-capacity annual giving
  • Develop and execute personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to increase donor engagement and long-term support
  • Lead donor pipeline development, including acquisition, retention, reactivation, and upgrade strategies
  • Partner with Major Gift Advancement Officers to identify and qualify new prospects and support pipeline movement
  • Engage ULI volunteers and leaders in peer-to-peer fundraising, inlcuding but not limited to members of Product Councils and relationship-building efforts

Enterprise Collaboration & Program Alignment

  • Partner across District Councils, Centers/Initiatives, and internal teams to align Annual Fund efforts with organizational priorities
  • Establish and scale best practices for Annual Fund fundraising across the organization, including tools, templates, and training
  • Provide leadership and guidance to colleagues to ensure consistent, high-quality execution of Annual Fund strategies
  • Monitor and report on performance, including monthly reporting tied to participation goals and internal benchmarks

Data, Systems & Performance Management

  • Maintain accurate and timely donor records, interactions, and moves management data within ULI’s CRM system
  • Use data analysis and reporting to inform strategy, optimize performance, and guide decision-making
  • Collaborate with stewardship and communications teams to deliver donor recognition and engagement

Other Key Responsibilities

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the President

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising or development
  • Demonstrated success of implementing and executing an annual fund program
  • Strong communication, relationship management, and project coordination skills
  • Experience working with volunteer leaders and donor committees
  • Familiarity with CRM/database systems and donor pipeline management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Background in nonprofit, membership association, or real estate-related sector
  • Experience developing fundraising campaigns across multiple platforms
  • Knowledge of foundation and corporate philanthropic processes
  • Prior involvement with volunteer fundraising networks

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.
  • In-person travel as necessary including to the bi-annual Americas meetings
  • Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and stand for extended periods during events

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.