Director of Administration & Special Projects, ULI Foundation

ULI is seeking an Executive Director of Administration and Special Projects to serve as a senior leader within the ULI Foundation. Reporting directly to the President, this role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising operations, campaign execution, donor data management, and internal administration. The Executive Director will also lead high-impact initiatives and special projects, ensuring financial discipline, operational excellence, and system improvements that enhance donor engagement and organizational effectiveness.

• Lead process improvement, meeting planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee and continuously improve gift processing, receipting, pledge tracking, and acknowledgments.
• Develop timelines, metrics, and engagement strategies to achieve campaign goals.
• Establish and enforce internal policies aligned with IRS regulations and best practices.
• Oversee donor research and preparation of personalized cultivation and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate with ULI’s Marketing & Communications team to align messaging and donor updates.
• Support Board meetings, Governors gatherings, and campaign-related events.
• Ensure donor data accuracy and manage CRM/financial systems to support reporting and stewardship.
• Serve as staff lead for ULI Foundation Board engagement and communications.
• Provide data analysis on donor behavior, trends, and giving segments.
• Coordinate Foundation-related communications including reports, newsletters, and donor recognition.
• Ensure funds are recorded, designated, and used in line with donor intent and compliance requirements.
• Manage and mentor assigned staff, including the Development Operations Manager and Communications Officer.
• Build and maintain systems for strategic donor portfolio and pipeline management.
• Support communications for Foundation Board activities and campaign initiatives.
• Monitor financial performance against projections and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Partner with the President to plan and implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Liaise with ULI’s Finance team on reconciliations, audits, and fund allocations.
• Lead the Foundation’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Lead or contribute to special projects advancing Foundation strategy and impact.
• Partner with fundraisers to assess donor strategies and monitor progress.
• Support campaign committees and volunteer leaders with tools, coordination, and accountability.

• Prior experience supporting C-level leaders or liaising with nonprofit boards.
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with major donors, volunteer leaders, and nonprofit boards.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with planned giving and grant funding models.
• Experience in a membership-based or real estate-related organization.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising operations, campaign management, or nonprofit administration.
• Strong proficiency with fundraising data systems (Salesforce, NetFORUM, or equivalent).
• Proven success executing multi-year campaigns and leading high-performing teams.

Minimum Qualifications

EOE/m/f/d/v. No relocation reimbursement is offered at this time.

The salary range for this position is $106,916 – $127,000. 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.