Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer

Organizational SummaryThe 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.Position SummaryThe Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer plays a vital role in strengthening relationships with ULI Foundation donors through thoughtful engagement, personalized recognition, and impactful stewardship. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Special Projects, this position collaborates closely with the EVP to design and implement a comprehensive stewardship strategy that deepens donor trust, encourages continued investment, and clearly demonstrates the impact of philanthropic contributions.Working as an integral member of the Foundation team, the Officer partners cross-functionally with fundraising, finance, communications, and program teams to ensure consistent, accurate, and inspiring donor experiences at every stage of the giving cycle. This role also manages high-level recognition initiatives, oversees Society-level engagement programs, and coordinates exclusive donor experiences, ensuring all stewardship activities align with ULI’s mission, values, and brand.Essential ResponsibilitiesDonor Stewardship StrategyIn partnership with the EVP, Special Projects, develop and implement a comprehensive, tiered donor stewardship strategy for all giving levels—annual, major, principal, legacy, and foundation/corporate donors.Create and manage personalized stewardship plans for top donors, with a special focus on gifts of $250,000 and above.Collaborate with program and finance teams to collect accurate program data and outcomes for inclusion in timely, transparent, and impact-driven donor reports.Partner with the Marketing and Communications liaison to design and format annual stewardship reports in alignment with ULI’s brand and storytelling goals.Maintain a stewardship calendar to ensure timely delivery of impact updates, recognition milestones, and engagement opportunities.Track and analyze donor engagement metrics; use insights to refine strategies and enhance the donor experience.Coordinate with development and data teams to segment donor audiences and tailor approaches to each segment.Donor Acknowledgment & RecognitionOversee the creation and delivery of timely, accurate, and personalized donor acknowledgments for all giving levels, ensuring consistency with donor intent and organizational standards.Develop scalable stewardship tools—including email templates, digital impact reports, and video messages—for meaningful engagement with mid-level and annual donors.Create and manage systems for recurring acknowledgments, including branded templates and fulfillment processes for letters, emails, and automated communications.Manage pledge tracking, gift fulfillment, and follow-up communications to ensure donors remain acknowledged and engaged throughout their commitment.Lead special recognition initiatives, including holiday messages, anniversaries, milestones, and personalized outreach to strengthen donor relationships.Ensure appropriate public and private recognition of donors, in partnership with communications and events teams, across platforms such as naming opportunities, signage, publications, and web content.Society Engagement & Donor ExperiencesDesign and manage stewardship and benefit programs for Society-level donors, including Governors and Governors Plus, that reflect their philanthropic leadership and deepen engagement.Plan and execute exclusive donor experiences—such as domestic and international study tours, receptions, and curated briefings—with a minimum of two national and one international engagement annually for Governors Plus.Collaborate with communications and events teams to ensure seamless execution of donor benefits, high-quality logistics, and experiences that reflect ULI’s mission and brand.Identify opportunities to elevate Society engagement through tailored programming, thought leadership access, and recognition that reinforces the value of participation.Data & Systems OversightIn collaboration with the data and development operations teams, maintain accurate donor records, tracking systems, and reporting tools to ensure timely, accurate, and comprehensive donor engagement information.Collaboration & Team SupportPartner with frontline fundraising staff to support and execute donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.Collaborate with communications, program, and administrative teams to ensure donor-facing materials are consistent, polished, and aligned with ULI’s values and messaging.Provide internal guidance and training to promote excellence in donor experience across all touchpoints and departments.Board & Campaign EngagementSupport the planning, logistics, and material development for Foundation Board and campaign committee meetings, ensuring a positive and engaging donor experience.Contribute to campaign-related donor recognition and stewardship strategies, including the development of naming opportunities, impact updates, and milestone communications.Other DutiesPerform additional responsibilities as assigned by the President or ULI leadership in support of the Foundation’s mission, campaigns, and strategic priorities.Ensure all stewardship activities comply with donor intent, ethical fundraising standards, and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in donor relations, fundraising operations, or nonprofit stewardship.Demonstrated success managing complex donor stewardship plans and creating high-value donor reports.Proven ability to collaborate across teams, lead internal processes, and build consensus.Exceptional organizational and project management skills.Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., NetFORUM, Salesforce, or similar).Familiarity with philanthropic compliance standards and donor recognition best practices.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience designing and delivering donor experiences such as high-level events, travel programs, or curated experiences.Background in philanthropic compliance, donor intent policies, or nonprofit governance.Understanding of ULI’s mission areas (housing, sustainability, decarbonization, and DEI) or experience in a membership-based nonprofit.Ability to work with senior executives, board members, and high-net-worth donors.CompensationThe salary range for this position is $78,986 – $90,000. 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.Application InstructionsTo apply, please follow the link. Submit a résumé and a cover letter describing your interest in the role and alignment with ULI’s mission.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.