Director of Development

About Urban Institute:

At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.

Our Mission

To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.

Our Values

Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity

For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit .

The Opportunity:

Urban's Development team supports philanthropic fundraising across the Institute, supporting the president's strategic initiatives and collaborating on major fundraising efforts in Urban's 12 research centers. The Development team is seeking a highly-motivated professional to serve as a Development Director.

Reporting to the Chief Development and Strategic Partnerships Officer on the Development team, the Development Director will be a key partner in the continued transformation of fundraising for the organization and expansion of the Development team. The Development Director will coach and collaborate with a diverse group of researchers, policy analysts, and technical experts to articulate value propositions for current and prospective institutional donors; support the development of multi-million-dollar initiatives aligned with Urban’s strategic priorities; and serve as an ambassador for the Institute’s research and reputation, establishing and sustaining relationship with foundation executives and program officers to advance fundraising goals.

What You’ll Do:

Help position the Urban Institute effectively with current and potential funders across an array of interest areas.

Identify new revenue sources, developing and implementing cultivation strategies to establish relationships with prospective funders, including foundation officers.

Contribute to the creation of compelling concept papers, grant proposals, stewardship communications, and other documents that convey the impact of Urban’s work.

Collaborate with colleagues on Urban’s development team to develop and execute fundraising plans and help achieve ambitious team goals for revenue growth and funder diversification.

Work with senior staff to prepare for and follow up on meetings with high-capacity funders.

Become a trusted partner with researchers, coaching them in foundation fundraising practices and tactics and working closely with them to translate technical research ideas into fundable proposals.

Act as an ambassador for the Institute’s research and reputation, establishing and sustaining relationships with institutional funders to advance fundraising goals.

Work collaboratively with the development team and increase its capacity.

Who You Are:

Ideal Director of Development candidates contribute to their organization’s fundraising goals. They are exceptional listeners, persuasive communicators, and experts at time management. They are adept at identifying new funders that align with organizational priorities and working with internal staff to develop compelling proposals. They are ready to engage at the next level and embrace the mission and perspective of the Urban Institute.

Background

A bachelor's degree and 10 years of progressive experience or in institutional fundraising work in a large, complex institution with a proven track record of success

Experience and Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of securing major institutional donations, from identifying new prospects to writing convincing proposals to reporting and stewardship.

Proven experience in developing fundraising strategies that increase the number of foundation grants and grant revenue; experience with major foundations that fund in areas of Urban’s work is preferred.

Experience working closely with senior leaders and program staff to develop seven-figure proposals, managing interactions with foundation staff, and providing stewardship reports.

Experience working with researchers to present their work to donors is preferred.

Ability to advance multiple projects while managing deadlines.

Exceptional writing skills, with substantial experience developing a range of funder communications materials.

Desire to be a collaborative member of a close-knit, intellectually curious team.

Ability to engage with people from all backgrounds with maturity, respect, and integrity.

What You’ll Experience:

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. And whether you call the Washington, DC area or elsewhere home, you can expect to be part of a welcoming and hybrid workplace. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people.

The target salary range for this position is Min $110,700- Max $150,000. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package.

Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The Urban Institute is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at . Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.