Development Operations Manager

URBAN LAND INSTITUTE • Washington, DC

4d • $65,822 - $71,851 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level