The Urban Institute
Senior Director of Development (Office of Development) (Project Management)
Who We Are
The Urban Institute is a prominent nonpartisan economic and social policy research institution based in Washington, DC. We believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions. We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.
Urban's greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community. Our employees drive Urban's mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation. Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes.
The senior director of development will have the opportunity to shape an ongoing transformation in revenue models at one of the country's most significant research institutes. Over the last 5 years, the Urban Institute has invested in new resources and systems to facilitate a transition to a diversified fundraising program. Urban is working to strengthen and solidify foundation relationships in the midst of shifting foundation priorities and many new players, while growing its corporate and individual funder base. A strong executive leadership team, an engaged board of trustees, and cutting-edge researchers are collaborating to develop programs that accelerate solutions to achieve equity, upward mobility, and racial justice.
How You'll Contribute
Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships, the senior director of development will be a key partner in the continued transformation of fundraising at the Urban Institute. They will collaborate with and coach a diverse group of researchers, policy analysts, and technical experts to help them articulate value propositions for prospective donors while serving as an ambassador for the Institute's research and reputation with high-level prospects and donors. They will take the lead on identifying new revenue sources and will implement and coordinate cultivation and stewardship plans for multiple constituencies. The Director of Development will become a trusted and respected partner to Urban Institute researchers, capable of engaging and guiding them in the development process and acting as an ambassador for the Institute's research and reputation with high-level prospects and donors. The director will work closely with Urban's president and leadership team to develop multi-million dollar initiatives, and serve on a small team of senior strategists and fundraisers to shape the direction of the Urban Institute and elevate its influence.
Specific Responsibilities
What You'll Bring
The ideal candidate will have an established understanding of the philanthropic landscape, be a persuasive communicator, and possess willingness to embrace unique mission and structure of the Urban Institute. They will be an experienced fundraising generalist with a strong knowledge of how to manage relationships both internally and externally. They will have the full set of skills required to secure major institutional donations, from identifying a next generation of prospects to building relationships with foundation staff and writing clear and convincing proposals. They will be able to develop a strong understanding of the Urban Institute's research programs in order to identify and pursue new funding models to advance the organization's work.
What You'll Experience
Working at one of the nation's leading policy research organizations, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative. You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters and, enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.
In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage. Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan plus elect a pretax benefit for commuting expenses.
The Urban Institute strives to be a vibrant, creative community of skilled and committed people who bring to their work a whole range of different experiences. Accordingly, the Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.
The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.