Development Associate (Office of Development) at The Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

Who we are:

At the nonprofit Urban Institute, 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 Development Office of Urban Institute is seeking a highly-motivated professional to serve as a Development Associate for the foundation fundraising team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Development Associate will be instrumental in securing from major philanthropic foundations by helping non-experts understand the value of complex research and policy initiatives, strengthening internal and external communications and information capacities, and implementing effective moves management and project tracking systems

How you’ll contribute:

This critical position is an opportunity to contribute to the growth and future direction of one of the nation’s leading research and policy organizations. It requires sophisticated written and oral communication skills, advanced project management skills, interest in and familiarity with nonprofit management, and a track record of achieving results for policy and research organizations or other nonprofits. 

This position will report to the Senior Director of Development and will work closely with the Vice President, Philanthropic Partnerships and other key Development team members to support the Institute’s foundation fundraising goals.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising management and strategy
 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to identify, cultivate, and steward foundation funders.


• Manage revenue pipeline and tracking system for top institutional funders and prospects across the Institute.


• Participate in and support regular meetings with key leaders to establish cultivation strategies and goal-setting for top funders.


• Support development of strategic initiatives by researching prospective funders and contributing to fundraising plans.


• Prepare briefing memos to inform fundraising strategies and equip staff for success in meetings and events.

Funder communications

• Serve as a liaison between the Development team and Communications Office.


• Draft compelling and accessible newsletters, grant proposals, stewardship messages and other documents that convey the impact of Urban’s research initiatives. 


• Participate in and support funder meetings and follow-up communications.


• Work with colleagues to collect and curate Urban success stories and accomplishments and draft narrative reports that can be drawn upon for stewardship messages.


• Maintain up-to-date understanding of domestic policy issues and economic and social policy research. Maintain lists of funders interested in various issue areas for communications and event invitation purposes.


• Work with Urban’s events team to advise on event programming that will appeal to a funder audience and build invitation lists for various Urban events.

What you’ll bring:

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of three year’s prior experience in relevant positions. 

• Write compelling documents that synthesize and succinctly communicate research findings to non-research audiences.


• Demonstrate exemplary oral and written communication skills and respond adeptly to rapidly changing priorities, and work well under pressure. 


• Work and make decisions autonomously, and solve problems independently, effectively, and creatively.


• Display proficiency with databases, on-line research tools and other information technology.


• Be committed to professional ethics in working with highly confidential, sensitive information. 

What you’ll experience:

Working in the Nation’s Capital- the epicenter of public policy- among a network of policy experts, 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.