Urban Planner jobs in Champaign, IL

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 seeks a highly motivated professional to serve as a Development Coordinator (Foundation Relations).

Reporting to the Senior Director, Foundation Relations on the Development team, the development coordinator will play a key role in the growing the institutional fundraising unit, which supports Urban in all aspects of foundation giving by developing and implementing strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation donors.

Through strategic engagement, increased giving, and improved retention, this position provides a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and future direction of one of the nation’s leading research and policy organizations.

What You’ll Do :

Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to identify, cultivate, and steward philanthropic funders (particularly foundations).

Work closely with Development and Communications colleagues to coordinate funder communications and outreach.

Support the foundation fundraising team with information management and reporting on the revenue pipeline and donor tracking.

Conduct in-depth research on prospective funders to identify alignment with Urban Institute.

Prepare briefings, strategy memos, and other materials to inform fundraising strategies and equip senior leadership for success in meetings and events.

Assist with editing and mailing appeals and renewal letters.

Maintain complete files on fundraising activity in the CRM database, including correspondence with donors, meeting notes, appeal letters, and donor briefs and background information.

Support team in tracking and recording donations, coordinating internally with accounting and finance teams, and help craft timely and thoughtful thank you notes to donors.

Who You Are :

This position requires outstanding communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as technological competence.

The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of initiative and possess sound judgment, a sense of discretion and unfaltering personal integrity.

The successful candidate will :

Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience needed to perform the development coordinator job duties), plus 1-2 years experience, ideally with fundraising, nonprofit development, or advancement services work or relevant internship experience.

Use proven organizational skills and the ability to self-motivate.

Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills. Proficiency with databases, online research tools, and other information technology, including Salesforce, a plus but not required

Respond adeptly to rapidly changing priorities and work well under pressure.

Work and make decisions autonomously and solve problems effectively and creatively.

Display an interest in public policy.

Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics in working with highly confidential, sensitive information.

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 $52,950- Mid $61,650 - Max $70,450. 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.

The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees’ Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).

Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution.

This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.

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.

Last updated : 2024-03-23