Advancement Planning & Engagement, Specialist

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; United States; Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago seeks an Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist to partner with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership, driving strategic projects, budget planning, and monthly forecasting while supporting donor relations and engagement efforts.

This role emphasizes high-level philanthropy work, crafting communications, planning events, and ensuring moves management from prospecting to solicitation, with a hybrid office schedule and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 3–5 years in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, non-profit operations, and/or project management.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated discretion, confidentiality, and trust with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the SVP and Advancement leadership to drive division-wide projects, including budget planning, tracking, and monthly forecasting.
• Ensure the team remains aligned with strategic priorities, financial objectives and KPIs.
• Collaborate on trustee, leadership, and volunteer engagement, supporting prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
• Draft tailored communications and materials to maximize engagement opportunities.
• Provide support for CEO, C-Suite and SVP/CDO portfolios and high-level prospect engagement.
• Prepare correspondence, meeting summaries, and engagement strategies.
• Assist moves management and advance prospects through the engagement pipeline.
• Generate regular reports to illustrate progress and identify areas for improvement.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none - one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

As the Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist, you will serve as the right hand to the Chief Advancement Officer/Senior Vice President (CAO/SVP) at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, providing high-level support across a range of advancement functions. This pivotal role is ideal for a resourceful, proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about making an impact through relationship building, strategic coordination, and operational excellence.

Job Description

The Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist will:

• Partner with the SVP and Advancement leadership to drive division-wide projects, including budget planning, tracking, and monthly forecasting.
• Ensure the team remains aligned with strategic priorities, financial objectives and execution of KPIs.
• Collaborate closely with the SVP on trustee, leadership, and volunteer engagement, supporting peer networking as well as prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
• Help craft and execute prospect engagement plans, drafting tailored communications and materials to maximize the impact of outreach and engagement efforts.
• Provide support in managing the CEO, C-Suite and SVP/CDO portfolio’s and high-level prospect engagement, this includes working closely with the relationship management team.
• Prepare correspondence, stewardship notes, meeting summaries, and engagement strategies.
• Play an active role in supporting moves management, ensuring prospects are thoughtfully advanced through the engagement pipeline.
• Monitor for relevant news, trends, and engagement opportunities both within and beyond Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
• Gather, synthesize, and prepare donor-related information for meetings, cultivation, and solicitation activities, ensuring leadership is equipped with timely, actionable insights.
• Provide hand-on support for high-touch donor activities, including planning and executing events, visits, and special initiatives designed to deepen relationships.
• Draft and distribute internal communications for the Advancement team.
• Coordinate and plan department-wide training and team meetings to foster collaboration and professional development.
• Ensure thorough follow-up after donor and prospect meetings, capturing next steps and working with stakeholders to drive execution.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of donor/prospect activity.
• Generate regular reports to illustrate progress, highlight opportunities, and identify areas for improvement.
• Anticipate and respond to the needs of the SVP/CAO’s and CEO’s prospect portfolios, providing strategic support and ensuring priorities are addressed.
• Oversee special projects requiring cross-departmental coordination and a keen attention to detail, supporting the Advancement division’s most critical initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Bachelor’s degree required. 3-5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, non-profit operations, and/or project management. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels. Proven resourcefulness, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Demonstrated commitment to mission driven organizations.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to Chief Development Officer / Senior Vice President of Philanthropy

Working Conditions

Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. Hybrid work schedule.

Pay and Benefits*

Pay Range: $71,200.00 - $124,500.00

Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affiantive Action Employer as required by law.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none - one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.