Advisor - Philanthropic (Planned Giving Officer)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Core Medical Coverage

401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer

Exceptional Paid Time Off

Maternity / Paternity Leave

Infertility Treatment Program

Adoption Assistance

Education Assistance

Enterprise Learning and Development

And more

Job summary

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a Philanthropic Advisor to advance planned giving and donor stewardship across a designated region. You will cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, building strategic engagement and gifts aligned with philanthropic goals.

The role champions Bequests, charitable trusts, and other giving vehicles, partnering with attorneys and financial advisors. Travel 50–70% is required; evenings and weekends may be included to support donor events.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in fundraising or major gifts.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation and relationship management.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel 50–70%, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 500–1000 planned giving donors and prospects.
• Identify and qualify new donors for planned giving and outright gifts.
• Promote bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable trusts.
• Collaborate with estate attorneys and financial advisors to fulfill donor intentions.
• Represent ALSAC at donor events and national conferences.
• Lead initiatives to support ALSAC's fundraising goals.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor cultivation

Communication

Project management

CRM familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

At ALSAC you do more than make a living; you make a difference.

We like people who are different...because we're different, too. As one of the worlds most iconic and respected nonprofits, we know what it's like to stand out. That's why we're looking at you. Your background, perspective, and desire to make an impact set you apart. As we work to help St. Jude cure childhood cancer, we're calling on the game-changers, innovators and visionaries to join our family. Not just for the kids of St. Jude, but also for you. Because at ALSAC, we develop and celebrate our employees. So, bring your whole, authentic self and become part of our shared mission: Finding cures. Saving children.

Job Description

Join the mission of ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a Philanthropic Advisor, where your strategic relationship-building skills will help secure the future of lifesaving research and care. This role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects across a designated region.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of 500–1000 planned giving donors and prospects, including interim support for staff vacancies.
• Develop personalized engagement and fundraising strategies to align with donor values and philanthropic goals.
• Conduct in-person donor cultivation, including visits, events, and strategic outreach.
• Plan and host at least two Donor Appreciation Luncheons annually.

Planned Giving & Gift Development

• Identify and qualify new donors to grow the planned giving and outright gift pipeline.
• Promote giving vehicles such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable trusts.
• Collaborate with estate attorneys and financial advisors to fulfill donor intentions.
• Confirm new members of the Danny Thomas - St. Jude Society through timely and strategic follow-up.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as the planned giving lead within your assigned area.
• Partner with internal teams to facilitate gifts and enhance high-value volunteer opportunities.
• Represent ALSAC/St. Jude at donor events, community engagements, and national conferences.
• Identify and lead initiatives that support ALSAC's strategic fundraising goals.

Communication & Mission Alignment

• Communicate clearly and persuasively with donors and internal stakeholders.
• Stay informed on industry trends, tax considerations, and St. Jude's mission and programs.
• Maintain cultural competency to engage donors of all backgrounds meaningfully.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in fundraising, planned giving, or major gifts. Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation and relationship management.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel 50–70% of the time, including evenings and weekends; additional travel for conferences (10–25%).
• Experience with bequest and major gift fundraising.
• Strategic thinker and collaborative team player.
• Familiarity with planned giving tools and CRM systems.
• Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for this role

Benefits & Perks

The following Benefits & Perks apply to Full-Time Roles Only.

• Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)
• 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
• Exceptional Paid Time Off
• Maternity / Paternity Leave
• Infertility Treatment Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance
• Enterprise Learning and Development
• And more

ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer.

ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

No Search Firms

ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.