Advisor - Philanthropic (Planned Giving Officer)

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Core Medical Coverage

401K Retirement Plan with employer 7%

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Job summary

ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a Philanthropic Advisor in the Chicago area to grow a portfolio of planned giving donors. You will build strategic relationships, solicit major gifts, and steward donors through in-person visits and events.

The role requires extensive travel and collaboration with internal teams to maximize giving opportunities while aligning with St. Jude’s mission.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in fundraising, planned giving, or major gifts.
• Bachelor’s degree 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; 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 required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 500–1000 planned giving donors and prospects.
• Develop personalized engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Conduct in-person donor cultivation visits and events.
• Plan and host Donor Appreciation Luncheons.
• Identify and qualify new donors to grow the pipeline.
• Promote bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable trusts.
• Collaborate with attorneys/financial advisors to fulfill donor intentions.
• Serve as the planned giving lead within the assigned area.
• Partner with internal teams to facilitate gifts and high-value opportunities.
• Represent ALSAC/St. Jude at donor events and conferences.
• Identify initiatives to support fundraising goals.
• Communicate clearly with donors and internal stakeholders.
• Stay informed on industry trends and St. Jude mission.

Skills

Fundraising

Planned Giving

Donor Cultivation

Relationship Management

Time Management

Communication

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 world’s 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 DescriptionJoin 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 ResponsibilitiesDonor Strategy & Portfolio ManagementManage 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 DevelopmentIdentify 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 & LeadershipServe 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 AlignmentCommunicate 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.Qualifications5+ 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 roleBenefits & PerksThe following Benefits & Perks apply to Full-Time Roles Only .We’re dedicated to ensuring children and their families have every opportunity to enjoy life’s special moments. We’re also committed to giving our staff excellent benefits so they can do the same.Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer ContributionExceptional Paid Time OffMaternity / Paternity LeaveInfertility Treatment ProgramAdoption AssistanceEducation AssistanceEnterprise Learning and DevelopmentALSAC 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.