Executive Advisor - Transformational Gifts (Memphis, TN or Remote in USA)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC; Memphis (TN); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC is looking for an Executive Advisor, Transformational Gifts, based in Memphis, TN. This strategic role focuses on engaging ultra-wealth individuals and families for substantial philanthropic contributions ($10M+). Responsibilities include managing donor relationships, designing engagement strategies, and collaborating with executive leadership. Candidates should have over 10 years of relevant experience, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a strong understanding of fundraising in healthcare or similar sectors. The position involves extensive travel and offers competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in closing or advising on large philanthropic gifts.
• Proven track record in healthcare or mission-driven institutions.
• Ability to translate complex research into donor opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue through managing a portfolio of $10M+ gifts.
• Design strategies for engaging transformational gift prospects.
• Provide strategic consulting to relationship managers.

Skills

Philanthropic strategy

Relationship management

Consulting

Coaching and facilitation

Emotional intelligence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Job Description

At the intersection of generosity and healthcare innovation, the Executive Advisor, Transformational Gifts plays a critical leadership role in advancing our most ambitious philanthropic goals. This is not a traditional frontline fundraising role, although the Executive Advisor manages a portfolio of donors. It is a strategic, highly collaborative position focused on activating relationships with ultra-wealth net worth individuals/families, empowering leaders and aligning donor passions with institutional vision at the $10M+ giving level. As a trusted partner to executive leadership, professional advisors and relationship managers at all levels, this individual will help cultivate, shape solicit and steward some of the most significant giving opportunities in our organization’s history.

Essential Job Duties

• Portfolio management: Responsible for driving revenue through the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, closing and stewardship of 10M+ gifts, meeting or exceeding established goals.
• Transformational Gift Strategy: Partner with internal teams to design, refine, and drive strategies for engaging individuals, families and foundations with the capacity and intent to make transformational gifts ($10M+), ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and impact goals. Success in this role will be measured by progressive metrics – including influence on donor strategy, movement toward transformational investment, depth of engagement, activation of internal leaders and revenue targets – reflecting the complexity and long-term nature of transformational philanthropy.
• Consulting and Capacity Building: Provide strategic internal consulting to relationship managers from across the organization – regardless of title or department – who are connected to transformational prospects. This includes preparation for donor conversations, gift strategy and development, long-term relationship building and solicitation.
• Executive Engagement: Collaborate with the SVP – Transformational Giving, C-Suite executives, and clinical or operational leadership from the hospital on high-stakes donor cultivation steps as needed. Help prepare and coach them for pivotal donor meetings, events and stewardship activities.
• High Value Volunteer Engagement: Serve in support of advisory boards and councils. Plan meaningful engagement opportunities for virtual and on campus experiences that deepen their connection to the mission and demonstrate impact. When possible, leverage their networks thoughtfully and strategically to identify and cultivate new transformational relationships, supporting peer to peer influence and expanding the pipeline of $10M+ prospects.
• Narrative & Case Co-Creation: Work cross-functionally to co-create custom proposals and transformational investment opportunities that reflect the donor’s vision, values, and desired legacy – while advancing our mission in measurable, meaningful ways.
• Strategic Initiatives & Campaign Leadership: Play a key role in the development and execution of high-profile philanthropic initiatives, including milestone institutional anniversaries, enterprise-wide campaigns, and research-focused funding priorities. Collaborate across departments to shape compelling campaign strategies and donor experiences that align with transformational giving principles. Serve as a thought partner in designing customized approaches for complex, time-bound opportunities that inspire significant investment and long-term commitment.

Job Requirements

• 10+ years’ relevant work experience and proven experience in closing and/or advising on 8- and 9- figure philanthropic conversations, ideally in healthcare, higher education, or a complex mission-driven institution.
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Natural coach and facilitator, able to build confidence and skill in others while honoring their authentic leadership style.
• Ability to understand and translate a wide range of in-depth research initiatives and clinical care innovations into compelling, donor centered opportunities.
• Comfortable working in highly matrixed environments, influencing without formal authority.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and ability to hold high-trust, high-impact conversations with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Involves extensive travel, willingness and flexibility to travel nationally, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits & Perks

Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vision 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

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.