Manager, Philanthropic Partnerships

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab seeks a Manager of Philanthropic Partnerships to advance major gifts, steward a 120-150 donor portfolio, and couple clinical impact with research advancement. You will align donor interests with institutional priorities, coordinate with physicians and leadership, and drive engagement through high-touch outreach.

The role oversees moves management, proposal development, and stewardship, leveraging data in Raiser's Edge and collaborating with Advancement teams in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of direct fundraising experience with major gifts and/or relationship management.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Discretion, confidentiality, and ability to build trust with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive problem solving and mission-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Engage donors and supporters to secure commitments of $100,000–$1 million.
• Maintain engagement plans and move donors through the solicitation pipeline.
• Collaborate on donor proposals and stewardship plans with teams.
• Track activity, progress, and KPIs in the CRM.
• Plan events, visits, and initiatives to deepen donor relationships.
• Oversee stewardship for existing and future donors.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Proposal writing

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

## Manager, Philanthropic PartnershipsApply: Chicago, IL: Full time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: September 19, 2026 (1 day left to apply): JR-1065476Shirley 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 Philanthropic Partnerships, Manager you will directly engage with patients, families and supporters of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab with a focus on securing commitments of $100,000 - $1 million toward the clinical care, scientific discovery and supportive programs that Advance Human Ability. The role will manage a portfolio of 120-150 donors and prospects and will be responsible for maintaining engagement plans to facilitate major gifts. This will require an understanding and ability to manage donors through a process of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, aligning philanthropic interests with organizational priorities. The Philanthropic Partnerships, Manager will play a pivotal role in working with grateful patients, physicians, allied health professionals and organizational leaders. This dynamic role will work closely with Advancement leadership and team members responsible for Principal and Annual Gifts, as well as Corporate and Foundation Engagement.## ## **Job Description****Principal Responsibilities****The Philanthropic Partnerships, Manager will:*** Partner with the Associate Chief Advancement Officer, the Executive Director, Philanthropic Partnerships, and Advancement colleagues to align donor interests with the strategic priorities and financial objectives of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.* Maintain regular communication with physicians, researchers, Allied Health Professionals and Administrative Leaders on donor-related strategies and opportunities.* Directly solicits or facilitates solicitation of gifts or pledges of $100,000 - $1 million, leading to commitments totaling $1 million - $3 million annually.* Oversees and participates in effective stewardship plans for existing and future donors.* Work within a metrics-based environment, tracking and supporting progress on Key Performance Indicators.* Work collaboratively with Advancement Operations, Donor Relations and Marketing and Communications in development of donor proposals and stewardship plans.* Track and manage data and information in a timely manner, utilizing the organization’s CRM tool (Raiser’s Edge) and other systems.* Understands and applies best practices in philanthropy, including, but not limited to, prospect and portfolio management, planned giving, grateful patient philanthropy, corporate and foundation relations. Applies innovative approaches and continued improvement, including integration of AI into fundraising models.* 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.* Engage donors and prospects through high-touch activities, including planning and executing events, visits, and special initiatives designed to deepen relationships.**Reporting Relationships*** Reports directly to Associate Chief Advancement Officer and will report to the Executive Director, Philanthropic Partnerships in the future.**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required*** Bachelor’s degree required.* 5+ years of direct fundraising experience with major gifts and/or relationship management experience.* Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communications 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.**Preferred*** Experience in an academic medical center or research hospital setting.* Familiarity with translational research, neuroscience, rehabilitation medicine, or healthcare innovation.**Working Conditions*** Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.* Position is hybrid, with required in-person duties 2-3 days/week.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.**Pay and Benefits\\*:****Pay Range:**$105,200.00 - $175,600.00## **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.*