Strategic Advancement & Engagement Lead

sralab; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is seeking an Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist to support the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership. This role focuses on driving division-wide projects, coordinating budgets, and crafting engagement strategies to deepen donor relationships.

You will work in a fast-paced non-profit environment with a hybrid schedule, delivering strategic coordination and operational excellence to advance fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the SVP and Advancement leadership to drive division-wide projects, including budget planning, tracking, and monthly forecasting.
• 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 hands-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.

Skills

Writing and editing

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Discretion and confidentiality

Relationship building

Proactive problem-solving

Mission-driven mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is seeking an Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist to support the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership. This role focuses on driving division-wide projects, coordinating budgets, and crafting engagement strategies to deepen donor relationships.

You will work in a fast-paced non-profit environment with a hybrid schedule, delivering strategic coordination and operational excellence to advance fundraising outcomes.