Strategic Major Gifts Partnerships Manager

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

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