By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, 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

The Strategic Partnerships Officer (SPO) will be a senior member of the advancement team responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of the organization’s highest-capacity prospects—individuals, families, corporations, and foundations—capable of making gifts of $5 million or more. This role will serve as the primary architect and leader of the organization’s principal gifts program, in partnership with the SVP, ensuring a strategic, coordinated approach to securing transformational philanthropic investments.

The SPO will work closely with the advancement team, CEO, Board of Directors, executive leadership, physicians, and principal investigators to inspire significant, long-term commitment from the organization’s most influential partners. In addition to managing a select personal portfolio, the SPO will supervise a small team and develop systems, strategies, and install best practices that elevate the principal gift program to new levels of performance.

The SPO will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The SPO will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Strategic Partnerships Officer Key Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management & Fundraising

• Manage and advance a personal portfolio of ~25–40 qualified prospects and donors with the capacity to contribute $5M+ in gifts or investments.

• Design and execute highly customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each prospect.

• Partner with board members, executive leadership, and senior program staff to engage and inspire prospects through strategic involvement and impact-driven proposals.

• Represent the organization at the highest level, communicating its vision, mission, and strategic priorities with clarity, enthusiasm, and credibility.

• Deliver between $5-$25M annually in charitable investments.

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive principal gifts strategy aligned with organizational goals and philanthropic priorities.

• Establish measurable goals, performance metrics, and reporting mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.

• Collaborate with colleagues across development, communications, and program areas to align principal gift efforts with campaigns and organizational initiatives.

• Ensure principal gift strategies are fully integrated with the organization’s broader fundraising programs, including major gifts, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations.

Team Management

• Supervise and mentor a small team focused on principal gift-level work, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and results.

• Provide strategic guidance, coaching, and professional development to team members within and outside of Advancement.

• Build and maintain a shared prospect pipeline to ensure long-term principal gift success.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Board, board committees, and senior leadership to engage them in fundraising efforts and equip them with tools for effective donor engagement.

• Partner with physicians, principal investigators, and program leaders to connect prospects with organizational priorities and emerging opportunities.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders regarding principal gift strategy and donor relationships.

Reporting Relationships

• Chief Development Officer / Senior Vice President of Advancement

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Bachelor's degree required, Advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a track record of closing gifts at the $5M+ level.

• Demonstrated success building and leading principal gift programs in a complex, mission driven organization.

• Experience engaging high-level volunteers, corporate leaders, and philanthropic investors.

• Supervisory experience required, with proven ability to mentor and inspire high-performing teams.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and the ability to navigate sensitive relationships.

• Deep commitment to the organization’s mission and values.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

• Some travel required.

• This position will need to be Chicago based, and while some remote work is possible, the successful candidate will need to present at the flagship hospital on a regular basis. 

Pay and Benefits*:

Pay Range: $128,480.00 annually - $213,297.00 annually  

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 vary based on applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity. 

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.