Advancement Planning & Engagement, Specialist

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab•Chicago, IL

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist provides high-level support to the Chief Advancement Officer/Senior Vice President and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Advancement division. The role partners with the SVP and Advancement leadership on division-wide projects, strategic priorities, financial planning, and execution of key performance indicators. It also supports trustee, leadership, volunteer, donor, and prospect engagement, including tailored outreach, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and moves management. The specialist gathers and synthesizes donor and prospect information, prepares correspondence and meeting materials, coordinates follow-up, maintains accurate activity records, and generates reports. The position also provides hands-on support for donor events and visits, plans department training and meetings, drafts internal communications, monitors relevant engagement opportunities, and oversees cross-departmental special projects. The role reports directly to the Chief Development Officer / Senior Vice President of Philanthropy. The position is based in a normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperatures, and follows a hybrid work schedule. The stated pay range is $71,200.00–$124,500.00. Benefits are described as comprehensive and competitive with industry peers; eligibility may vary by position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
3–5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit operations, and/or project management.
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels.
Resourcefulness, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Demonstrated commitment to mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

Partner with the SVP and Advancement leadership on division-wide projects, including budget planning, tracking, and monthly forecasting.
Help align the team with strategic priorities, financial objectives, and KPI execution.
Support trustee, leadership, and volunteer engagement, including peer networking and prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
Develop and execute prospect engagement plans and draft tailored communications and materials.
Support management of CEO, C-Suite, SVP, and CDO portfolios and high-level prospect engagement in coordination with the relationship management team.
Prepare correspondence, stewardship notes, meeting summaries, and engagement strategies.
Support moves management and advance prospects through the engagement pipeline.
Monitor relevant news, trends, and engagement opportunities inside and outside Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Gather, synthesize, and prepare donor-related information for meetings, cultivation, and solicitation activities.
Plan and execute donor events, visits, and special initiatives to deepen relationships.
Draft and distribute internal communications for the Advancement team.
Coordinate department-wide training and team meetings.
Ensure follow-up after donor and prospect meetings, record next steps, and work with stakeholders to drive execution.
Maintain accurate and current donor and prospect activity records.
Generate regular reports showing progress, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Anticipate and respond to the needs of the SVP/CAO and CEO prospect portfolios, providing strategic support and addressing priorities.
Oversee special projects requiring cross-departmental coordination and attention to detail.