Associate Chief Advancement Officer

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab • Chicago, IL

2d • $149,000 - $305,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Shirley 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 The Associate Chief Advancement Officer (ACAO) will serve as a senior leader within the Advancement team, responsible for driving transformational philanthropic growth through strategic leadership of principal gifts, major giving, corporate and foundation relations, and affiliate fundraising initiatives. The ACAO will be the primary architect and leader of the organization’s principal and major gifts programs, ensuring a best-in-class fundraising operation that supports the organization’s mission and national expansion. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer/Senior Vice President of Advancement, the ACAO will manage and mentor a high-performing fundraising team, build and sustain a portfolio of the organization’s highest-capacity prospects (individuals, families, corporations, and foundations capable of $5 million+ gifts), and foster a culture of philanthropy that inspires significant, long-term commitments. The ACAO will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, executive leadership, clinicians, and principal investigators to engage key stakeholders and align philanthropic efforts with strategic priorities. The ACAO will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to 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 ACAO will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive fundraising and advancement experience, including success closing gifts at the $5 million+ level and at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise building and leading principal/major gift programs in complex, mission-driven organizations.
• Proven ability to engage and inspire high-level volunteers, corporate leaders, clinicians, and philanthropic investors.
• Supervisory experience with a track record of mentoring and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker able to translate vision into actionable plans and scalable initiatives.
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and the ability to navigate sensitive relationships.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and experience developing and scaling new fundraising programs.
• Deep commitment to the organization’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development Lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of comprehensive principal and major gifts strategies aligned with organizational goals and philanthropic priorities.
• Develop and implement affiliate and grateful patient fundraising programs, including national and international initiatives, in partnership with clinical, research, and administrative leaders.
• Establish measurable goals, accountability structures, and performance metrics for all areas of major giving and partnership engagement.
• Serve as a senior thought partner in shaping long-term advancement strategies and organizational priorities.
• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 15- 25 prospects and donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations with the capacity to make gifts of $5 million or greater.
• Design and execute highly customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for transformational gifts.
• Deliver between $5–$25 million annually in charitable investments and lead a team to help grow philanthropic revenue significantly.
• Represent the organization at the highest level, communicating its vision, mission, and strategic priorities with clarity, credibility, and enthusiasm.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor a diverse fundraising team, including but not limited to Major Gift Officers, Corporate Giving, and Foundation Relations staff.
• Provide strategic guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Build and maintain a shared prospect pipeline and foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and results.
• Engage the Board of Directors, board committees, and senior leadership in fundraising efforts, equipping them for effective donor engagement.
• Partner with clinicians, principal investigators, and program leaders to connect philanthropic partners with organizational priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborate across advancement, communications, and program teams to ensure principal and major gift strategies are integrated with broader fundraising and organizational initiatives.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees