Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab • Chicago, IL

54d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 Director of Corporate and Foundations Relations will strategize, plan, coordinate, and implement fund-raising initiatives in the institutional giving sector, including corporations, foundations and event-based giving. This member of the Advancement team will be accountable for securing both restricted and unrestricted charitable revenue, sponsorships and leading corporate/foundation engagement programs. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will consistently demonstrate support of the SRAlab 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 Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and SRALAB Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will: Drive significant philanthropic growth by leading the Corporate Foundations Engagement team to secure approximately $3M-$20M annually through strategic fundraising and high-value partnerships, directly supporting Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's mission and institutional priorities. Deliver measurable increases in institutional donor engagement-identifying, qualifying, and cultivating new and existing relationships to align donor interests with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's highest-impact initiatives. Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship, resulting in sustained and deepened commitment from corporate and foundation partners. Produce clear and actionable reporting that demonstrates the tangible impact of donor support and encourages ongoing investment. Expand and diversify the annual portfolio of corporate and foundation donors, executing renewal and upgrade strategies that drive year-over-year revenue growth. Personally manage a robust portfolio of 75-150 foundations and corporations, generating $3-$15M annually as the portfolio matures. Build and sustain innovative partnerships, championing a culture of creativity and collaboration across Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and with external partners to advance breakthrough projects and maximize institutional value. Lead the design and execution of strategic and operational plans for corporate and foundation giving, identifying new revenue streams-including but not limited to event-based opportunities, peer to peer fundraising programs, and cause marketing partnerships to accelerate fund development. Partner with cross-functional leaders and volunteers to deliver high-value partnerships, advancing Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's objectives and increasing organizational visibility. Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum seven years of progressive fundraising experience, with proven success engaging executive-level volunteers and securing corporate and foundation support.
• Strong track record in securing institutional contributions through effective proposal development, sponsorships, cause marketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Demonstrated success navigating large, complex organizations and building partnerships across departments.
• Exceptional writing, analytical, and creative skills, with a focus on delivering measurable fundraising outcomes.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities to achieve organizational objectives.
• Strategic thinker with deep experience in developing and executing growth strategies.
• Previous management experience preferred.
• Proficient in Raiser's Edge or similar donor management systems, leveraging technology to optimize donor engagement, stewardship and internal efficiencies
• Recognized for outstanding organizational, presentation, and team leadership abilities.
• Effective at coaching teams while exceeding personal fundraising targets.

Responsibilities

• Drive significant philanthropic growth by leading the Corporate Foundations Engagement team to secure approximately $3M-$20M annually through strategic fundraising and high-value partnerships, directly supporting Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's mission and institutional priorities.
• Deliver measurable increases in institutional donor engagement-identifying, qualifying, and cultivating new and existing relationships to align donor interests with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's highest-impact initiatives.
• Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship, resulting in sustained and deepened commitment from corporate and foundation partners.
• Produce clear and actionable reporting that demonstrates the tangible impact of donor support and encourages ongoing investment.
• Expand and diversify the annual portfolio of corporate and foundation donors, executing renewal and upgrade strategies that drive year-over-year revenue growth.
• Personally manage a robust portfolio of 75-150 foundations and corporations, generating $3-$15M annually as the portfolio matures.
• Build and sustain innovative partnerships, championing a culture of creativity and collaboration across Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and with external partners to advance breakthrough projects and maximize institutional value.
• Lead the design and execution of strategic and operational plans for corporate and foundation giving, identifying new revenue streams-including but not limited to event-based opportunities, peer to peer fundraising programs, and cause marketing partnerships to accelerate fund development.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders and volunteers to deliver high-value partnerships, advancing Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's objectives and increasing organizational visibility.
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

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: Mid Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees