Major Donors and Partner Engagement, Associate Vice President

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab • Chicago, IL

20d

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 Major Donors and Partner Engagement Associate Vice President (AVP) will serve as a senior leader within the Advancement team, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for major giving, corporate and foundation relations, and affiliate fundraising initiatives. This role is responsible for building a best-in-class fundraising program that aligns with the organization’s mission and supports its growth as it expands its national clinical footprint. The AVP will manage and mentor a high-performing fundraising team, engage key institutional leaders and clinicians in philanthropic activity, and maintain a small portfolio of prospects capable of making gifts of $5 million or more. The AVP 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 AVP 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing major gift portfolios and securing transformational gifts ($5M+).
• Experience leading and motivating fundraising teams across multiple program areas (major gifts, corporate, foundation).
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with physicians, scientists, administrators, and volunteer leaders.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• A professional who thrives on building programs and teams, and can inspire confidence and motivates high performance.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative, with the ability to design and scale new fundraising initiatives.
• Skilled at balancing strategic leadership with frontline fundraising responsibilities.
• Deep commitment to advancing the mission and values of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management Lead and mentor the fundraising team, including Major Gift Officers, Corporate Giving, and Foundation Relations staff. Establish clear performance metrics, accountability structures, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Fundraising Strategy & Program Development Partner with organizational leadership to design and launch a robust grateful patient program, engaging physicians, allied health providers, and scientific chairs in philanthropy. Support the creation and execution of a comprehensive affiliate fundraising strategy to expand donor support across the network, including an international fundraising plan. Manage a personal portfolio of $5M+ individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, driving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for transformational gifts.
• Organizational Engagement & Partnership Serve as a senior member of the Advancement leadership team, helping to shape long-term strategy and organizational priorities. Partner with clinical, research, and administrative leaders to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and actively participate in the prospect engagement cycle. Support the development and execution of a national fundraising program that aligns with the organization’s expanding clinical presence. Collaborate closely with colleagues within advancement and across the enterprise to deliver integrated fundraising results

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees