Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Leadership Giving

Breakthrough T1D•Chicago, IL

12d•$140,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

Breakthrough T1D is the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, dedicated to improving lives today and accelerating breakthroughs for a cure. The organization invests in promising research, advocates with government and regulatory bodies, and provides resources to support the T1D community. The Senior Philanthropic Advisor (SPA) is a key role in major gift fundraising, managing a portfolio of major and principal gift donors. This position operates with significant independence, acting as a strategic partner to the AVP on complex gift strategies, particularly those exceeding $1 million. The SPA is expected to develop a growing pipeline of $1 million+ prospects and possess the relationship depth and strategic sophistication to manage multi-cycle cultivation processes. This role differs from a Philanthropic Advisor (PA) in its greater independence, handling of more complex gifts, higher revenue expectations, and focus on developing a $1 million+ pipeline. The SPA proactively brings strategy proposals to the AVP for partnership and refinement, with the AVP serving as a thought partner on $1 million+ donor relationships.

Requirements

Minimum 8 years of major gift fundraising experience with demonstrated success closing gifts of $500,000+.
Experience in a matrixed, chapter-based organization or similarly complex structure preferred.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute principal gift strategies ($1M+), with evidence of a qualified $1M+ pipeline.
Proactive, collaborative working style; models and welcomes active partnership with senior leadership on complex accounts.
Strong relationship management skills with donors, advisors, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.
Ability to develop and present complex, multi-asset gift strategies (outright, planned, blended).
Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable CRM; strong data discipline and analytical approach to portfolio management.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects spanning major gift ($100K–$1M) and principal gift ($1M+) capacity.
Execute all $100K–$500K gift strategies independently; manage $500K–$1M solicitations with AVP input as needed.
Develop and execute $1M+ gift strategies in active partnership with the AVP — the AVP should co-own all $1M+ strategy decisions.
Achieve annual personal revenue goal as assigned based on the potential of the portfolio. (Typically $2.5M-$3M in first year with growth to $3M–$5M).
Ensure consistent pipeline growth: at minimum 10–15 qualified $1M+ prospects in active cultivation at all times.
Engage the AVP proactively and consistently as a thought partner on $1M+ strategies — bring draft strategy documents, relationship context, and specific decision points to the conversation.
Participate in bi-weekly portfolio review with AVP ensuring AVP visibility to principal gift opportunities.
Model the escalation culture for PA colleagues by demonstrating appropriate collaboration and involved with AVP for key donor opportunities.
Request AVP co-attendance or support at key $1M+ solicitation meetings rather than conducting these independently.
Build and sustain complex, multi-year relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families capable of $100K–$5M+ gifts.
Navigate multi-stakeholder donor environments (family foundations, advisor relationships, board-engaged donors) with increasing independence.
Partner with chapter Territory Executives and Philanthropic Engagement roles in the field, volunteer leaders, and national staff to develop and execute comprehensive donor strategies.
Lead Planned Giving conversations within the portfolio; develop blended gift strategies where appropriate. Ensure engagement of the AVP, Planned Giving in more complex planned gift opportunities.
Identify donors who have connectivity to or are decision makers for corporate prospects; partner appropriately with the Corporate Development team.
Informally share expertise and strategy insights with colleagues; serve as a resource when senior perspective is helpful.
Contribute to team strategy sessions and portfolio review meetings as a senior voice and active participant.
Model CRM discipline and data-driven portfolio management for the broader team.
Maintain deep expertise in Breakthrough T1D's mission, research portfolio, and investment priorities; communicate with authority to sophisticated donors and advisors.
Maintain accurate, timely CRM documentation; use portfolio analytics to inform strategy and report pipeline health to the AVP.
Participate in strategic planning processes as a senior contributor to regional and national pipeline development.
While providing proper visibility to the AVP, identify opportunities to leverage mission partners, campaign cabinet members and other key volunteers in the fundraising process.