Jobs › Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Manager, Philanthropic Partnerships

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · $105,200–$175,600 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a gift between $100,000 and $1 million that you closed, from qualification to stewardship.

What they are checking: Whether they have actually run the full major gift cycle at this level and can explain each step.

Tell me about a solicitation that did not go as planned. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Resilience and honest reflection, since major gift work includes many no's and delays.

Why does this mission matter to you personally?

What they are checking: Whether they can speak with real conviction, since donors respond to fundraisers who believe in the cause.

What would you do

You will manage 120 to 150 donors and prospects. How do you decide who gets your time this month?

What they are checking: Portfolio discipline, focusing on readiness and capacity instead of just the most pleasant relationships.

Much of this work is with grateful patients and families. How do you approach a former patient about giving without making it feel like a transaction?

What they are checking: Sensitivity and ethics in grateful patient fundraising, where trust and privacy rules matter.

A donor wants to fund something that is not one of our priorities. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Ability to align donor interest with organizational needs without losing the gift or the relationship.

How do you explain complex research or clinical programs to a donor who is not in medicine?

What they are checking: Ability to translate science and care into a story that connects with a donor's personal experience.

About the work

How do you work with physicians and therapists to identify prospective donors?

What they are checking: Skill in building a referral relationship with clinicians who are busy and may be uneasy about fundraising.

How do you qualify a prospect in a first meeting? What are you trying to learn?

What they are checking: Ability to assess interest, capacity and connection quickly instead of keeping unqualified names in a portfolio.

How do you keep a donor engaged after a gift so they give again?

What they are checking: Understanding that stewardship drives repeat and larger gifts, not just thank-you letters.

What metrics do you hold yourself to each year, and how do you track your pipeline?

What they are checking: Accountability to visits, proposals and dollars, and comfort with a donor database for moves management.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

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 As Philanthropic Partnerships, Manager you will directly engage with patients, families and supporters of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab with a focus on securing commitments of $100,000 - $1 million toward the clinical care, scientific discovery and supportive programs that Advance Human Ability. The role will manage a portfolio of 120-150 donors and prospects and will be responsible for maintaining engagement plans to facilitate major gifts. This will require an understanding and ability to manage donors through a process of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, aligning philanthropic interests with organizational priorities. The Philanthropic Partnerships, Manager will play a pivotal role in working with grateful patients, physicians, allied health professionals and organizational leaders. This dynamic role will work closely with Advancement leadership and team members responsible for Principal and Annual Gifts, as well as Corporate and Foundation Engagement. Job Description Principal Responsibilities The Philanthropic Partnerships, Manager will: • Partner with the Associate Chief Advancement Officer, the Executive Director, Philanthropic Partnerships, and Advancement colleagues to align donor interests with the strategic priorities and financial objectives of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. • Maintain regular communication with physicians, researchers, Allied Health Professionals and Administrative Leaders on donor-related strategies and opportunities. • Directly solicits or facilitates solicitation of gifts or pledges of $100,000 - $1 million, leading to commitments totaling $1 million - $3 million annually. • Oversees and participates in effective stewardship plans for existing and future donors. • Work within a metrics-based environment, tracking and supporting progress on Key Performance Indicators. • Work collaboratively with Advancement Operations, Donor Relations and Marketing and Communications in development of donor proposals and stewardship plans. • Track and manage data and information in a timely manner, utilizing the organization’s CRM tool (Raiser’s Edge) and other systems. • Understands and applies best practices in philanthropy, including, but not limited to, prospect and portfolio management, planned giving, grateful patient philanthropy, corporate and foundation relations. Applies innovative approaches and continued improvement, including integration of AI into fundraising models. • Prepare correspondence, stewardship notes, meeting summaries, and engagement strategies. Play an active role in supporting moves management, ensuring prospects are thoughtfully advanced through the engagement pipeline. • Engage donors and prospects through high-touch activities, including planning and executing events, visits, and special initiatives designed to deepen relationships. Reporting Relationships • Reports directly to Associate Chief Advancement Officer and will report to the Executive Director, Philanthropic Partnerships in the future. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • Bachelor’s degree required. • 5+ years of direct fundraising experience with major gifts and/or relationship management experience. • Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communications skills. • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels. • Proven resourcefulness, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. • Demonstrated commitment to mission- driven organizations. Preferred • Experience in an academic medical center or research hospital setting. • Familiarity with translational research, neuroscience, rehabilitation medicine, or healthcare innovation. Working Conditions • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. • Position is hybrid, with required in-person duties 2-3 days/week. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $105,200.00 - $175,600.00 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 be determined by equity and qualifications of the role. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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