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 the Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist, you will serve as the right hand to the Chief Advancement Officer/Senior Vice President (CAO/SVP) at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, providing high-level support across a range of advancement functions. This pivotal role is ideal for a resourceful, proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about making an impact through relationship building, strategic coordination, and operational excellence.Job Description
The Advancement Planning & Engagement Specialist will:
- Partner with the SVP and Advancement leadership to drive division-wide projects, including budget planning, tracking, and monthly forecasting. Ensure the team remains aligned with strategic priorities, financial objectives and execution of KPIs.
- Collaborate closely with the SVP on trustee, leadership, and volunteer engagement, supporting peer networking as well as prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
- Help craft and execute prospect engagement plans, drafting tailored communications and materials to maximize the impact of outreach and engagement efforts.
- Provide support in managing the CEO, C-Suite and SVP/CDO portfolio’s and high-level prospect engagement, this includes working closely with the relationship management team.
- 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.
- Monitor for relevant news, trends, and engagement opportunities both within and beyond Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
- Gather, synthesize, and prepare donor-related information for meetings, cultivation, and solicitation activities, ensuring leadership is equipped with timely, actionable insights.
- Provide hands-on support for high-touch donor activities, including planning and executing events, visits, and special initiatives designed to deepen relationships.
- Draft and distribute internal communications for the Advancement team. Coordinate and plan department-wide training and team meetings to foster collaboration and professional development.
- Ensure thorough follow-up after donor and prospect meetings, capturing next steps and working with stakeholders to drive execution.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of donor/prospect activity. Generate regular reports to illustrate progress, highlight opportunities, and identify areas for improvement.
- Anticipate and respond to the needs of the SVP/CAO’s and CEO’s prospect portfolios, providing strategic support and ensuring priorities are addressed.
- Oversee special projects requiring cross-departmental coordination and a keen attention to detail, supporting the Advancement division’s most critical initiatives.
Reporting Relationships
- Reports directly to Chief Development Officer / Senior Vice President of Philanthropy
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3-5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, non-profit operations, and/or project management.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication 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.
Working Conditions
- Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
- Hybrid work schedule.
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:
$71,200.00 - $124,500.00Benefits:
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 3-5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit operations, and/or project management
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels
- Resourcefulness, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving ability
- Commitment to mission-driven organizations
What We Do
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment. The quality of our care and research has led to the designation of “No. 1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991. Upon opening in March 2017, our $550 million, 1.2-million-square-foot research hospital became the first-ever “translational” hospital in which clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, surrounding patients, discovering new approaches and applying (or “translating”) research real time. This unique model enables patients to have 24/7 access to the brightest minds, the latest research and the best opportunity for recovery. Interested in joining our team? By doing so, you will 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. We invite you to visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.sralab.org/careers
