Associate Director, Foundation Engagement

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 Associate Director of Foundation Engagement will develop and execute strategies to advance institutional fundraising from foundations. This role will lead, coordinate, and implement foundation-focused initiatives and will be responsible for managing the full moves‑management cycle to secure both restricted and unrestricted philanthropic support.

The Associate Director of Foundation Engagement 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 Associate Director of Foundation Engagement 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 Associate Director of Foundation Engagement will:

• Manage a strategic portfolio of 75–150 foundation donors and prospects, securing approximately $1M–$5M in annual philanthropic support that advances Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s mission and institutional priorities.

• Develop and execute tailored strategies to cultivate, solicit, renew, and upgrade foundation donors, expanding and diversifying the portfolio to drive year‑over‑year revenue growth.

• Lead development of competitive proposals, LOIs, grant reports and budgets—translating complex research and clinical information into clear, compelling philanthropic narratives.

• Partner with researchers, clinicians, program directors, and leadership to identify funding needs and align them with foundation interests; coordinate interdisciplinary teams to produce high‑quality proposals and reports.

• Maintain a comprehensive solicitation, reporting, and stewardship calendar to ensure timely submissions, full compliance with funder requirements, and seamless execution of all grant processes.

• Provide exceptional stewardship through high‑quality communication, impact reporting, donor recognition, and data‑driven tracking that strengthens long‑term foundation relationships.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all prospect and donor activity in the CRM and uphold all administrative, financial, and compliance obligations.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s mission.

Reporting Relationships

• Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with a focus on institutional and foundation giving.

• Proven track record of securing foundation support through high‑quality proposal development, fundraising strategy, and effective grant reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate large, complex organizations and build strong cross‑departmental partnerships.

• Exceptional writing, analytical, and conceptual skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling, outcome‑driven narratives.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or comparable donor management systems, leveraging technology to enhance donor engagement, stewardship, and internal processes.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

• Hybrid 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.