Advisor - Philanthropic (Chicago, IL)

Join the mission of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a Philanthropic Advisor, where your strategic relationship-building skills will help secure the future of lifesaving research and care. This role focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects across a designated region.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of 500–1000 planned giving donors and prospects, including interim support for staff vacancies.

• Develop personalized engagement and fundraising strategies to align with donor values and philanthropic goals.

• Conduct in-person donor cultivation, including visits, events, and strategic outreach.

• Plan and host at least two Donor Appreciation Luncheons annually.

Planned Giving & Gift Development

• Identify and qualify new donors to grow the planned giving and outright gift pipeline.

• Promote giving vehicles such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable trusts.

• Collaborate with estate attorneys and financial advisors to fulfill donor intentions.

• Confirm new members of the Danny Thomas – St. Jude Society through timely and strategic follow-up.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as the planned giving lead within your assigned area.

• Partner with internal teams to facilitate gifts and enhance high-value volunteer opportunities.

• Represent ALSAC/St. Jude at donor events, community engagements, and national conferences.

• Identify and lead initiatives that support ALSAC’s strategic fundraising goals.

Communication & Mission Alignment

• Communicate clearly and persuasively with donors and internal stakeholders.

• Stay informed on industry trends, tax considerations, and St. Jude’s mission and programs.

• Maintain cultural competency to engage donors of all backgrounds meaningfully.

• 5+ years in fundraising, planned giving, or major gifts. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation and relationship management.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to travel 50–70% of the time, including evenings and weekends; additional travel for conferences (10–25%).

• Experience with bequest and major gift fundraising.

• Strategic thinker and collaborative team player.

• Familiarity with planned giving tools and CRM systems.

• Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for this role

• Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)​
• 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
• Exceptional Paid Time Off
• Maternity / Paternity Leave
• Infertility Treatment Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance
• Enterprise Learning and Development
• And more

ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer. 

ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

No Search Firms:

ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.  All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.