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
The Manager, Advancement Communications is responsible for the strategic development of compelling written materials that support donor engagement across the full giving lifecycle. The Manager, Advancement Communications believes in the power of clear, impactful storytelling to inspire philanthropy and strengthen relationships. This role will collaborate closely with colleagues across partner departments — most especially Marketing — to ensure all donor-facing communications are thoughtfully developed to place donors at the heart of the narrative, helping them recognize their integral role in shaping outcomes and driving our shared mission forward.Job Description
The Manager, Advancement Communications will:
Produce original, mission-driven content for proposals, stewardship reports, endowment reports and other communications that articulate impact and advance strategic fundraising goals.
Understand individual donors’ backgrounds and motivations, creating compelling and customized materials that steward, engage and motivate them to take action.
Partner with leaders and program teams to articulate institutional priorities and translate them into high-quality, fundable investment opportunities that underscore impact and inspire philanthropic support.
Review, edit and develop a wide range of fundraising and stewardship templates and boilerplate materials that can be adapted across multiple channels.
Leverage existing source material to draft, edit and fact‑check talking points, speeches, briefs, correspondence and other communications that support leadership in their advancement activities.
Engage clinicians, researchers, leadership, grateful patients and other partners in interviews to uncover compelling insights and stories that inform communications.
Collaborate closely with Marketing and other partner departments to ensure donor-facing communications are aligned with broader organizational positioning and brand.
Serve as a trusted proofreader and editor for Advancement, ensuring all materials meet the highest standards of accuracy, consistency and quality.
Other duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationships
Reports jointly to the Associate Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director, Communications.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, English, Journalism or related discipline.
Minimum 5 years of experience in writing high-quality content with significant external visibility, preferably in the healthcare or not-for-profit sector. Experience creating advancement materials is also preferred.
Command of AP style; exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills. Impeccable grammar and formal proofreading skills are a must, as is the ability to present a brand’s voice consistently and creatively.
Ability to distill and accurately represent complex ideas.
Ability to lead communications projects from concept through completion, managing timelines, approvals and stakeholder engagement to ensure timely delivery.
Writing versatility and the ability to easily and quickly pivot between different styles and tones — from describing scientific and medical advances in simple, succinct language to developing longer-form content that is inspirational and aspirational in tone.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced, results-driven environment.
Skilled in collaboration, receiving and implementing feedback, and building consensus among diverse internal stakeholders.
Working knowledge of information technology tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, fundraising databases and appropriate web-based applications and fundraising platforms.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on a team and to build and maintain positive relationships throughout the organization.
Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, tactfulness, judgment and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to confidently and consistently represent the hospital when engaging with internal and external stakeholders, donors and guests.
Working Conditions
Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
Position is hybrid, with required in-person duties as needed.
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:
$64,000.00 - $113,000.00Benefits:
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.
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.