Partnerships Manager Jobs in Illinois
Partnerships Manager jobs in Illinois are in active demand, concentrated in technology, healthcare, financial services, and professional associations, with openings at every level from coordinator through senior and director-level roles. Chicago leads hiring by a wide margin, with Naperville and Rosemont adding meaningful volume through their dense corporate corridor populations. Employers with a long-standing Illinois presence such as Salesforce, Morningstar, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois are among the consistent sources of openings, particularly for channel partnerships, strategic alliances, and nonprofit or association partnerships specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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:
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.
See All 32 Partnerships Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Partnerships Manager JobsPartnerships Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Partnerships Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Banking & Financial Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in partnerships manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field required
- Three or more years of business development or partnership-building experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage and grow a portfolio of external partner relationships
- Experience negotiating and structuring partnership agreements or co-marketing arrangements
- Proficiency with CRM platforms such as Salesforce to track partner activity and pipeline
- Strong presentation and communication skills for executive and external stakeholder audiences
Partnerships Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a partnerships manager in Illinois?
Most partnerships manager roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field, though no state-issued license or registration applies to this role. Illinois employers typically promote from sales, account management, or marketing coordinator positions. Building familiarity with CRM tools, drafting partnership proposals, and gaining experience in business development or vendor relations are the most direct paths into the role at Chicago-area companies and associations.
Which companies hire partnerships managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring partnerships managers in Illinois right now include Mars, Parts Town, and Capital One, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of corporate headquarters, professional associations, and health systems in the Chicago metro creates consistent year-round demand for this role.
Which Illinois cities have the most partnerships manager jobs?
Chicago, Addison, and Naperville have the most partnerships manager openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its headquarters concentration in finance, technology, and healthcare, while Naperville and other suburban collar cities draw demand from the large number of mid-size software, professional services, and insurance firms anchored in the Interstate 88 corridor west of Chicago.
Are there remote partnerships manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. Partnerships management is primarily relationship and communication-driven work that translates well to remote settings. About 89% of partnerships manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-based and digitally mediated nature of much of the work. Strategic alliance and technology channel partnership roles tend to carry the most remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a partnerships manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a sales development, account coordinator, or marketing associate role at an Illinois employer. Large Chicago-area technology companies and professional associations often post associate partnerships or business development representative roles that serve as formal on-ramps. Building a portfolio of co-marketing pitches or joint venture proposals, and earning a foundational certification in sales or partnerships through recognized industry programs, strengthens candidacy considerably at this stage.
Where can I find and apply to partnerships manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to partnerships manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and target metro, then apply directly to each one.
See All 32 Partnerships Manager Jobs in Illinois
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