Partnerships Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL
Partnerships Manager jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and the Fulton Market district, across technology, media, healthcare, and financial services. Employers actively hiring include Mars, Capital One, and Information Technology Senior Management Forum. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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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.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Banking & Financial Services
Partnerships Manager Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a partnerships manager job in Chicago?
The strongest entry point in Chicago is targeting its dense tech and SaaS corridor in the Loop and River North, where companies prioritize candidates with demonstrated alliance-building or channel experience. Fintech firms headquartered downtown and healthcare platforms in the Medical District also hire heavily. Candidates who can show measurable outcomes from prior partner programs, familiarity with Chicago's startup and enterprise ecosystem, and an existing local professional network move fastest through the hiring process.
Which companies hire partnerships managers in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring partnerships managers in Chicago include Mars, Capital One, and Information Technology Senior Management Forum, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Chicago's hiring base is broad, pulling from established enterprises in financial services and healthcare as well as fast-growing SaaS and media companies based in the Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods.
Are there remote partnerships manager jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability depends on the role's focus: strategic and business development-oriented partnerships work is increasingly remote-eligible, while roles tied to on-site relationship management or event-heavy partner activations tend to require in-person presence. About 93% of partnerships manager openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of October 2026. SaaS and technology companies based in Chicago's Loop and River North districts post the highest share of remote-friendly openings.
How can I get a partnerships manager job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic path in Chicago is starting in a business development representative, account coordinator, or partner operations role at a mid-size SaaS or fintech company, many of which are headquartered downtown and actively promote from within. Chicago's strong university presence also means alumni networks at firms like those in River North and Fulton Market are accessible entry points. Volunteering to manage vendor or nonprofit partnerships in a current role, even informally, helps build the portfolio employers look for locally.
Which industries hire the most partnerships managers in Chicago?
Chicago partnerships manager roles concentrate in Banking & Financial Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Chicago's position as a hub for financial services, enterprise software, and healthcare technology creates consistent demand, with Fulton Market's growing tech cluster and the Loop's financial core driving the largest share of active openings.
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