Special Advisor - Corporate Engagement & Event Fundraising

SHIFT:

Seeking Breakthrough Makers

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career.

CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.

A Brief Overview

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Corporate Engagement and Event Fundraising, this role will serve as a key partner and thought leader in driving fundraising, operational excellence, and donor pipeline growth across a high-performing team that raises $20+ million annually for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

This role will help shape and execute priorities for five major fundraising areas-special events, cause marketing, peer-to-peer fundraising, community, and key principal gift relationships, while overseeing systems, processes, and cross-team initiatives that enhance efficiency and collaboration. This position will carry their own portfolio of cultivation events focused on moving principal gift level ($5M+) institutional and event fundraising through the donor pipeline. The role will also support the Executive Director's management of a portfolio of the organization's highest-level volunteers and event leaders with the capacity to make 7-figure+ philanthropic commitments. The position will also serve as a connector between program teams, operations, and leadership, ensuring that the department's big-picture goals translate into day-to-day progress.

A mix of fundraiser, operator, and relationship builder, this role will support the Executive Director in managing team performance, driving pipeline development, and building the infrastructure and insights needed to grow revenue and deepen donor engagement.

What you will do

Leadership & Planning

• Partner with the Executive Director to translate department-wide goals into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's overarching fundraising strategy.
• Lead quarterly and annual strategic planning processes across all verticals (Events, Peer-to-Peer, Community, and Cause Marketing), tracking progress toward key goals and identifying areas for innovation or growth.
• Support the Executive Director in preparing presentations, reports, and materials for senior leadership, board members, donors, internal teams, and key stakeholders.
• Drive collaboration across teams to ensure fundraising initiatives are integrated, coordinated, and mutually reinforcing.
• Serve as a proxy in the Executive Director's absence in an advisory capacity-handling requests, seeking out and providing answers, and accurately reflecting the Executive Director's position in internal meetings to help drive alignment and understanding.
• Provide interim team coverage during vacancies or transitions, including donor engagement, stewardship, event logistics/execution and solicitation support, to maintain pipeline momentum and revenue continuity.

Operational Excellence & Infrastructure

• Oversee systems and workflows that keep the team running smoothly, including dashboards, data input, reporting, and data tracking.
• Partner with the Foundation's Technology, Data, and Donor Relations teams to strengthen tools and reporting processes that support frontline fundraising.
• Build and manage project management systems that help teams meet deadlines, collaborate effectively, and track outcomes.
• Develop and refine department-wide templates, procedures, policies, and processes to drive consistency and excellence across programs.

Donor Pipeline & Portfolio Development

• Lead the strategy, execution, and follow up for key events focused on moving principal gift donors through the pipeline, such as c-suite breakfasts and Research Insider experiences.
• Partner with vertical leads to identify, prioritize, and advance donor and prospect pipelines across events and corporate partnerships.
• Support the creation of cultivation and stewardship strategies that move participants, sponsors, and volunteers into deeper engagement and higher giving levels.
• Partner with Prospect Development to design and implement processes around portfolio reviews, pipeline meetings, and prospecting requests focused on growing the donor pipeline.
• Provide strategic input on top donor portfolios, helping the Executive Director and vertical leads plan and execute high-impact cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Lead the strategic movement of event donors, sponsors, and committee members through the donor pipeline, with the potential to generate six-figure+ gifts.

Team & Culture

• Work closely with the Executive Director to support team operations, internal communication, and staff engagement for a team of 20+.
• Help design and facilitate senior team meetings, retreats, and planning sessions that drive connection, alignment, and accountability.
• Support staff development by helping identify training needs and creating learning opportunities.
• Help foster a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive culture where innovation and data-informed decision-making thrive.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Required

Experience Qualifications

• At least seven (7) years of business development, fundraising or sales related experience Required
• Previous experience working with advisory boards, volunteers, and/or "VIPs" (top business, community, and philanthropic leaders, high net worth individuals, etc.) - Required
• At least nine (9) years of business development, fundraising or sales related experience with volunteers or high level donors - Preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-level volunteers, administrators, donors, and fundraising staff. (Required proficiency.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing complex projects preferred.
• Experience working in large, matrixed organizations and partnering with senior leadership preferred.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems preferred.
• Fundraising, event, or healthcare setting experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-level volunteers, administrators, donors, and fundraising staff. (Required proficiency)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize multiple initiatives, and drive productivity across teams.
• Systems-minded approach with a focus on creating order, optimizing workflows, and enhancing team efficiency.
• Highly organized and analytical, with strong data literacy and the ability to use reports and metrics to inform decision-making.
• Collaborative advisor with high emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and discretion, who builds trust and leads through influence.
• Mission-driven professional motivated by the opportunity to advance world-class care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement

SALARY RANGE:

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.

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At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.