Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Leadership Giving

About the role

Breakthrough T1D is the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure T1D and its complications while improving daily life for people living with the disease. The Senior Philanthropic Advisor (SPA), Leadership Giving, is a senior major gift officer who manages a mixed major and principal gift portfolio with significant independence, engaging the AVP as a strategic thought partner on complex $1M+ gift strategies. The role is designed to develop toward principal gift leadership, requiring a growing pipeline of $1M+ prospects with the relationship depth and strategic sophistication to navigate multi-cycle, multi-partner cultivation processes.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management & Fundraising
  • Manage a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects spanning major gift ($100K–$1M) and principal gift ($1M+) capacity.
  • Execute all $100K–$500K gift strategies independently; manage $500K–$1M solicitations with AVP input as needed.
  • Develop and execute $1M+ gift strategies in active partnership with the AVP; co-own all $1M+ strategy decisions.
  • Achieve annual personal revenue goal (typically $2.5M–$3M in first year with growth to $3M–$5M).
  • Ensure consistent pipeline growth: at minimum 10–15 qualified $1M+ prospects in active cultivation at all times.
• AVP Partnership & Collaboration
  • Engage the AVP proactively and consistently as a thought partner on $1M+ strategies; bring draft strategy documents, relationship context, and specific decision points to the conversation.
  • Participate in bi-weekly portfolio review with AVP to ensure visibility to principal gift opportunities.
  • Model escalation culture for PA colleagues by demonstrating appropriate collaboration and involving AVP in key donor opportunities.
  • Request AVP co-attendance or support at key $1M+ solicitation meetings rather than conducting these independently.
• Relationship Management
  • Build and sustain complex, multi-year relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families capable of $100K–$5M+ gifts.
  • Navigate multi-stakeholder donor environments (family foundations, advisor relationships, board-engaged donors) with increasing independence.
  • Partner with chapter Territory Executives, Philanthropic Engagement roles, volunteer leaders, and national staff to develop and execute comprehensive donor strategies.
  • Lead Planned Giving conversations within the portfolio; develop blended gift strategies where appropriate.
  • Ensure engagement of the AVP and Planned Giving in more complex planned gift opportunities.
  • Identify donors connected to or decision-makers for corporate prospects; partner appropriately with the Corporate Development team.
• Team Contribution & Peer Mentoring
  • Informally share expertise and strategy insights with colleagues; serve as a resource when senior perspective is helpful.
  • Contribute to team strategy sessions and portfolio review meetings as a senior voice and active participant.
  • Model CRM discipline and data-driven portfolio management for the broader team.
• Mission & Operations
  • Maintain deep expertise in Breakthrough T1D’s mission, research portfolio, and investment priorities; communicate with authority to sophisticated donors and advisors.
  • Maintain accurate, timely CRM documentation; use portfolio analytics to inform strategy and report pipeline health to the AVP.
  • Participate in strategic planning processes as a senior contributor to regional and national pipeline development.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage mission partners, campaign cabinet members, and other key volunteers in the fundraising process, with visibility to the AVP.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of major gift fundraising experience with demonstrated success closing gifts of $500,000+.
• Experience in a matrixed, chapter-based organization or similarly complex structure preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute principal gift strategies ($1M+), with evidence of a qualified $1M+ pipeline.
• Proactive, collaborative working style; models and welcomes active partnership with senior leadership on complex accounts.
• Strong relationship management skills with donors, advisors, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.
• Ability to develop and present complex, multi-asset gift strategies (outright, planned, blended).
• Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable CRM; strong data discipline and analytical approach to portfolio management.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Voluntary benefits
• Flexible spending and commuter benefit accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Performance-based bonuses
• Generous paid time off