Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Sep 4

Anticipated Start Date: Dec 1

Description

The Senior Philanthropic Advisor works both independently and collaboratively with the client services team to lead engagements and deliver thoughtful guidance that advances clients’ philanthropic goals. The role requires experience working with individuals, families, boards, foundations, nonprofits, and other mission-driven stakeholders, including facilitating meetings, managing complex projects, developing philanthropic strategies, advising on governance and generational transitions, conducting research and analysis, and supporting grantmaking from opportunity assessment through execution.

A significant portion of the Advisor’s time will be dedicated to working closely with another advisor to support a large family foundation client for whom the firm provides a broad range of strategic and administrative services. The Advisor will also lead and support other client engagements and contribute to the firm’s growth through relationships with prospective clients, professional advisors, and the broader philanthropic community.

Responsibilities

Client Engagement

Serve as lead advisor or senior supporting advisor on client engagements, including project planning, facilitation of client meetings, management of project timelines, and oversight of clients’ giving activities: Maintain strong client relationships and clearly communicate meeting outcomes, progress, and relevant developments in their giving strategy areas.
Conduct research and produce high-quality materials for clients.
Conduct interviews, surveys, and other information-gathering strategies with client families/systems and prepare reports on findings and recommendations.
Communicate with clients’ referring advisors to keep them informed and strengthen the firm’s advisor relationships.

Nonprofit Sector Engagement

Work with grantees and potential grantees to identify and assess opportunities for partnership and monitor and evaluate client-giving activities.
Engage with thought leaders and funding peers in the broader field of philanthropy and within client priority areas.

Firm Contribution

Contribute to the firm’s thought leadership through writing, conference presentations, and the development of ideas and resources that advance our work.
Participate in client acquisition efforts, including prospective client conversations, proposal development, and relationships with professional advisors and other referral partners.
Advance the firm’s internal knowledge and innovation by sharing expertise, strengthening tools and approaches, and identifying opportunities to improve how we work and serve clients.

Requirements

Required and Preferred Experience

Must have at least 7 years of relevant experience in philanthropy, including demonstrated experience: Consulting on philanthropic strategies with high-net-worth individuals and families.
Leading complex consulting engagements for private foundations, including work with foundation leaders, trustees, and families.
Leading next-generation engagement and development Significant experience guiding complex conversations among both small and large groups of people with diverse perspectives and priorities.

Preferred Experience

Experience working with advisors (financial, legal, etc.) to wealthy individuals.
Experience making grants to universities and in healthcare settings.

Core Competencies

High emotional intelligence, sense of humor, discretion, and ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropic strategy and practice.
Strong project management and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, and curious mindset.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), cloud-based document management (SharePoint, Google Workspace, etc.), and common AI tools.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$115,000 per year

Benefits include health insurance, with the firm covering 70% of the employee premium for coverage through its group health plan; catastrophic insurance; a 401(k) plan; and generous paid time off, including a winter holiday break. Occasional travel required, as well as rare weekend and evening work. The firm provides a laptop, printer, and reimbursement for approved supplies as needed to support remote work.

How to Apply for this Job

johna@stratphilanthropy.com

About the Organization

Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd. is a Chicago-based philanthropic advisory firm that partners with donors, families, grantmakers, and their advisors to make giving more thoughtful, strategic, and meaningful. Since 2000, we have helped clients navigate complex philanthropic decisions, clarify what matters most to them, and turn their values and resources into meaningful impact. We serve as both a trusted guide and advocate, bringing experience, perspective, and a highly personalized approach to each client relationship. Our work is grounded in the belief that philanthropy can be both deeply fulfilling and a powerful force for positive change.

WOC is not responsible for the content of job postings.