Managing Director, Development, Lurie Autism Institute (LAI)

Job Description

A Joint Development Role of CHOP Foundation and Penn Medicine Development

Primary Objectives

• Partner closely with LAI leadership and scientific teams to identify, shape, and advance philanthropic priorities aligned with the Institute’s strategic vision
• Lead the development and execution of a unified fundraising strategy across CHOP and Penn Medicine
• Build and expand a strategic partnerships program that engages high-value external partners in support of LAI priorities
• Drive cross-institutional coordination among development teams to ensure alignment, accountability, and momentum

Core Responsibilities

• 1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy in support of LAI’s short- and long-term priorities
• Identify and advance transformational gift opportunities aligned with Institute priorities
• Build, manage, and grow major and principal gift pipelines
• Translate complex scientific and research priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities for donor audiences
• 2. Annual, Major & Principal Gift Management and Strategy
• Partner with CHOP, Penn Medicine, and LAI leadership to develop and execute strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of top-tier prospects, including domestic and international donors and prospects beyond traditional CHOP and Penn constituencies
• Lead or support proposal development, donor strategy, and closing plans for significant gift opportunities
• Ensure coordinated stewardship through high-quality reporting, engagement opportunities, and direct connection to LAI researchers and leadership
• Manage a portfolio of high-potential major and principal gift prospects
• 3. Strategic Partnerships Development
• Build and manage relationships with high-impact external partners whose interests align with LAI’s mission and funding priorities.
• Develop partnership strategies that generate new philanthropic opportunities and extend LAI’s reach
• Leverage external relationships to expand domestic and international fundraising potential
• Develop and support volunteer leadership structures, such as advisory boards, to deepen engagement and broaden philanthropic support
• 4. Cross-Institutional Coordination
• Serve as the primary development liaison for LAI across CHOP and Penn, ensuring alignment with Institute leadership and institutional priorities
• Lead coordinated cross-institutional fundraising planning, including regular strategy meetings, shared prospect discussions, and joint engagement plans
• Develop and maintain shared processes, tracking tools, and fundraising guidelines to support coordinated execution
• 5. Integrated Communications, Events and Engagement
• Partner with communications and development colleagues to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across CHOP and Penn
• Lead or contribute to the creation of high-quality donor-facing materials, including proposals, presentations, and impact-driven content
• Design and execute high-value engagement opportunities and events that strengthen relationships and advance fundraising goals
• Use communications, events, and content strategically to increase visibility, deepen engagement, and inspire philanthropic investment
• 6. Additional Responsibilities
• Serve as a collaborative and flexible member of the LAI, CHOP Foundation, and Penn Medicine Development teams by contributing to special projects, institutional initiatives, and emerging priorities that support the overall success and growth of the Institute.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of LAI’s mission, strategic objectives, and fundraising goals.
• Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.

Key Expectations/Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible development experience in academic medicine, higher education, healthcare, or a similarly complex mission-driven environment, with demonstrated understanding of research enterprises, donor strategy, volunteer engagement, and development communications; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Expertise in a field related to biomedical research and advocacy may count as directly relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated success working with faculty, administrators, physicians, and other senior stakeholders, with the judgment, diplomacy, and collaboration skills required to operate effectively across institutions. Demonstrated success securing and advancing major and principal gifts, with strong strategic planning, leadership, and project management skills required to set priorities, drive execution, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Ability to operate independently while building strong, collaborative relationships within a complex, matrixed environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling, accessible language for non-scientific audiences.
• Experience planning and executing donor-facing events and engagement opportunities in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience fundraising in support of autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, biomedical research, or related scientific and clinical priorities is preferred.
• Ability to travel locally, nationally and internationally.
• Success Metrics
• Growth in philanthropic revenue supporting LAI priorities
• Successful closure of significant and transformative gift opportunities
• Expansion and movement of major and principal gift pipelines
• Increased coordination, alignment, and