Employment Opportunities

Chief Development Officer

The Les Turner ALS Foundation provides comprehensive care and support services to people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their families. Through research, support services, and advocacy, we strive to improve the quality of life for those living with ALS and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease.

Position Description

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Development Officer to lead our fundraising efforts and oversee special events. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in expanding donor retention and acquisition through the implementation of strategic fundraising initiatives, leading major campaigns, and demonstrating the ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies. The candidate should have a strong background in identifying, cultivating, and securing major donors, leveraging their expertise to forge meaningful relationships and drive philanthropic support.

Proficiency in utilizing donor/prospect databases is essential, as the candidate will be expected to harness data-driven insights to inform and optimize all aspects of the development team’s work. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have experience serving as a staff liaison for the development committee of the Board of Directors, facilitating collaboration and alignment between the committee and organizational leadership to advance fundraising initiatives effectively.

The Chief Development Officer will also oversee a dedicated team, including a development manager or associate, the special events team, and the database coordinator.

Reports to

Chief Executive Officer

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve revenue targets and support organizational growth.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and foundations to secure philanthropic support.
  • Lead major fundraising campaigns and initiatives, including capital campaigns, annual appeals, and planned giving programs.
  • Provide strategic direction and oversight for special events, including galas, walks, and other fundraising events.
  • Collaborate with the development team to identify and cultivate donor prospects and expand the Foundation’s donor base.
  • Ensure accurate and timely processing of donations and acknowledgments, working closely with the gift processing team.
  • Serve as a key liaison between the development team and the Board of Directors, providing regular updates and strategic guidance.
  • Monitor and analyze fundraising metrics and outcomes to inform decision-making and improve fundraising effectiveness.
  • Stay informed about best practices and trends in fundraising, special events, and donor engagement to drive innovation and excellence.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Be passionate about and comfortable working with people and families affected by ALS.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
  • Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on major gifts, special events, and campaign management.
  • Proven track record of successfully securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring a team of development and special events professionals.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate and steward relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies.
  • Experience using donor databases and fundraising software to manage donor relationships and track fundraising activities.
  • Knowledge of ALS or experience working in healthcare-related nonprofits is a plus.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan with organizational match, generous paid time off, ten paid holidays, summer hours, disability and life insurance.
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the ALS community and contribute to finding a cure for ALS.

Our team works a hybrid schedule – generally 60% in the office, on days selected by the employee. Located in Skokie, IL, the office is easily accessible by car and CTA/Pace public transportation.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to cpaesel@lesturnerals.org.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, religion (creed), national origin (ancestry), age, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation or gender expression.

The Chief Development Officer is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The Foundation complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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