Employment Opportunities

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.

• Gift Entry Administrator
• Development Senior Manager
• Sponsorship and Events Manager

Gift Entry Administrator

Position Description

The Gift Entry Administrator oversees and administers the donor database and is responsible for maintaining, managing, and preserving the integrity of the Les Turner ALS Foundation donor database (Virtuous). This role tracks revenue through constituent data entry and management, gift processing, and acknowledgements in an accurate and timely manner with a strong focus on stewardship. The Gift Entry Administrator analyzes data to inform decision-making and supports portfolio management for frontline fundraisers. This position requires a high level of proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Virtuous, Raiser’s Edge, OneCause) and CRM best practices.

While the primary focus of this role is strategic donor data management and fundraising support, the Gift Entry Administrator also provides limited administrative and financial operations backup, as needed, to ensure organizational continuity.

Reports to 

Chief Development Officer

Key Responsibilities

Database Management and Fundraising Support

• Manage data in the Virtuous donor database to ensure record accuracy and completeness
• Create and update constituent records
• Record donations and pledges accurately using appropriate appeal codes
• Generate donor acknowledgement letters within required timeframes
• Maximize the functionality of the donor database by identifying and implementing best practices to effectively manage all stakeholder data
• Produce gift and pledge reports for Development team analysis
• Create queries, exports, and customized reports for development and marketing purposes
• Develop and deliver ongoing stewardship reports to support donor retention and upgrades
• Develop and maintain systems for revenue tracking, reporting, and forecasting
• Lead training for new staff on the Virtuous CRM system
• Diagnose and resolve basic database-related issues, including connectivity and data inconsistencies

Administrative and Financial Operations Backup (As Needed)

• Serve as secondary backup for limited administrative and accounts payable functions to ensure continuity of operations during staff absences, transitions, or peak workload periods
• Review and assist with the submission of vendor invoices, expense documentation, and related materials for processing, in coordination with HR/Operations and Finance staff
• Support continuity of donor-related financial workflows by coordinating between Development, Finance, and Operations as needed
• Assist with maintaining documentation, controls, and process clarity related to donor and revenue workflows
• Identify opportunities to improve cross-functional processes between Development systems and financial operations to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of these responsibilities satisfactorily:

• Strong understanding of CRM database concepts
• Ability to diagnose and resolve database-related issues
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends and patterns
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and records
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff
• Proficiency in MS Office and SharePoint
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience
• Minimum of 4–5 years of CRM experience

Preferred Experience (a Plus, but Not Required)

• Experience with Virtuous CRM

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

The salary range for this position is $60,000 — 65,000.

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.

Development Senior Manager

Position Description

The Development Senior Manager is a frontline fundraiser responsible for managing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, cultivating and soliciting gifts, and deepening donor relationships to grow philanthropic support.

The ideal candidate brings strong fundraising experience, superior communication skills, and the confidence to manage donor relationships independently while collaborating closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and senior leadership. This role requires professionalism, polished communication, and the ability to represent the Foundation with credibility and warmth. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced fundraiser ready to take the next step in their career with increasing responsibility.

Reports to

Chief Development Officer

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects; develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to increase giving and deepen engagement.
• Conduct donor meetings, calls, and ongoing outreach with the goal of securing annual and mid-level gifts.
• Participate in donor solicitation and support closing of gifts with senior leadership as appropriate.
• Oversee timely, personalized donor acknowledgments and stewardship communications.
• Collaborate with the CDO on cultivation strategies for high-net-worth prospects.
• Work with the Sponsorship & Events Manager to integrate donor engagement into events.
• Contribute to donor impact storytelling initiatives, partnering with Marketing/Communications.

Donor Communications & Engagement

• Craft mission-aligned, personalized donor communications.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications on donor-facing content.
• Ensure message consistency across donor materials.
• Identify donor-supported initiatives and prepare compelling stories and updates.
• Use donor data to refine stewardship strategies and deepen engagement.

Reporting, Analysis & Strategy Support

• Manage fundraising reporting including monthly, quarterly, annual, board, and lapsed donor reports.
• Track donor activity, metrics, and campaign performance.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support annual stewardship and impact reporting.

Team Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement

• Partner with the CDO and Development team for alignment across donor strategies.
• Collaborate with program, finance, marketing, and events teams.
• Support donor-centered culture across the organization.
• Provide occasional guidance to junior team members.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Experience managing an individual donor portfolio, including cultivation and solicitation of gifts ranging from $500 and above.
• Proven success securing 4-figure and 5-figure gifts.
• Strong understanding of donor lifecycle and relationship-based fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience analyzing donor data and trends.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with donors.
• Experience with donor CRMs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with capital or special campaigns.
• Familiarity with milestone fundraising initiatives.
• Exposure to planned giving.
• Knowledge of grants, corporate partnerships, or sponsorships.
• Understanding of peer-to-peer fundraising.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to build and strengthen donor relationships, shape the Foundation’s donor engagement strategies, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our mission.

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.

The salary range for this position is $80,000 – 90,000.

Our team works a hybrid schedule – generally three days in the office on days mutually agreed upon by employee and manager. 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.

Sponsorship and Events Manager

Position Description

The Sponsorship and Events Manager is responsible for developing, securing, and managing sponsorships, partnerships, and strategic alliances that support the organization’s events and broader brand initiatives. This role is also responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of events—from concept to completion—ensuring alignment with business goals, sponsor deliverables, and audience engagement targets.

This is a high-impact role because a significant percentage of our revenue is secured through our events and sponsorships.

Reports to

Chief Development Officer

Key Responsibilities

Sponsorship & Partnership Management (55%)

• Develop and implement sponsorship strategies to secure financial and in-kind support for events and campaigns.
• Identify, pitch, and negotiate with prospective sponsors, tailoring proposals to align with partner goals and audience demographics.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with sponsors and partners.
• Manage sponsor fulfillment and ensure all contractual obligations are delivered accurately and on time.
• Track and report on sponsorship revenue, KPIs, and ROI.
• Create sponsorship assets, packages, decks, and post-event reports to demonstrate value and performance.
• Collaborate with Communications and Support Services teams to align sponsorship activities with our brand messaging

Event Planning & Execution (45%)

• Plan and execute a calendar of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events (e.g., our gala, ALS Walk for Life, Team Race for ALS and other partnership events)
• Manage our outside events consultants who provide support for our Hope Through Caring Gala and ALS Walk for Life events
• With the support of our events consultants, manage all event logistics, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor negotiation, AV, signage, staffing, and post-event wrap-up.
• Oversee guest experiences and ensure a high experience quality throughout all event touchpoints.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to market events, increase attendance, and drive engagement.
• Monitor event performance, collect feedback, and implement improvements for future events.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in sponsorship, partnerships, ideally within the not-for-profit sectors.
• Proven track record of securing and managing high-value sponsorships.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience in end-to-end event management.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Virtuous) and event fundraising software platforms (e.g., OneCause and GiveSmart)

Preferred Experience (a Plus, but Not Required)

Experience with Virtuous CRM

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 on the ALS community and contribute to finding a cure for ALS.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 – 75,000.

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 ltucker@lesturnerals.org.

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 Foundation complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.