Development Manager Midwest Heartland Region

Position Title:

Development Manager, Midwest/Heartland Region

Supervisor/Manager:

Midwest/Heartland Regional Director

Employment Classification: Exempt

Date: July 2026

Location: Remote/St. Louise, MO

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, and advocacy. The Development Manager plays a key role in service to the mission of LFA through revenue generation, volunteer recruitment and management and program support. The position reports to the Midwest/Heartland Regional Director.

As a member of the Midwest/Heartland Region team, the Development Manager is primarily responsible for successful implementation of relationship focused campaigns including the Region’s Gala and assigned Walk to End Lupus Now events through high-impact peer to peer fundraising, corporate sponsorship, recruitment, and committee and volunteer leadership development and cultivation. The Development Manager is also responsible for regional constituent support and engagement, including planning and execution of the Region’s Lupus & You Empowerment Conference education.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Roles and responsibilities of the Development Manager include but are not limited to:

• Lead the planning and execution of special events, including the Region’s Gala and Walk to End Lupus Now Events.


• Responsible for high-level volunteer recruitment, corporate sponsorship, fundraising and committee and volunteer leadership development and cultivation within assigned geographic territory.


• Lead the planning and execution of Region’s Lupus & You Empowerment Conferences, including securing sponsorships, venues, speakers and physician partnerships and all communication and recruitment. 


• Building relationships with key volunteers, participants, corporate partners, sponsors and community leaders to elevate and maximize revenue impact.

• Develop a knowledge of lupus health issues, services, and key initiatives that drive the support of the mission. Ensure the Foundation’s mission is integrated throughout fundraising activities to ensure results are directly tied to volunteer engagement

• Maintaining accurate database records and assisting constituents with fundraising software tools

• Performing other related duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• An experienced fund-raising professional with a minimum 3-5 years of experience successfully implementing special events, sponsorship, volunteer engagement and committee development with a proven track record of exceeding fundraising goals


• Experience leading volunteers and volunteer committees.


• Ability to establish strong, collaborative relationships and the adaptability to work with a variety of personalities and leadership styles.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt interpersonal and communication style to interact effectively with a wide variety of people


• Proven ability to work well in a fast paced and team-based environment.


• Self-starter and able to work independently and under pressure while managing multiple priorities, projects and deadlines.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.


• High functioning with computer software and applications with a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, donor tracking database programs, and fundraising software.


• Able to work effectively with colleagues throughout the organization as well as external customers and vendors.


• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.


• Ability to lift 35 pounds.


• Willingness to travel 25-30% of time, primarily in region.


• Bachelor’s degree


• Remote position based in the St. Louis area

Working at Lupus

The Lupus Foundation of America prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees. The Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance covered at 100% for the employee. We provide sick, vacation, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for holiday closures. Other benefits include Health Reimbursement Arrangement, Flexible Spending Accounts and an Employee Assistance Program.

Other Details

• Must have a dedicated home office or workspace with reliable internet connectivity, ensuring the ability to perform job duties effectively and participate in virtual meetings without disruptions.


• Ability to interact with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.


• LFA participates in E-Verify. 


• Background checks are required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lupus Foundation of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.