Development Operations & Data Lead

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is one of the longest-serving ALS organizations in the country. Since 1977, we have provided comprehensive support and care for people living with ALS and their families while advancing research toward treatments and a cure.

Through our partnership with the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine and a wide range of support services, education programs, advocacy initiatives, and research investments, we serve individuals and families across the Midwest and beyond.

Position Summary

The Development Operations & Data Lead plays a central role in strengthening the Foundation’s fundraising effectiveness through CRM management, donor data integrity, gift processing, and fundraising analytics.

This is a hands-on, systems-focused role responsible for ensuring the accuracy and usability of donor data, supporting fundraising reporting and pipeline management, and improving the processes that enable revenue growth.

This is not a general operations role. It is ideal for a candidate with experience in development operations, advancement services, or donor database management who enjoys working with data, systems, and process improvement in a mission-driven environment.

Who This Role Is For

• Professionals with experience in development operations, advancement services, or CRM/database management
• Individuals who enjoy working with data, systems, and process improvement in a fundraising environment
• Strong individual contributors who want to own and improve core fundraising infrastructure

Who This Role Is Not For

• Candidates focused on general business operations or program operations
• Candidates primarily interested in frontline fundraising, sales, or relationship management roles

Key Responsibilities

Development Operations & CRM Management

• Maintain and optimize the Foundation’s CRM system (Virtuous)
• Ensure donor data accuracy through audits, data hygiene, and process improvement
• Support segmentation, list building, and campaign data preparation
• Build and analyze fundraising reports, dashboards, and pipeline tracking
• Improve systems, workflows, and integrations across platforms

Gift Processing & Donor Data

• Oversee accurate gift entry across all channels
• Manage donor records, acknowledgments, and tax receipts
• Partner with Finance on reconciliation and reporting
• Support audit preparation and compliance standards

Fundraising Support

• Prepare donor briefings and prospect research
• Support pipeline tracking and moves management
• Assist with board reporting and fundraising updates
• Coordinate logistics for donor meetings and stewardship

Leadership & Organizational Support

• Provide coordination support to the CEO and Chief Development Officer
• Assist with board materials and internal reporting
• Provide limited front office support, including occasional phone coverage, and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• 3–6 years of experience in development operations, advancement services, or CRM/database management
• Direct experience working in a donor CRM or fundraising database (required)
• Strong data management, reporting, and systems skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit or fundraising environment
• Familiarity with donor lifecycle and stewardship practices
• Experience supporting development teams or leadership

Why This Role Matters

This position is critical to strengthening the Foundation’s fundraising infrastructure—ensuring that donor data is accurate, insights are actionable, and systems support meaningful and sustained revenue growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $75,000–$85,000
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Hybrid work environment, with in-office work to be performed at the Foundation’s headquarters in Skokie, IL

How to Apply

If you are passionate about using data and systems to drive meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to cpaesel@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 Development Operations & Data Lead is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The Foundation complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Hybrid work environment, with in-office work to be performed at the Foundation’s headquarters in Skokie, IL