Development Director Heartland Region

Position Title:

Development Director, Heartland Region

Supervisor/Manager:

Midwest/Heartland Regional Director

Employment Classification:

Full-time, Exempt

Date:

November 2025

Location:

Remote in St. Louise or Kansas City, Missouri

Salary:

Based on Experience

ABOUT LUPUS

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 Director plays a key role in successful achievement of all aspects of the Heartland Regional operations, including revenue generation, leadership development, corporate engagement, constituent support and education, strategic planning and capacity building. The position reports to the Midwest/Heartland Regional Director.

The Development Director is responsible for the successful achievement of all fundraising activities within the Region, including the Region's Annual Purple Ball and Walk to End Lupus Now events through committee and volunteer leadership development and cultivation, high-impact peer to peer fundraising and corporate sponsorship and team recruitment. The Development Director is also responsible for regional constituent support and engagement, including planning and execution of the Region's Lupus & You Empowerment Conference education events.

This is a highly collaborative position working with every department in the organization, including Care Support & Services, Research, Marketing & Communications, Advocacy & Government Relations, and Development & Fundraising.

PRIMARYRESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulate, implement, and lead strategies and tactics for fundraising and development activities to ensure consistent growth and successful achievement of region success metrics.
• Lead the planning and execution of Region's Purple Ball and the Walk to End Lupus Now Events, through committee and volunteer leadership development and cultivation, participant and team recruitment, corporate sponsor and team identification and development.
• 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
• Achieve assigned revenue goals by developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, constituents, sponsors, donors, committees, corporate and community partners.
• Serve as the lead Development staff to drive revenue generation and growth opportunities for all fundraising and education events in the region.
• Establish LFA presence in regional markets and develop relationships which will lead to future support, engagement and development opportunities.
• Maintain detailed, timely and accurate database of relevant engagement information and acknowledgement of sponsorships, grants and gifts.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned in order to ensure the attainment of market financial goals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• 7-10 years of experience in special event fundraising and relationship development.
• Strong volunteer recruitment and management experience.
• Broad based fundraising knowledge, experience and skill in nonprofit management with emphasis on strategic planning, financial management, and market development.
• Superior relationship development skills.
• Effectively multi-task, establish priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment. Efficient in time management and can meet deadlines under pressure.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills. Demonstrate competency when handling diversified assignments.
• Team player who can interface with all levels of staff and volunteers. Strong capability to leverage relationships and negotiate agreements.
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills.
• Superior active listening, observation, analytical, and problem recognition and solving skills.
• Ability to work and make judgments independently and take initiative.
• Well-disciplined and a self-starter.
• Volunteer Health Agency background desirable.
• Knowledge of health and nonprofit issues is helpful.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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 most 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.

---