Position: Development Manager
Location: Remote – Great Lakes Region (MI, OH, PA)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Development Manager leads revenue growth and execution of a nationwide walk series and other special events to advance the organization’s mission to fund the most promising research to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, this role partners with regional volunteer leaders and national staff to meet and exceed fundraising goals, with responsibility for major revenue targets, sponsorship development, and community engagement.

Core Responsibilities

Congenital Heart Walk Series Leadership

• Lead strategic planning for the walk series, including market/site selection, scheduling, budgeting, revenue targets, event logistics, and marketing strategies

• Achieve and exceed revenue targets, including year-over-year growth, through strong relationships with volunteer committees, donors, and sponsors

• Implement and continuously improve operational and financial plans; provide tools and guidance to volunteer committees and address performance gaps

• Develop, implement, and manage timelines, benchmarks, and performance reporting

• Recruit, train, and lead volunteer committees and event leadership

• Partner with volunteer leaders to build high-performing committees, define roles, and ensure effective communication and engagement

• Monitor budgets and financial performance; provide regular reporting and insights to stakeholders

• Manage vendors and event logistics, including permits, site planning, insurance, travel, and supplies

• Oversee event execution, including program agendas, scripts, and run-of-show

• Lead committee meetings and ensure successful recruitment and coordination of event-day volunteers

• Support walk leaders in kickoff events, team captain engagement, and donor cultivation activities

• Conduct annual evaluations of event locations and overall series performance

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, finance, and national teams to drive participation and revenue

Additional Event & Fundraising Leadership

• Recruit, engage, steward, and manage relationships with volunteers and committees to execute additional fundraising events (golf, gala, and community events)

• Implement best practices and identify new opportunities to grow revenue

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individual and corporate donors, sponsors, and community partners

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, including financial controls, data management, and risk management

• Support regional and national fundraising initiatives as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, event management, or volunteer leadership

• Experience with peer-to-peer fundraising programs (walk/run events preferred)

• Proven ability to meet or exceed revenue goals

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• High integrity and sound judgment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising/CRM systems

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

• Travel estimated at 25% annually, up to 40–50% during peak Walk season

• Access to reliable transportation

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and support event setup and teardown

Benefits

The Children’s Heart Foundation offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Generous paid time off

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement benefits

• Wellness programs

• Professional development opportunities

Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to:
careers@childrensheartfoundation.org

The Children’s Heart Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.