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Research Development Manager Jobs in Wheeling, IL

Business Development Manager

Schaumburg, IL ยท Remote

$65K - $70K/yr

Business Development Manager Schedule and Location: * 3-4 in-office days per week, and 1-2 remote ... BDMs must be able to research and identify prospective users of temporary or permanent staffing ...

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$147K/yr

Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management and scheduling of test kitchen facilities in collaboration with PF Operations Managers. * Develop in ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Development Manager information

See Wheeling, IL salary details

$50.2K

$105.4K

$170.8K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Wheeling, IL is $105,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research development manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development manager?

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by research development managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Is a research development manager a good job?

A research development manager oversees research projects and coordinates efforts to innovate and improve products or services. The role typically requires strong project management, communication skills, and knowledge of research methodologies, with employment prospects often stable in industries like technology, healthcare, and academia.

What cities near Wheeling, IL are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Wheeling, IL with the most Research Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Wheeling, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,395 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Development Manager

American Lung Association

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Development Manager. Working as a member of the Development department, you will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy.

The Development Manager is Responsible for managing assigned special events with focus on leading the annual Fight For Air Climb (FFA Climb) fundraising campaign through the recruitment and cultivation of the volunteer leaders, sponsors, team captains and participants. This position also plays a key role in supporting the Breath of Motherhood Awards. Responsible for achieving revenue goals, overseeing the budget, adhering to a 12-month campaign timeline, vendor relationships, website and database management, implementation of event logistics.

Location: The position is located at the American Lung Association’s Chicago, Illinois office and will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual work.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure revenue goals are achieved by implementing industry best practices by recruiting and engaging volunteer leaders, sponsors, team captains and participants through year-round cultivation activities.
  • In partnership with Executive Director & Event Chairs, lead and cultivate Event Committees to engage new and returning event sponsors and corporate teams.
  • Build and implement grassroots and corporate recruitment strategies to engage new team captains and build event participation and revenue.
  • Cultivate team captains and participants utilizing defined year-round cultivation strategies to coach and retain team captains and participants.
  • Build relationships through personal outreach and engagement of partners, volunteers, and donors through in-person meetings, kickoff events, and phone calls.
  • Evaluate campaign progress and results, making recommendations for current year and future growth.
  • In collaboration with Executive Director manage the event budget to ensure expenses remain below prescribed percentage by recruiting in-kind sponsors or underwriters for the majority of event goods & services.
  • Work with members of the Marketing/Communication team to create campaign materials, identify volunteer spokespeople, secure and support a media partnership, and earn media coverage.
  • Supervise the planning of event logistics and serve as the lead staff on event day to provide an excellent experience for all attendees.
  • Implement, track and report sponsor recognition and assets including logo inclusion, event signage, videos, and social media.
  • Work with Constituent Services to ensure accurate and timely website and database updates including prospect tracking, invoicing, payment processing and donor recognition.
  • Build relationships and community presence through additional fundraising opportunities including third party events, DIY fundraising, and cause marketing.
  • Complete special projects as available or as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university required, preferably in Non-Profit Management, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years’ fundraising experience
  • Demonstrated success in external relationship management and volunteer recruitment
  • Proven ability to cultivate and steward relationships across a diverse population
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
  • Superb organizational skills with strong attention to details
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and proficient in social & digital media
  • Must have a valid Driver’s license and your own reliable transportation with the ability to travel within assigned local area 40% of the time for meetings and conferences, as well as the flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends with some overnights required.
  • Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (event supplies)
  • Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all employees must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

Compensation: Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. The target hiring range for this position is between $56,000 and $63,000 per annum.

Benefits: The Lung Association offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Paid Leave - 10 vacation days in the first year (15 days thereafter), 2 personal days and 15 sick days per year, as well as 12 company-paid holidays per year. We also offer Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees.
  • Insurance - Employees (and their eligible dependents) can enroll in our medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as voluntary plans for critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, short-term disability and supplemental life/AD&D insurance. Employees will be enrolled in company-paid life/AD&D and long-term disability Insurance coverage.
  • Retirement Plan - Eligible employees can participate in our 401(k) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, which offers matching employer contributions (up to 4%) and year-end discretionary non-elective contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The American Lung Association is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This policy applies in all employment actions including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, corrective actions, terminations, compensation, benefits and training.