Advisor, Individual Giving

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Advisor, Individual Giving
Location: Indianapolis, Chicago
Country: United States
Deadline Date: No specific deadline indicated, apply timely.

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading organization in the field of cardiovascular health, established over a century ago. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA operates in numerous countries and has a significant presence in the United States. The organization is dedicated to improving health outcomes through research, education, and advocacy. The AHA employs thousands of individuals across various roles and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce and mission. The AHA is currently celebrating its Centennial year, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

Job Overview:
The Advisor, Individual Giving position is a pivotal role within the American Heart Association's fundraising team, focusing on securing substantial donations of $100,000 or more. This role is designed for a passionate individual who is dedicated to cultivating relationships with donors and prospective donors, particularly in the Chicago and Midwest regions. The Advisor will work closely with market staff to engage current and past donors, while also identifying and soliciting new prospects. The position requires a high level of collaboration and leadership, as the Advisor will serve as a subject matter expert on the AHA's restricted fundraising programs and will be responsible for developing strategies to enhance donor engagement and support for the AHA's mission. The role is home-based within the Midwest Territory, with a preference for candidates located in Chicago, IL.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advisor will be responsible for a range of duties including: conducting a minimum of 100 face-to-face visits with donors and prospects each fiscal year; making at least 24 qualified asks for six-figure gifts annually; developing and implementing individual strategies for donor engagement; collaborating with the Mission Advancement operations team to gather project information and create proposals; meeting a personal fundraising goal of $1M annually through various giving mechanisms; working with Field Directors to identify and solicit major gift prospects; attending and supporting regional and market activities; ensuring timely documentation of donor interactions in the CRM database; and participating in training activities to advance the Major and Planned Gifts efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience, along with a minimum of three years of experience in fundraising or sales, with at least one year focused on major gifts or large accounts. Experience in identifying and developing major giving opportunities that align with organizational goals is essential. Candidates should also have a minimum of two years of experience working with complex donors or clients representing significant revenue or philanthropy, along with strong collaborative skills and excellent verbal and written communication abilities. The role requires the ability to travel overnight approximately 10% of the time, with an additional 60% local travel within the territory.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree is required for this position, although equivalent work experience may be considered. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to fundraising, nonprofit management, or a similar field that supports the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in fundraising or sales, with a strong emphasis on major gifts or large accounts. Candidates should have a proven track record of success in securing significant donations and engaging with high-capacity donors. Experience in the philanthropic landscape and familiarity with donor relationship management software is preferred, with at least two years of experience in these areas being advantageous.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in diverse communities, but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with the American Heart Association, which offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program. The AHA emphasizes work-life harmonization, providing a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays each year. The organization also supports professional development through tuition assistance and access to its corporate university, HeartU. The AHA is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.