Ecosystems & Community Director

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Position Title: Ecosystems & Community Director
Location: Dallas
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, with a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Established over a century ago, the AHA has grown to become a trusted leader in cardiovascular and brain health, operating in numerous countries and employing thousands of individuals. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves. The AHA also focuses on work-life harmonization and provides various resources to support its employees' professional and personal development.

Job Overview:
The Ecosystems & Community Director at the American Heart Association Ventures is a senior executive role responsible for facilitating new programs that leverage the Association's scientific and medical intellectual capital. This position aims to amplify the advancement of the Association's mission through its Ventures and optimize outcomes across all funds and programs. The director will create and manage a vital internal and external network ecosystem and capacity-building program that supports the Association's Ventures and its portfolio. This role is crucial in establishing community relations, developing educational programs, and fostering collaborations that enhance the value of portfolio companies. The director will also act as an ambassador for the Association's innovation and investment initiatives, ensuring that programs are executed successfully and in compliance with organizational requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Establish and lead the Association Ventures Community Relations/Portfolio Relations Program. 2. Create strategies for ongoing portfolio company value-add programs and provide leadership across all Association Ventures investment funds. 3. Develop capacity-building educational programs for deployment across the Association’s funds and accelerator programs. 4. Establish networks within the Association and the volunteer community to deliver value-added programs for portfolio companies. 5. Identify internal resources to build capacity at portfolio companies and design programs for positive outcomes. 6. Operate new programs that optimize portfolio company outcomes. 7. Collaborate with Ventures leadership to foster strategic innovation collaborations. 8. Create opportunities for cross-portfolio company collaborations. 9. Maintain relationships with the venture capital community to assist portfolio companies in fundraising. 10. Oversee Accelerator Programs and coordinate the selection of portfolio companies. 11. Develop content for educational programs for startup founders and their teams. 12. Collaborate with other Association leadership to optimize success of complementary initiatives. 13. Act as a spokesperson for the Association around innovation and investment initiatives. 14. Deliver mission and financial objectives to support Association goals.

Required Qualifications:
1. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in corporate venture, business development, or startup engagement. 2. Proven experience in building and negotiating partnerships and alliances. 3. Strong knowledge of healthcare venture capital and an established professional network. 4. Experience collaborating with executives and stakeholders across key healthcare sectors. 5. Excellent communication skills for engaging with high-level leaders and media. 6. Supervisory experience managing direct reports or external consultants. 7. Highly organized with strong project management and data analytics skills.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in business, healthcare, or a related field is preferred. Advanced degrees such as an MBA or equivalent are highly desirable, reflecting a strong foundation in business principles and healthcare management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in corporate venture, business development, or startup engagement, with a strong track record of building partnerships and managing collaborative programs. Experience in the healthcare sector is essential, particularly in areas such as digital health, health services, biopharma, and medtech.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position that allows for remote work. The American Heart Association offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program. Employees are entitled to a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, increasing with seniority, along with 12 paid holidays. The organization also supports professional development through tuition assistance and access to its online university, HeartU. Travel is required for this position, estimated at 20% or more depending on business demands.