Senior Development Director

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) was founded in 1924 and has since made significant strides in reducing cardiovascular disease deaths by half. The organization is dedicated to addressing the most pressing health challenges of today and is committed to ensuring a healthier future for all. With a mission that emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, the AHA operates in various regions, including the Orange County Inland Empire Coachella Valley (OIC) division, and employs numerous individuals across multiple locations. The AHA is known for its strong corporate culture, which focuses on work-life harmonization and fostering an inclusive environment, as reflected in their guiding values and community engagement efforts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Development Director position is a pivotal role within the American Heart Association, primarily responsible for generating revenue through key campaigns such as the Heart Ball and Go Red for Women. This role involves strategic planning and execution of fundraising initiatives, including the signature Orange County Heart and Stroke Ball and the Orange County Go Red For Women Luncheon events. The position requires a dynamic individual who can work effectively both in the field and from the Irvine office, adapting to various environments to maximize impact. The Senior Development Director will lead a team, manage relationships with high-level donors, and ensure that all fundraising efforts align with the AHA's mission and best practices. The role also emphasizes collaboration across divisions and regions to support organizational goals and enhance community services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Development Director will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Demonstrating leadership competencies and effective management techniques in recruiting, supervising, and developing a team of 2 direct reports.
• Managing the implementation of the Heart Ball and Go Red For Women campaigns, ensuring alignment with AHA best practices and revenue goals.
• Identifying and engaging a diverse volunteer leadership base to support campaign growth, including building recruitment and executive leadership committees.
• Prospecting, soliciting, and stewarding high-level corporate and individual donors, developing year-round cultivation plans for superior donor relations.
• Providing staff support in planning, developing, and evaluating campaigns and events, ensuring adherence to best practices and timelines.
• Collaborating with division, region, and association-wide teams to ensure alignment with organizational vision and goals.
• Ensuring operational and financial compliance within the AHA's policies and standards.
• Communicating proactively with internal and external partners to deliver on commitments and maintain strong relationships.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields. A university or college degree or equivalent experience is required. The ability to travel locally and occasionally overnight is essential, along with access to reliable transportation. Candidates should also be capable of lifting and moving large objects, with the understanding that assistance may be required for heavier items. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a basic requirement, and familiarity with fundraising software or tools is preferred.

Educational Background:
A university or college degree is preferred, although equivalent experience may be considered. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to fundraising, nonprofit management, or business administration, which would provide a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the Senior Development Director.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields. Candidates with experience managing and cultivating relationships with high-level leaders, particularly at the C-Suite level, will be viewed favorably. Experience in nonprofit organizations or community engagement initiatives is also beneficial.

Languages:
While no specific language requirements are mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in diverse communities where the AHA operates, enhancing communication and outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with an expected salary range of $83,300 to $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The AHA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program with employer matching. Employees are eligible for performance-based merit increases and incentive programs. The organization emphasizes professional development opportunities, including access to HeartU, the AHA's online university, and tuition assistance for further education. Work-life harmonization is a priority, with a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) for new employees, increasing with seniority, and 12 paid holidays each year.