Development Director

Development Director

American Heart Association (AHA)

June 1, 2025July 16, 2025NewarkUnited States
American Heart Association (AHA) About
The six cardiologists who founded the American Heart Association in 1924 would be amazed. From humble beginnings, the AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 33 million volunteers and supporters as well as more than 3,400 employees.
Job Description
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 and is committed to ensuring a healthier future for all. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA operates in various countries and employs a diverse workforce that embodies its core values. The organization emphasizes work-life harmonization and provides numerous resources to support its employees' professional and personal growth.

Job Overview:
The Development Director position is a pivotal role within the American Heart Association, specifically focused on generating revenue for the Go Red for Women fundraising campaign. This campaign includes signature events such as the Go Red for Women Luncheon and various STEM events. The Director will be part of a four-person team responsible for overseeing the Delaware campaigns, working in a fast-paced sales environment where the primary goal is to drive revenue in support of the AHA's mission. The role offers a base salary with the potential for an incentive of up to 25% based on achieving specific revenue targets. The AHA provides extensive resources, including access to Heart U, its corporate university, to ensure the success of its employees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Director is responsible for recruiting and developing appropriate volunteer leadership, which includes soliciting large-dollar and multi-year corporate sponsorships, cultivating individual donors, and recruiting members for the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and volunteer committees. The Director will be accountable for achieving overall fundraising goals that advance the AHA's mission. Key responsibilities include generating revenue through local corporate sponsorships and individual donations, building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners and donors, developing proposals to secure revenue and volunteer engagement, coordinating event auctions, and leading efforts to engage new individual members for the Cor Vitae giving society. The Director will also collaborate with internal and external partners to plan and implement events and work closely with the Communications Director to support campaign communication plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Development Director position should possess at least three years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field. A university or college degree or equivalent experience is required. The role necessitates the ability to travel locally up to 75% of the time, with some overnight trips as needed, and candidates must have access to reliable transportation. Additionally, the ability to lift and/or move large objects is necessary, and candidates should have basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Preferred qualifications include experience managing and cultivating relationships with high-level leaders at the C-Suite level and knowledge of corporate and community networks.

Educational Background:
A university or college degree is required for this position, or equivalent experience in a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role of Development Director.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field. This experience is crucial for understanding the dynamics of revenue generation and relationship management within the context of the AHA's mission and goals.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is classified under the Field Campaigns job category. The American Heart Association offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary and performance-based incentives. Employees are also provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program with employer matching. The AHA emphasizes professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance for employees seeking to further their 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.
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