Development Director

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an exciting opportunity for a Development Director within our Western States Region. This position will be based in Modesto, California.

The Development Director advances mission impact and revenue growth by building and strengthening relationships with volunteer leaders and donors. This position executes strategic engagement initiatives, collaborates with internal colleagues, and drives consistent adoption of volunteer and donor cultivation best practices across assigned markets.

This is a hybrid, full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity through September 2028.

We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission.  We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers. 

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

• Cultivates a portfolio of current and prospective donors and volunteers, driving revenue and engagement outcomes. Support the stewardship of volunteers and donors to champion the fundraising success of markets/campaigns through their personal and corporate giving and influence the involvement and giving of others. Ensure the ongoing advancement and continuity of relationships and the quality of the donor experience.
• Identify, evaluate, and advance opportunities surfaced by volunteers, internal partners, and external stakeholders that align with Association and Region goals. Develop strategies, messaging, and tools to strengthen donor and volunteer recognition and engagement and maintain a structured pipeline of volunteer leadership opportunities across the organization.
• Optimize collaboration with Mission Advancement, Corporate Relations, Health Strategies, and other internal departments to elevate donor and volunteer recognition, stewardship, and engagement.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions with assigned markets, ensuring consistent adoption of best practices, adherence to timelines, and alignment with organizational priorities. Conduct market‑specific needs assessments and identify opportunities to add the greatest value to volunteer and donor development.
• Equip staff with effective tools, protocols, resources, and guidance to enhance their ability to cultivate volunteers and donors. Ensure consistent implementation of standardized processes and best-in-class engagement approaches.

• Manage and maintain accurate volunteer and supporter information within our customer relationship management (CRM) system and Microsoft platforms, ensuring data is current and up to date.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope and responsibility of the job level and family.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
• University/College degree or equivalent experience
• Ability to do daily local travel and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
• Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
• Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office

Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:

• Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
• Knowledge of corporate and community networks

Compensation & Benefits

Expected pay range will be $70,400 to $88,000 annually. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

 

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities

#AHAIND1, #LI-Hybrid