National Executive Lead, Business Accelerator

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 National Executive Lead of the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ will spearhead a nationally recognized, dynamic initiative that fuels innovation, advances health and empowers community-rooted entrepreneurs. This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight and external representation for a high-impact accelerator program that supports nonprofit and for-profit ventures addressing the social drivers of health. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity, with current funding through June of 2028.

The Association offers resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization, including access to Heart U, our corporate university, and additional training and support locally. The AHALife embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and core values where employees thrive personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on Linked In, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and s.

• Strategic Leadership & Business Planning Develop and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide strategic business plan for the accelerator program.
• Lead cross-functional teams to refine program design, curriculum and impact measurement aligned with global standards.
• Ensure alignment with the American Heart Association’s mission and broader strategic and health impact goals.

• Program Execution & Innovation Oversee the lifecycle of the accelerator, including application, training, finale showcase and mentor and alumni engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement through data-driven evaluation and stakeholder feedback.
• Champion community-rooted innovation by sourcing and supporting ventures with lived experience and scalable solutions.

• Revenue Generation & Resource Development Identify, cultivate and secure philanthropic and corporate funding to sustain and expand the accelerator.
• Collaborate with internal development teams to craft compelling cases for support and donor engagement strategies.
• Monitor budget performance and ensure efficient use of resources.

• External Relations & National Partnerships Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the accelerator at national events, media engagements and strategic forums.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key volunteers, funders, influencers, and ecosystem collaborators.
• Represent the organization externally on issues related to health, entrepreneurship and community transformation.

• Bachelor s Degree or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience and five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• 10+ years of experience in program leadership, social innovation, entrepreneurship, or nonprofit management preferred.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Deep understanding of health, social determinants of health and impact measurement frameworks.
• Exceptional communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for community empowerment and mission-driven innovation.

• Expected pay range will be $140,000 to $160,000. 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 by merit increases and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is…