Executive Director, Winston-Salem

Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) will demonstrate strategic thinking, proven relationship-building skills, fundraising success, and passion for Heart's mission. The ED holds primary responsibility for Heart Winston-Salem's revenue through the solicitation of philanthropy (major gifts, individual donors, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, and special events), school district contracts, and regional partnerships. They are responsible for all aspects of local fundraising and will lead in forging new relationships to build visibility, impact, volunteerism, and financial resources.

Based in or near Winston-Salem, the ED reports to Heart's Executive Director of National Partnerships, based in North Carolina. The Winston-Salem ED is supported by several national team members, including a grant writer, donor relations manager (focused on gift processing and database management), and senior staff working on national fundraising, as well as a Winston-Salem-based Advisory Board.

The ED partners closely with the VP of Programs and Winston-Salem Program Manager, coordinating on a dotted-line basis to ensure program quality and advance overall program goals. The ED leads Heart's growth and presence in Winston-Salem but is not responsible for day-to-day program operations, finance, or human resources – those are led by the program team with central-office support.

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in or near Winston-Salem, NC. The role combines remote work with regular, in-person presence in the Winston-Salem community, at schools, partner and donor meetings, and community events. Some evening and weekend work is expected. Anticipated start date:
January 2027.

Key responsibilities are listed below.

Revenue Generation and Pipeline Growth

• Secure financial resources in Winston-Salem, NC, developing relationships and making asks that lead to philanthropic support of Heart's program.
• Generate and maintain a robust pipeline of organizations, foundations, and individuals to sustain the local budget of ~$390K and grow to add additional school footprint.

Development Strategy, Operations, and Reporting

• Develop and manage a comprehensive development plan to include strategies for foundations, corporations, and individual donors to meet the ongoing financial needs of Heart in Winston-Salem including annual giving, major gifts, grants/institutional giving, planned giving, and special events.
• Oversee all regional development activities including any capital campaigns, major gifts, special events, planned giving, prospect research, grant writing, donor cultivation, donor records, and other development efforts.
• Partner with Heart's grant writer and donor relations manager (based in North Carolina) to submit tailored grant proposals and oversee accurate donor information for the region.
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program across the market to the board and Executive Director of National Partnerships.
• Liaise with program and finance team members to support fund development efforts.

Board Development

• Liaise with the Advisory Board ensuring the group is effective in supporting local operations, especially focused on volunteer recruitment, fund development, and visibility in the community. This includes working closely with the board and committee chairs to develop reports and agendas and providing leadership, guidance, and relationship-building to leverage individual board members' strengths.
• Identify, recruit, and develop local champions to serve on Advisory Board and respective committees.

External Affairs and Public Relations

• Own and execute Heart's volunteer recruitment plan, using strong program management to leverage staff and board to successfully meet volunteer recruitment goals. Through personal contributions and harnessing efforts of teammates, recruit volunteer tutors to meet student need in Winston-Salem school sites.
• Build partnerships and relationships that generate both funding and volunteer tutors.
• Manage and strengthen Heart's partnership with the school district by serving as the primary liaison, advocating for program expansion, and ensuring alignment with district goals.
• Remain informed on the education landscape and critical issues that impact Heart's program and stakeholders, including students and schools.
• Oversee regional communications to build awareness, engage key stakeholders, and enhance Heart's visibility and impact.
• Represent Heart through formal and informal opportunities within the community and beyond.
• Engage in statewide partnerships and government relations as appropriate.
• Elevate depth of engagement with key partners, raise Heart's brand awareness by representing Heart in the Winston-Salem community, regularly attending community events and building relationships that support Heart's mission.

Local Leadership and Strategy

• Set the local strategy and tone for Heart in Winston-Salem, defining strategic focus areas and an annual plan in partnership with the…