Senior 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.

We are currently hiring a Senior Development Director based in Seattle. This leader will cultivate and engage volunteers, companies and community stakeholders in advancing the mission of the American Heart Association and drive meaningful support and revenue growth for the Heart and Stroke Walk events in Washington. The position is based in the Puget Sound division and work is wherever most effective – in the field, at home and in our Seattle office.

We have a fast‑paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. The role offers a base salary and an incentive up to 25% of base pay, based on achieving revenue targets and triggers.

• Directly manage a team of three Development Directors, employing effective management techniques in recruiting, development, coaching, and leadership to achieve organizational objectives.
• Manage and directly implement the Heart Walk campaign, driving to Association best practices and achieving revenue goals aligned with funding research, public health, professional education and training, and community services.
• Identify, recruit, engage, and activate an influential, financially strong, and volunteer leadership base to support sustained campaign growth. Build recruitment and executive leadership committees to engage high‑level event chairs and working committees.
• Prospect, solicit, close, and steward high‑level corporate and individual donors, developing year‑round cultivation plans ensuring superior donor relations.
• Support staff in planning, developing, implementing, growing, and evaluating campaigns and events consistent with best practices and event timelines, including volunteer leadership recruitment, orientation, and development.
• Collaborate with the Division, Region, and Association‑wide team to ensure full alignment with vision and goals, providing consistent support in all aspects of fundraising and other assigned organizational initiatives.
• Ensure the team operates within operational and financial boundaries and the Association's Fiscal Standard policies and applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards.
• Communicate proactively and timely with the VP of Development, Executive Director, and other internal and external partners, consistently delivering on commitments.

• 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields.
• University/College degree or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to do daily local travel and some overnight trips; requires reliable transportation on short notice.
• Ability to lift/move large objects, with small components or additional assistance as needed.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor’s Degree.

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a high‑performing, engaged team of development professionals.
• Experience managing and cultivating high‑level leaders at the C‑Suite level.
• Knowledge of corporate and community networks.

Expected pay range: $85,800 to $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience; geographic differentials may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

• Competitive base salary with regular market reviews.
• Incentive eligibility based on achieving revenue targets.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, a robust retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution, employee assistance, wellness programs, telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional development opportunities through Employee Resource Groups, mentoring programs, and Heart U national online university.
• Paid Time Off minimum 16 days per year for new employees, increasing with seniority, plus 12 paid holidays annually.
• Tuition assistance for career development and further education.

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