Development Director, School Engagement

American Heart Association, Inc.; New London (CT); Hybrid; USD 65,700 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Professional development programs

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

American Heart Association, Inc. is hiring a Development Director, School Engagement for a fast-paced, full-time role based in Eastern Connecticut. This home-office based position requires extensive travel to engage K-12 students in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.

The successful candidate will manage fundraising efforts, meet goals of $385K, and foster relationships with schools and volunteers, while thriving in a collaborative environment. This role offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields.
• Ability to do daily local travel; requires reliable transportation at all times.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Meet an overall fundraising goal of $385K through volunteer recruitment and engagement.
• Recruit and engage students through schools in life‑saving initiatives.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with teachers, principals, and district superintendents.
• Manage and update account information within CRM databases.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Sales experience

Communication skills

Data management skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

University/College degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we have cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still more to do. We need passionate individuals to join our movement and help ensure a healthier future for all. We are hiring a Development Director, School Engagement for a full‑time, field‑based position requiring extensive travel across EASTERN CONNECTICUT. The role is home‑office based with daily travel to meet with school districts. It is a fast‑paced fundraising/sales position engaging K‑12 students with the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, working with hundreds of schools to promote physical activity and learning.

Responsibilities

This position is directly responsible for meeting an overall fundraising goal of $385K (participant income and corporate sponsorship) through exceptional volunteer recruitment and engagement, customer service, and account management—all while motivating kids to take their health to heart.

• Recruit and engage students through schools and districts in life‑saving initiatives including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.
• Implement strategies and initiatives to fully engage students through classroom challenges, activities and student assemblies (in‑person and digital experiences).
• Develop and cultivate relationships on an ongoing basis with teachers, principals and district superintendents.
• Establish and maintain outstanding customer service with volunteers and other collaborators, including detailed planning and kick‑off meetings to set schools up for success.
• Manage and continuously update account information within our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft products.
• High‑volume account management often involving 5‑10 schools each day, in‑person when possible or online/by phone.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields.
• Ability to do daily local travel; requires reliable transportation at all times.
• University/College degree or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work productively from a home office and in the field, consistent with flexible work arrangements.
• Demonstrated independent work and proactive communication.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced “we can do this” environment.
• Extensive data management skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM reporting.
• Ability to lift and/or move large objects (e.g., boxes), with assistance if needed.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings.

Preferred skills:

• Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships.
• Knowledge of corporate and community networks.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range is $65,700 to $80,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials may apply within the pay range.

• Compensation – Competitive base salary with regular market reviews.
• Performance and Recognition – Incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
• Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; robust retirement program with employer match.
• Professional Development – Employee Resource Groups, mentoring programs, and access to Heart U, our national online university.
• Work‑Life Harmonization – Minimum of 16 days PTO for new employees, increasing with seniority, plus 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition Assistance – Financial assistance for further education related to current duties or future positions.

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