National VP, Estate Settlement & Charitable Giving

American Heart Association, Inc.; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development resources

Job summary

The American Heart Association, Inc. in Dallas, TX is hiring a National VP, Estate Settlement Attorney to lead the estate settlement function, oversee trusts and planned gifts, and drive strategic direction across the organization.

You will supervise the Bequest Administration team, provide in-house legal counsel, ensure compliance with laws, and collaborate with finance, donors, and outside counsel nationwide.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in estate administration, trust law, or charitable giving.
• Experience handling litigation and leading outside counsel.
• 5+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• In-house nonprofit or financial services experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 30% locally and overnight.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Estate Settlement function with strategic priorities and governance.
• Manage the Bequest Administration team and ensure timely donor gratitude and accuracy.
• Provide direct legal counsel on estates, trusts, gift agreements, and charitable interests.
• Monitor compliance with federal/state laws and organizational policies.
• Oversee all litigation and coordinate with outside counsel on strategy and budget.
• Collaborate with Finance on accounting and actuarial calculations.
• Prepare annual CEP Audit and Estate Settlement reports.
• Develop strategies to streamline estate settlement processes.

Skills

Estate law

Leadership & supervision

Litigation management

In-house counsel experience

Travel up to 30%

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school

Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state; Texas Bar preferred

Estate planning / nonprofit law credential a plus

Job description

The American Heart Association, Inc. in Dallas, TX is hiring a National VP, Estate Settlement Attorney to lead the estate settlement function, oversee trusts and planned gifts, and drive strategic direction across the organization.

You will supervise the Bequest Administration team, provide in-house legal counsel, ensure compliance with laws, and collaborate with finance, donors, and outside counsel nationwide.