Senior Development Lead — Major Gifts & Partnerships

American Heart Association; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 16 days/year

12 paid holidays/year

Tuition assistance

Heart U online university

ERG – Employee Resource Groups

Mentor/mentee program

Work-life harmonization

Job summary

American Heart Association in Irving, TX seeks an Associate Vice President of Development to lead the Heart of Dallas fundraising campaign, including the Dallas Heart Ball with >$2.5M goal. You will drive revenue through high-level external engagement, major donors, and partnerships while leading a team of fundraising staff.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, relationship building, and performance management to advance mission impact in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• University/College degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years minimum prior relevant experience, and at least 1 year of managerial experience preferred, ideally with a sales or fundraising team in a similar organization.
• Strong experience in individual giving and corporate fundraising preferred.
• Consistent track record in exceeding sales/fundraising goals.
• Experience in recruiting, training, and advising multiple staff in a team environment.
• Proven experience in building powerful partnerships with corporate leaders and senior-level volunteers; interact and communicate clearly and concisely, exchange ideas, facts, and information.
• Proven track record of cultivating major donors, securing city-wide sponsorships, and recruiting new companies and donors.
• Direct knowledge of special event fundraising tactics is essential.
• Display outstanding organizational, communication, negotiation, and social skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including large and small group presentations.
• Proficiency in identifying and addressing challenges.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to do daily local travel up to 75%; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate executives, major donors, community leaders, and volunteer leadership to drive revenue growth and mission impact.
• Lead the strategy, recruitment, engagement, and management of volunteer leadership, event chairs, and key volunteer committees.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to achieve aggressive campaign revenue goals in support of the mission.
• Sustain and expand corporate and community partnerships while identifying and securing new business opportunities, major gifts, sponsorships, and foundation support.
• Cultivate and steward top-tier donors and sponsors through strategic relationship management and engagement opportunities.
• Lead and participate in high-level cultivation and stewardship strategies with corporate and philanthropic leaders.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability to a team of fundraising and support staff to drive performance, collaboration, and results.
• Develop and retain high-performing staff while fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
• Partner closely with market and regional leadership to align priorities, drive strategic growth, and strengthen overall market performance.
• Participate as a member of the Dallas Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy and culture.
• Lead regular team communication and performance discussions to monitor progress, identify opportunities, and improve overall campaign effectiveness.

Skills

Donor relationships

Fundraising leadership

Strategic planning

Team management

Corporate partnerships

Communication

Sales/fundraising targets

Education

University/College degree or equivalent experience

Job description

American Heart Association in Irving, TX seeks an Associate Vice President of Development to lead the Heart of Dallas fundraising campaign, including the Dallas Heart Ball with >$2.5M goal. You will drive revenue through high-level external engagement, major donors, and partnerships while leading a team of fundraising staff.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, relationship building, and performance management to advance mission impact in a fast-paced environment.