Vice President Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 seeking a Vice President, Development to advance our mission by leading fundraising success across our Orange County, Inland Empire & Coachella Valley Division. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for driving bold, sustainable growth in total and unrestricted revenue through high-performing teams, strong volunteer leadership, and impactful community and corporate engagement.

The Vice President, Development leads and manages the Development team to exceed fundraising and campaign goals aligned with the organization’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities. In close partnership with the Executive Director, the VP is accountable for positioning the division for long-term growth by attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional staff and volunteer leaders, while cultivating strong donor and corporate relationships across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. This field-based position supports work primarily in Orange County and will require in-person availability on a daily basis. The vision of this role is to grow the market from $3.3 to $5 million in revenue.

We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us onLinkedIn,Instagram,Facebook,X, and atheart.jobs.

• Model the American Heart Association’s values and leadership competencies in all aspects of work
• Achieve divisional revenue goals by translating vision into actionable strategies, detailed plans, and measurable outcomes, with strong accountability for balanced campaign growth
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that drives ambitious, sustainable growth in total and unrestricted revenue
• Ensure alignment with the American Heart Association’s mission, goals, and national priorities while collaborating across Western States and the broader organization to identify and elevate cross-functional and cross-market opportunities
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Development team to achieve campaign goals, including regular in-person engagement with direct reports across the Orange County, Inland Empire & Coachella Valley division for external meetings, professional development, connection, and coaching.
• Identify, recruit, orient, engage, and develop medical and non-medical volunteer leaders who reflect the community and champion campaign success through personal, corporate, and peer giving
• Actively prospect, secure, steward, and grow relationships with donors and corporate sponsors through a thoughtful, donor-centric and results-oriented approach to acquisition, renewal, and long-term engagement
• Collaborate regularly with internal colleagues in a highly matrixed environment to advance organizational priorities and outcomes
• Stay informed on industry trends, fundraising best practices, and marketplace insights to drive innovation and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, fiscal standards, and regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of directly related experience in a comparable nonprofit or sales-driven organization

• Three (3) or more years of experience in staff management, leading, coaching, and developing a high-performing and engaged team of development professionals

• Proven experience recruiting, engaging, and activating executive-level corporate and medical volunteers
• Demonstrated success in building, leading, and sustaining high-performing teams of staff and volunteers
• Consistent track record of setting and achieving aggressive revenue and performance goals
• Ability to influence and inspire others through a shared vision, creating strong ownership and personal accountability
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate complex strategies into clear, measurable plans across functions in a dynamic environment
• Proven ability to thrive in a highly matrixed organization through strong collaboration, proactive communication, and continuous feedback and development
• Experience analyzing market data, identifying key trends, and contributing to the development and execution of fundraising and operational strategies
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field or equivalent experience
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office and CRM platforms to drive results, demonstrating the ability to independently manage data, assess campaign performance, and ensure accountability for movement and outcomes; Salesforce experience preferred.
• Ability to travel locally on a daily basis across Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties with regular meetings in the Irvine office; must have reliable transportation. Occasional overnight travel required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with the American Heart Association or another national voluntary health organization
• Strong knowledge of the American Heart Association’s mission, programs, and community impact

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation - Expected pay range will be $97,100 to $125,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition - You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
• Benefits - We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development - You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization - The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills?

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