American Heart Association
American Heart Association

64 American Heart Association Executive Director Jobs Hiring Near You

ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GENERAL SUMMARY The Executive Director serves as the Chief Staff Officer of the Association and its affiliated entities. This executive provides visionary leadership ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

American Heart Association Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development skills, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and significant managerial experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and nonprofit or corporate governance frameworks is often required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and relationship-building abilities are crucial soft skills for inspiring teams and engaging stakeholders. These competencies are essential for driving organizational growth, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving long-term mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by an Executive Director when balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operations?

Executive Directors often face the challenge of balancing high-level strategic planning with the demands of overseeing daily operations. While setting long-term goals and ensuring organizational sustainability, they must also address immediate issues such as team management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Effective delegation, time management, and maintaining open communication with both staff and the board are key to navigating these challenges successfully. Building a strong leadership team can also help distribute responsibilities and ensure smooth organizational functioning.

What does an Executive Director do?

An Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of an organization, often in the nonprofit or public sector. Their duties include managing staff, developing policies, ensuring financial sustainability, and working with the board of directors to fulfill the organization's mission. Executive Directors also represent the organization to stakeholders, secure funding, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Their leadership is crucial for driving organizational growth and achieving long-term goals.

What do executive directors get paid?

Executive directors typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000, depending on the organization size, location, and industry. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses, retirement plans, and health insurance, and requires strong leadership and management skills.

What is the difference between Executive Director vs Nonprofit Program Manager?

AspectExecutive DirectorNonprofit Program Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree typically required; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentOversees entire organization, strategic planningManages specific programs or projects within the organization
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofits, associations, foundationsCommon in nonprofit organizations, community services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, organizational oversightFocus on program management, project execution

The Executive Director holds a top leadership position, responsible for overall organizational strategy and governance. In contrast, a Nonprofit Program Manager focuses on managing specific programs or projects within the organization. While both roles require relevant experience and similar educational backgrounds, the Executive Director has broader responsibilities, including fundraising and stakeholder relations, whereas the Program Manager concentrates on program delivery and operational details.

What is it like to work at American Heart Association?

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a mission-driven organization that values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to improving cardiovascular health. As an AHA employee, you would be part of a diverse team working together to advance the organization's mission through research, education, and community engagement, often in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Working at the AHA may appeal to individuals who are passionate about making a difference in public health and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a global effort to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.
What are the most popular categories at American Heart Association?
Infographic showing various Executive Director job openings at American Heart Association in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 68% Physical, 14% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.
Development Director

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


American Heart Association rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 658 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

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 Development Director in Columbus!  The Director will generate revenue for our Heart Challenge fundraising campaign.  This campaign includes our signature Heart Walk event!  You will join a three-person team coordinating this campaign.
This is a full-time, hybrid position.
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission.  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 on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.


  • Generate revenue by prospecting and securing local corporate sponsorship and individual donations.  Achieve revenue goals by building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners and donors.
  • Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors and donors by conducting research that matches to the campaign goals and the Association's mission.
  • Develop and present proposals and accompanying materials to secure revenue and volunteer engagement.
  • Recruit and be responsible for executive volunteer leadership, volunteer committees, and day-of-the-event volunteers.
  • Recruit corporate team participation in Heart Walk and motivate team members to fundraise.
  • Lead and engage new individual membership for our Cor Vitae giving society, in partnership with other appropriate fundraising staff.  Includes planning and implementing regular engagement events for members.
  • Plan and implement events in collaboration with internal and external partners.
  • Work with a Communications Director to support and promote campaign communication plans.

  • 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
  • University/College degree or equivalent experience
  • Ability to do daily local travel up to 70% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
  • Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
  • Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office


Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:

  • Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
  • Knowledge of corporate and community networks

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 – 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? 
Click here to see other opportunities.

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


#AHAIND1, #LI-Hybrid

American Heart Association logo

About American Heart Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

\#TheAHALife is our company culture, our way of life, reflecting our diversity and inclusion, our focus on work-life harmonization and our Guiding Values. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued™ at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and at heart.org.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1924