Area Director

Job Description

Job Description

Area Director

Department:

Development – Chapter Operations

Reports To:

VP, Division

Pay Grade:

5

Supervises:

N/A

FLSA

Classification:

Exempt

Approved By:

SVP, Chapter Operations

Revision Date:

August 2026

 

JOB PURPOSE or JOB SUMMARY:

The Area Director position is a key role which works directly with local constituents within an assigned geographic area. The position serves on the Chapter Operations Team and works to drive the organization’s National Strategic initiatives by empowering and leading key volunteers on the local level. Responsibilities include significant growth in revenue, maximizing mission impact, and ensuring a strong volunteer base.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Area Director Principal Responsibilities and Duties

1. Increase revenue, strengthen volunteer base, and maximize program impact within chapter(s) service area. 
2. Implement AFSP’s strategic direction by meeting goals outlined in National Strategic Plan. 
3. Effectively communicate National policies, procedures and strategy to key volunteers.
4. Drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts to ensure our mission is delivered to diverse communities.
5. Travel throughout service area and as needed to attend work meetings or events including but not limited to: Annual Chapter Staff Meeting and Chapter Leadership Conference. 

Growth in Revenue:

1. Work with Division VP (DVP) and Development Team to ensure significant growth in revenue, with a focus on AFSP’s Signature Community Fundraising events – Community Walks, Campus Walks, Construction Hikes for Hope.
2. Work with National Development Team to cultivate individual, corporate, and major gifts.
3. Have a strong working knowledge of markets within assigned service area.
4. Establish aggressive, obtainable fundraising goals to ensure sustainability of assigned Chapter(s).
5. Monitor expenses to remain within budget. 

Mission Delivery & Volunteer Management:

1. Implement approved programs within the assigned market area including but not limited to: advocacy priorities (Advocacy Action Day), research initiatives (Research Connection), survivor programs, educational programs, media & public awareness initiatives.
2. Communicate impact of AFSP work to community leaders and organizations.
3. Work with DVP and key Chapter leaders, to manage the volunteer recruitment and engagement process within assigned territory. 
4. Supervise, train, coach, and mentor volunteer leaders. 
5. Utilize Shared Leadership approach to cultivate strong working relationships with Chapter Board(s).
6. Build strong relationships with Board Chairs and create an environment where we are viewed as One Organization with One Mission, cultivating a culture of inclusivity and unity.
7. Keep abreast of all current AFSP National initiatives and activities and communicate to volunteers.

 

Chapter Compliance:

1. Ensure Chapter(s) are Compliant in the Following Areas:

• Growth in Revenue
• Adherence to all National Policies and Procedures
• Complete Slate of Officers (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)
• Maintaining a Full Board (minimum of 9, preferably between 12-15)
• Functioning Nominations & Leadership Committee
• Volunteer Coordinator(s)
• Business Plan, Budget, CHAMPS, and signed volunteer forms, submitted by March 15 annually
• Budgets Operating in the Black
  • Responsible for fiscal management, including relationships with vendors, handling cash, expense management and working with National Office on accounts payable and receivables.

1. Other duties as assigned.

NOTES:

• An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position .
• The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education  Bachelor’s Degree

Experience and/or Training

• Proven track record showing substantial growth generating revenue for nonprofit organizations through Peer 2 Peer fundraising events.
• Minimum 3 years professional experience working in non-profit arena in special event fundraising, preferably in P2P/Community Fundraising.
• A minimum of 3 years working as staff directly with nonprofit volunteer Boards of Directors.

Technology/Equipment   Must possess technology literacy skills.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and/or Training Experience working with national organizations with chapter or affiliate system.

Technology/Equipment   Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, DonorDrive, Virtuous.

 

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Uphold and exhibit AFSP’s Core Values.
• Ability to hold yourself accountable.
• Ability to prioritize and coach volunteers to prioritize based on National Strategic goals.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Candidate must be diplomatic and have the ability to communicate tactfully.
• Strong public speaking skills with ability to present in front of large and small groups virtually and in person.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Ability to work a full-time schedule and have regular attendance at the workplace. This position is remote.
• Ability to travel as needed to attend work meetings or events.

• Ability to work after regular business hours and on weekends when necessary. 
• All other work-related duties as assigned.

 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Must have the ability to work on multiple projects at once and handle pressure to perform at high level.
• Must be able to handle conflict and have strong problem-solving skills.
• Must have the mental stamina to be in contact with people who are grieving or who are in crisis.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and/or hear, and/or use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, and/or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds while moving files or small packages. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• This role requires you to have a driver’s license and/or the ability to drive across your state(s) to which the role is a steward; must be able to rent vehicle on behalf of AFSP as needed.
• The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

 

• Remote position with moderate travel for meetings, conferences, and events.
• Fast paced and dynamic work environment.
• Interaction with several constituents – staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the general public.
• Requires public speaking in front of both small and large groups.
• In person and virtual communication.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.