Development Director, School Engagement

Overview

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, School Engagement. This is a full-time, field-based position that requires extensive travel across Fairfield and New Haven, CT . Flexibility in working hours, including early mornings and evenings, is essential to accommodate the needs of schools and events. In this position, you will work from your home office, with frequent travel to schools in your territory.

In this fast-paced fundraising/sales position, you will engage K-12 students with the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, working with hundreds of schools to promote physical activity and learning. The role also involves extensive data management, continuously updating account information in our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft Office products.

Combine your love for fundraising and sales with your passion for kids' health! The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge is all about equipping kids with tools to keep their hearts and brains healthy and raising funds to support the health of all hearts. Meet one of our heart heroes here and learn more!

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.

Responsibilities

This position is directly responsible for meeting an overall fundraising goal of $400K (participant income and corporate sponsorship) through exceptional volunteer recruitment and engagement, customer service, and account management - all while motivating kids to take their health to heart .

You will work directly with schools in your territory. This position is responsible for applying validated sales techniques to acquire new accounts and renew and grow existing accounts related to school fundraising and development. This is done to generate revenue and achieve program goals.

• Recruit and engage students through schools and districts in life-saving initiatives including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.

• Implement strategies and initiatives to fully engage students through classroom challenges, activities, and student assemblies (in-person and digital experiences).

• Develop and cultivate relationships on an ongoing basis with teachers, principals, and district superintendents.

• Establish and maintain outstanding customer service with volunteers and other collaborators. This includes detailed planning and kick-off meetings to set schools up for success.

• Manage and continuously update account information within our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft products.

• High volume account management that regularly involves working with 5-10 schools each day - in-person where possible or online/by phone.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience.

• Ability to do daily local travel; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.

• University/College degree or equivalent experience.

• Ability to work productively and efficiently from a home office and in the field, consistent with the Association's flexible work arrangements policy.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate proactively.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, "we can do this" environment.

• This position demands extensive data management, requiring the continuous updating of account information within our CRM databases; Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to efficiently manage and report on data using CRMs are essential.

• 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.

• Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings, to effectively engage with schools and manage events.

Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:

• Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships.

• Knowledge of corporate and community networks.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range is $67,500 to $80,000. 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. This position is incentive-eligible based on achieving certain targets.

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

#AHAIND3, #LI-Hybrid

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Default: Location : Location US-CT-Fairfield

Posted Date 13 hours ago (7/9/2026 5:19 PM)

Requisition ID 2026-17807

Job Category Field Campaigns

Position Type Full Time