Senior Executive Director

Scion Executive Search has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a dynamic, results-driven, and mission-driven Senior Executive Director (SED) on behalf of the American Heart Association (AHA). This is a rare opportunity for a bold entrepreneurial leader to drive transformational growth and serve as the face of one of the nation's most respected and influential nonprofit organizations throughout the greater Dallas market. This is a full-time, onsite leadership opportunity based in Irving, Texas.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION:
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has been a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. As one of the nation's most recognized and impactful nonprofit organizations, the Association is dedicated to improving cardiovascular and brain health through groundbreaking research, public policy advocacy, education, and community engagement.


Since its founding in 1924, the American Heart Association has helped reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke while driving innovation in prevention, treatment, and equitable access to care. Through the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, healthcare leaders, corporate partners, and community advocates, the organization continues to advance solutions that improve health outcomes in communities across the country.



POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting directly to the Regional Senior Vice President of Development for North Texas, the Senior Executive Director (SED) will serve as the senior market leader for the American Heart Association's Dallas market, driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth, community impact, and market influence across the region.


Leading a team of approximately 20 development professionals, the SED will balance fundraising, volunteer engagement, community partnerships, and market operations while serving as a visible ambassador for the organization.


This highly strategic and externally focused leader will work closely with corporate executives, philanthropists, physicians, board members, and community stakeholders to expand the Association's reach and impact. The ideal candidate is a highly relational, entrepreneurial leader with strong executive presence, business acumen, and a track record of delivering results. A builder, fixer, and strategic relationship manager, this individual will thrive in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment, inspire high-performing teams, cultivate transformational partnerships, and position the Dallas market for sustained growth and long-term success.



RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Market Advancement

• Serve as the senior executive leader for the Dallas market, providing strategic vision and oversight for fundraising, volunteer engagement, community impact initiatives, and overall market growth.
• Develop and execute innovative strategies that advance the American Heart Association's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term market objectives.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to expand the organization's visibility, influence, partnerships, and impact throughout the Dallas community.
• Lead with vision, agility, and accountability in a fast-paced, highly visible, results-oriented environment.
• Align staff, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders around shared goals, measurable outcomes, and a culture of excellence.

Revenue Generation & Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the achievement of ambitious multimillion-dollar fundraising goals across the Dallas market.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors, corporate partners, and prospects, including six- and seven-figure giving opportunities.
• Strengthen volunteer-led fundraising efforts while building sustainable pipelines that support long-term growth and market expansion.
• Monitor fundraising performance, evaluate key metrics, and proactively adjust strategies to maximize revenue and organizational impact.
• Design and execute comprehensive revenue-generation strategies encompassing major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, campaign initiatives, and philanthropic investments.

Volunteer, Board & Community Engagement

• Partner closely with volunteer leaders, campaign leadership, and community stakeholders to advance fundraising, mission, and market objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership to support strategic priorities, strengthen governance, and drive organizational growth.
• Assist in the recruitment, engagement, development, and succession planning of volunteer and board leadership.
• Serve as a highly visible and influential ambassador for the American Heart Association throughout the Dallas market.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with corporate executives, healthcare leaders, donors, community partners, and other key stakeholders.

Organizational & Team Leadership

• Provide inspirational leadership, coaching, mentorship, and performance management for market staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Ensure seamless collaboration across development, communications, community impact, and volunteer engagement functions.
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and success metrics aligned with organizational priorities and revenue objectives.
• Champion professional development opportunities that strengthen leadership capacity and support employee growth.
• Lead with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach while empowering team members to achieve ambitious goals and deliver exceptional results.

Financial Stewardship & Operational Excellence

• Oversee market budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation to support revenue growth and mission impact.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and investments.
• Partner with senior leadership to evaluate fundraising performance, market opportunities, operational effectiveness, and return on investment.
• Leverage data, reporting, analytics, and performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, financial controls, and operational standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in health education, administration, business, marketing, social sciences, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong volunteer engagement and relationship-building skills, including experience working with executive-level volunteers and community leaders.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and presentation skills with strong executive presence.
• 8+ years of fundraising, business development, or outside sales experience, including success in securing six-figure and larger gifts.
• 7+ years of leadership and team management experience with demonstrated success in developing high-performing teams.
• Proven success in establishing and executing strategic plans within complex and dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze fundraising performance, financial data, and organizational metrics to drive decision-making.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the Dallas market and maintain reliable transportation.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and effectiveness in a high-performance, goal-oriented environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This rewarding role offers a competitive salary of $171,000-$190,000 (DOE) with eligibility for an incentive opportunity of up to 25% based on achievement of team revenue goals. The AHA also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; retirement benefits with 4% match; paid time off and holidays; tuition assistance; employee wellness programs; professional development resources; and a variety of employee support programs.



APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
The American Heart Association has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: .



ABOUT OUR FIRM:
Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.


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