Executive Director

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 bringing our mission to life across the Central Valley. Come join our team! We are currently hiring an Executive Director based in Fresno, California.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader for the Division, responsible for driving its overall vision, performance and long‑term growth. This role oversees the development, execution and continuous evaluation of the Division’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader goals and priorities.

The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the Division’s fundraising capacity—cultivating both unrestricted and restricted field campaign revenue with a focus on sustained, scalable growth. Success in this role requires building and empowering high‑performing teams, developing strong volunteer leadership, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration.

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.

This hybrid position is based in the Central Valley Division, and the work is wherever it is most effective – in the field or at home.

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

• Lead, develop, and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that includes a strong development strategy to improve aggressive growth in unrestricted revenue. This includes consistently meeting and exceeding revenue goals. Ensure alignment with the organization's mission and goals. Collaborate effectively with colleagues across the region to identify and increase cross-functional opportunities.
• Assess, establish, and maintain the necessary infrastructure and talent to achieve sustained revenue goals and support health impact objectives. Strengthen the Division's fundraising capacity by growing unrestricted revenue and integrating mission activities.
• Guide the Division in achieving identified goals through leadership recruitment and Board engagement. Lead special events, campaigns, individual giving, workplace initiatives, and company acquisition and retention. Collaborate on revenue opportunities and mission impact.
• Drive the process of identifying, recruiting, and activating an influential and financially strong volunteer leadership base. Foster their corporate and personal giving and influence the involvement and giving of others.
• Forge and manage partnerships with key organizations and philanthropic individuals to improve the American Heart Association's visibility, impact, and financial resources. Lead and manage direct reports and others to do the same across the communities we serve.
• Partner with Western States and National resources to provide management expertise, mentoring, and monitoring for fundraising events. Ensure the aggressive growth of events and focus staff attention year-round. Achieve balanced campaign growth through the renewal and acquisition of participating companies and sponsorships.
• Regularly assess and communicate progress using available management tools and reporting systems. Maintain the integrity and security of donor information and follow established policies and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to operational and financial policies and procedures within the approved operating budget. Operate in accordance with the American Heart Association's Fiscal Standard policies and all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
• Demonstrate the American Heart Association leadership proficiencies and employ effective management techniques in the recruitment, selection, supervision, and leadership of staff. Develop and engage staff to achieve organizational objectives.
• Build and foster a professional work environment that promotes collaboration, trust, teamwork, empowerment, and integrity. Ensure open communication, support for newcomers, quick resolution of conflicts, adherence to agreed standards, and shared accountability. Recognize that interdependent collaboration is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years minimum prior relevant experience
• University/College degree or equivalent experience
• Experience recruiting, engaging and activating executive level corporate and medical volunteers
• Demonstrated track record in building effective teams of staff and volunteers
• Demonstrated track record in setting and achieving aggressive goals on a sustained basis.
• Ability to influence others to action through creating a shared vision and sense of ownership and personal accountability.
• Ability to credibly establish and execute a strategic plan across functional areas and disciplines in a complex and highly dynamic environment, effectively translating strategies to measurable goals and plans.
• Ability to do daily local travel; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.

Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for

• Related experience with the American Heart Association or another national voluntary health organization.
• Knowledge of American Heart Association's mission and programs.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected pay range will be $78,300 to $95,000 annually. 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.

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