Development Director, School Engagement

American Heart Association • New London, CT

11d • $65,700 - $80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Director, School Engagement is a full-time, home-office-based, field position serving Eastern Connecticut. The role raises funds and promotes physical activity and health education among K-12 students through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, engaging hundreds of schools. It requires extensive local travel and availability for daily work, including early mornings and evenings, to accommodate school and event schedules. The position also involves high-volume account management and continuous data maintenance in CRM databases and Microsoft Office products.

The position is accountable for an overall fundraising goal of $385,000 from participant income and corporate sponsorship. Success depends on recruiting and engaging volunteers and students, providing customer service, cultivating school relationships, and managing school accounts. The role regularly involves working with 5–10 schools per day, in person where possible or online/by phone.

The American Heart Association provides training and support, including access to Heart U. Its stated total rewards include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement contributions, incentive eligibility, paid time off and holidays, professional development resources, and tuition assistance.

Requirements

• Three years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related work.
• Ability to travel locally every day and access 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.
• Ability to work independently and communicate proactively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to manage and report data using CRM databases.
• Ability to lift and/or move large objects such as boxes; heavier items may need to be broken into smaller components or require additional assistance.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships.
• Knowledge of corporate and community networks.

Responsibilities

• Meet an overall fundraising goal of $385,000 through participant income and corporate sponsorship.
• Recruit and engage students through schools and districts in Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.
• Implement classroom challenges, activities, and student assemblies, including in-person and digital experiences.
• Develop and cultivate ongoing relationships with teachers, principals, and district superintendents.
• Provide customer service to volunteers and collaborators, including detailed planning and kick-off meetings to prepare schools.
• Continuously maintain account information in CRM databases and Microsoft products.
• Manage a high volume of school accounts, regularly working with 5–10 schools each day in person where possible or online/by phone.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution.
• Employee assistance program, employee wellness program, telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional development opportunities, including Employee Resource Groups, a mentoring program, and access to Heart U.
• Paid time off of at least 16 days per year for new employees, increasing based on seniority.
• Twelve paid holidays each year, including several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition assistance.
• Incentive eligibility based on achieving certain targets.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director