Marketing Communications Manager, Donor Engagement

American Heart Association • Dallas, TX

1d • Remote

About The Position

The American Heart Association is hiring a Marketing Communications Manager in its Mission Advancement department. This U.S.-based home position serves as the strategic implementer of an integrated portfolio of donor-facing communications for non-cash, planned, and legacy-giving audiences. The role leads multi-channel marketing and stewardship communications that educate, inspire, and guide donors, prospects, and volunteers from early interest through sustained engagement.

The manager plans, produces, and leads coordinated communications across print, digital, email, web, events, and social channels. The work includes developing donor journeys and content, leading email campaigns and web communications, organizing virtual and in-person engagement experiences, and tracking performance to improve messaging and channel strategy. The role also supports internal communications and collaborates with fundraising, donor relations, digital, and analytics partners.

The position requires a highly organized, self-directed communicator who can translate complex giving concepts into clear, compelling content, manage multiple initiatives, and work independently and collaboratively. The role may require up to 5% local and overnight travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of experience.
• Experience in a communications, marketing, or public relations role; national-scope experience is preferred.
• Experience leading communications, project management, and editorial planning.
• Experience working with volunteers and donors, with a working understanding of fundraising.
• Highly organized, with a proven ability to lead complex projects, multitask, and set priorities.
• Strong writing skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to a variety of media.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to think critically and with context.
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision.
• Solid computer skills and the ability to master new software applications and technologies.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to engage major, principal, and planned donor types and collaborate across departments or teams.
• Experience producing work for or with senior leadership or executives.
• Ability to advance and align with an established strategy or vision, take direction, and contribute ideas and value.
• Experience writing in AP style and adhering to editorial and branding guidelines.
• Ability to travel up to 5% locally and overnight.

Nice To Haves

• Five to eight years of experience.
• Prior experience in a nonprofit setting; national-level experience preferred.
• Experience working with donors and volunteers in philanthropy, preferably with major and planned giving.
• Experience working in a collaborative setting.
• Knowledge of design tools such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or similar platforms.
• Ability to demonstrate data supporting content-development decisions.
• Experience navigating a large, matrixed organization.
• Experience providing updates in customer relationship management (CRM) software.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of donor communication strategies for non-cash and legacy-giving audiences across education, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Plan and lead multi-channel donor journeys using direct mail, email, web, social media, newsletters, and virtual experiences.
• Implement coordinated cool- and warm-lead nurturing strategies, including messaging, timing, and audience targeting.
• Lead the creation of donor-facing materials, including brochures, booklets, one-pagers, newsletters, surveys, and digital assets.
• Write and design selected communications, including newsletters and email campaigns, or partner with designers as appropriate.
• Integrate donor stories and impact narratives into communications to demonstrate mission value and donor impact.
• Create and deploy donor email campaigns, e-chases, automated journeys, and anniversary or breakthrough outreach.
• Develop and maintain planned-giving and donor-focused webpages, including lead-generation elements and supporting content.
• Coordinate with internal partners to support external digital communications with timely, accurate internal notifications and drop communications.
• Plan and implement virtual and in-person experiences, including pre-event and post-event communications and follow-up.
• Integrate event experiences with ongoing donor journeys.
• Track, analyze, and report on email performance, donor engagement metrics, and journey effectiveness.
• Use data and insights to optimize messaging, sequencing, and channel strategy.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and quality of data within projects and areas of responsibility.
• Support internal communications and knowledge-sharing for donor outreach initiatives, including selected internal newsletters and staff updates.
• Collaborate with fundraising, donor relations, digital, and analytics partners to align communications with organizational goals and donor engagement strategies.

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 resources, including Employee Resource Groups, a mentoring program, and Heart U.
• Paid time off, at least 16 days per year for new employees, increasing based on seniority.
• 12 paid holidays per year, including several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition assistance for education related to current duties or potential future positions.
• Annual salary planning and incentive programs, with eligibility based on position type.

What This Job Offers

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