National Executive Lead, Business Accelerator

American Heart Association • Dallas, TX

39d • $140,000 - $160,000 • Remote

About The Position

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.
The National Executive Lead of the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ will spearhead a nationally recognized, dynamic initiative that fuels innovation, advances health and empowers community-rooted entrepreneurs. This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight and external representation for a high-impact accelerator program that supports nonprofit and for-profit ventures addressing the social drivers of health.
This is more than a leadership position—it’s a platform for transformation. The Executive Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of community health by uplifting visionary social entrepreneurs and catalyzing systemic change across the nation.
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity, with current funding through June of 2028.
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 (formerly Twitter), and at heart.jobs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience and five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Deep understanding of health, social determinants of health and impact measurement frameworks.
• Exceptional communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for community empowerment and mission-driven innovation.

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of experience in program leadership, social innovation, entrepreneurship, or nonprofit management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Business Planning
• Develop and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide strategic business plan for the accelerator program.
• Lead cross-functional teams to refine program design, curriculum and impact measurement aligned with global standards.
• Ensure alignment with the American Heart Association’s mission and broader strategic and health impact goals.
• Program Execution & Innovation
• Oversee the lifecycle of the accelerator, including application, training, finale showcase and mentor and alumni engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement through data-driven evaluation and stakeholder feedback.
• Champion community-rooted innovation by sourcing and supporting ventures with lived experience and scalable solutions.
• Revenue Generation & Resource Development
• Identify, cultivate and secure philanthropic and corporate funding to sustain and expand the accelerator.
• Collaborate with internal development teams to craft compelling cases for support and donor engagement strategies.
• Monitor budget performance and ensure efficient use of resources.
• External Relations & National Partnerships
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the accelerator at national events, media engagements and strategic forums.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key volunteers, funders, influencers, and ecosystem collaborators.
• Represent the organization externally on issues related to health, entrepreneurship and community transformation.

Benefits

• 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 by merit increases and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
• 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. HeartU 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees