National VP, Estate Settlement

The American Heart Association (AHA), founded in 1924, is a renowned nonprofit organization committed to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke to save lives and promote healthier lifestyles. Over its nearly 100-year history, the AHA has made remarkable progress by cutting cardiovascular disease deaths in half. The organization continues to lead advances in science, policy, and care, striving toward its 2028 goal of driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions for healthier communities. With a steadfast mission as a relentless force for a world of longer and healthier lives, the AHA embraces diversity and inclusivity, ensuring equitable health opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or abilities.

As a mission-driven nonprofit, the American Heart Association nurtures a supportive work environment called #TheAHALife, which emphasizes work-life harmonization and personal and professional growth. Employees benefit from an award-winning corporate university, Heart U, offering extensive training resources and opportunities for development. The organization advocates for a positive culture where staff feel seen, heard, and valued. Located in Dallas, TX, the National Center office offers a hybrid work model where employees work onsite 2-3 days per week, balancing flexibility with collaboration.

The role of National Vice President, Estate Settlement, within the Mission Advancement Department, presents a leadership opportunity for an experienced legal professional wanting to make a significant charitable impact. This position carries enterprise-wide accountability for the overall success, compliance, and strategic direction of estate settlement operations. The National VP serves as the senior legal authority and executive leader overseeing the administration of estates, trusts, and planned gifts to maximize charitable distributions while safeguarding the organization's legal and fiduciary interests.

Key responsibilities include providing strategic leadership for the estate settlement function, managing a remote Bequest Administration team to ensure timely and thorough revenue realization with exceptional donor stewardship. The National VP directs legal counsel on estate and trust matters, drafts and reviews legal documents, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and stays abreast of changes in estate planning and charitable giving laws. The role also involves overseeing litigation and disputes related to estates and trusts, collaborating with external counsel, and coordinating with finance on the accounting and reporting of estate transactions.

The National VP will develop and implement operational strategies to improve estate settlement workflow efficiency and effectiveness, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance organizational performance. This highly visible role requires strong leadership skills, legal expertise, and a commitment to teamwork across multiple stakeholders including donors, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, internal teams, and external partners. This full-time position offers a salary range of $142,200 to $189,700, commensurate with experience and location, and is backed by a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support employee well-being, career growth, and work-life balance.