School Fundraising Director

Des Moines, IA, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

health benefits

Medical Plans

Dental plans

vision plans

Disability insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Programs

Job Description

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading nonprofit organization founded in 1924 with a mission to reduce deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and to promote healthier lives for all individuals. Over nearly a century, the AHA has successfully cut cardiovascular disease deaths by half, yet the organization recognizes there is still significant work to be done in combating today's biggest health challenges. Their work spans community advocacy, research funding, education, and empowering individuals to live better, healthier lives. The AHA is deeply committed to inclusivity, equality, and fostering a workplace culture where every employee feels seen, heard, and valued. They promote work-life harmonization and provide resources such as their award-winning corporate university, Heart U, and various employee support programs. Joining the AHA means becoming part of a movement that is relentless in its goal to create a world of longer, healthier lives regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or abilities.

The American Heart Association is currently hiring for a full-time, field-based Development Director, School Engagement role, located in West Des Moines, Iowa. This dynamic position requires extensive travel within a three-hour radius of Des Moines and flexibility in working hours, including early mornings and evenings, to accommodate the needs of K-12 schools and events. The Development Director will be pivotal in engaging students in cardiovascular health initiatives through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. The role involves a fast-paced blend of fundraising, sales, and community engagement aimed at promoting physical activity and heart health education among hundreds of schools.

This position demands exceptional skills in volunteer recruitment, customer service, and account management while fostering motivation among children to prioritize their health. Managing relationships with teachers, principals, and superintendents will be critical for sustained program success. The Development Director will also be responsible for detailed data management, maintaining accurate information within CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools. This role offers a competitive base salary with performance incentives, and benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as retirement plans with employer matching and automatic contribution. The AHA supports professional development through resources like Heart U and offers flexible work arrangements to support life-work harmonization. Overall, the role provides a meaningful opportunity to blend passion for children's health with fundraising and sales expertise, contributing directly to impactful community health initiatives.

Job Requirements

3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
Ability to do daily local travel
requires access to 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
Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate proactively
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, 'we can do this' environment
This position demands extensive data management, requiring the continuous updating of account information within our CRM databases
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to efficiently manage and report on data using CRMs are essential
Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings, to effectively engage with schools and manage events

Job Qualifications

3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields
University or college degree or equivalent experience
Ability to travel daily within a 3-hour radius and access to reliable transportation
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM databases
Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate proactively
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment
Willingness to work flexible hours including early mornings and evenings
Ability to lift and/or move large objects as needed (with assistance or breaking down heavier items)
Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships
Familiarity with Iowa geography
Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Territory management experience

Job Duties

Recruit and engage students through schools and districts in life-saving initiatives including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs
Implement strategies and initiatives to fully engage students through classroom challenges, activities and student assemblies including in-person and digital experiences
Develop and cultivate relationships on an ongoing basis with teachers, principals and district superintendents
Establish and maintain outstanding customer service with volunteers and other collaborators, including detailed planning and kick-off meetings to set schools up for success
Manage and continuously update account information within customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft products
Handle high volume account management regularly working with 5-10 schools each day in-person or online/by phone
Motivate kids to take their health to heart while achieving an overall fundraising goal of $320,000 through participant income and corporate sponsorship