Posted on February 28, 2013

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Director of Development and Communications

The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) is seeking an experienced leader to be the full‐time Director of Development and Communications for our small but rapidly growing patient advocacy organization. ACHA is based in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, but is national in scope. ACHA engages its 10,000+ patient, family, and healthcare professional members in research, education, outreach and advocacy activities to improve and prolong the lives of the 2 ‐ 3 million individuals now living with congenital heart disease (CHD). This is an excellent opportunity to invest your leadership skills in a highly‐respected organization and help ACHA address the unmet needs of those living with this country’s most common birth defect. To learn more about our work visit www.achaheart.org.

Position Summary:

ACHA is experiencing an exciting period of growth and the Director of Development and Communications will play a pivotal role in the organization’s continued success and expansion. Based out of our Philadelphia office and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the position will be responsible for the success of ACHA’s resource development and communications initiatives. The Director of Development and Communications will work closely with the President/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Programs, and key Board members to develop, plan and implement strategies related to fundraising and communications. This position will elevate ACHA’s recognition through a cohesive communications strategy and will expand and diversify ACHA’s public and private donor bases to significantly increase its revenue capacity. The Director of Development and Communications will supervise and manage a growing staff of three.

Position Responsibilities

A. Resource Development

• Lead the creation of the organization’s annual development plan and related strategy including but not limited to annual fund campaigns, grants, fundraising events, and professional membership dues.
• Develop and manage donor communication strategies.
• Develop and manage a memorial and family giving program to complement ACHA’s annual campaign activities.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive planned giving program.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive major giving program.
• Work with Board of Directors Resource Development Committee.

B. Communications

• Working closely with staff and leadership as needed, develop and implement an annual strategic communications plan.
• Oversee production of all printed publications.
• Oversee web content, e‐communications, and social media strategies.
• Oversee all media relation strategies.

C. Leadership:

• With President/CEO interface with Board of Directors for fundraising and communications work.
• Active leadership team member with President/CEO, COO and Director of Programs.
• Represent ACHA to partners, funders and external groups as appropriate.

D.Team Management and Development:

• Provide oversight and support to resource development and communications staff.
• With COO implement a professional development program to address employee experience and skills.
• Work with staff to develop objective performance measurements to ensure consistent, high‐quality evaluation and goal‐setting for all employees.
• Instill a sense of accountability among team members by modeling oversight of individual and organizational performance standards.

Qualifications:

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual with fundraising and communications leadership experience to be a key team member to advance the success of this highly‐respected and growing nonprofit organization. A minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience in development, fundraising, and communications, and a minimum of five years in leadership is required. Experience working with multi‐faceted fundraising campaign planning, donor cultivation and stewardship, prospect research, and donor and prospect events is required with experience in major giving and planned giving programs preferred. Experience in a variety of communication activities, such as public relations, design and print, web management, social media management, etc. is required. Experience using Raiser’s Edge and Kintera/Sphere or comparable software is preferred.

Specific requirements include:

• Minimum of a BA/BS, MA/MS or above preferred; AFP membership and/or CFRE a plus
• At least seven years of professional experience with five of those in a team management role
• Demonstrated success planning, developing and implementing successful fundraising and communications initiatives
• Strong project management skills managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and organizational growth
• Experience having worked with a high‐performance, collaborative, constructive peer group
• Strength in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility, span‐of‐control and performance
• Understanding of human resources, employee goal plans, and corrective action policies
• Excellent written communication skills with exceptional attention to details
• Superb oral communication skills with demonstrated experience in public speaking
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for ACHA's mission
• Knowledge of congenital heart disease, cardiology, and/or a related health area preferred

Compensation:

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. ACHA offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability plans as well as retirement and paid time off. Start date is negotiable.

Anti‐Discrimination Policy:

ACHA does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, gender or sexual orientation and encourages all qualified individuals to apply, including those with congenital heart disease.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates MUST email formal letter of interest, resume, three work‐related references and salary requirements as attached PDF or Word documents to hr@achaheart.org, with “ACHA Director of Development and Communications” in the subject line. No phone inquiries or mailed applications, please. Deadline for application is March 29, 2013.