National VP, Professional Membership

Overview

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 American Heart Association seeks a visionary Vice President of Professional Membership to lead a comprehensive membership strategy with global reach. This senior leader will drive sustainable growth through proven expertise in membership development, fiscal management, and stakeholder engagement. The volunteer membership is currently organized across 16 scientific councils and 150+ committees, requiring a leader skilled in supporting a broad spectrum of needs within a cohesive strategy. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of success in mission-driven organizations and demonstrate the ability to build value, credibility, and connections across scientific and clinical communities.

 

Ideally, the position will be based in Dallas, TX. and work in a hybrid setting (in the office 1-2 days a week and as needed) in our Dallas office.

 

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, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Develop and execute a comprehensive membership and retention strategy aligned with the Association’s mission and strategic priorities. The strategy will include specific objectives, targets, and tactics for prospective member identification, cultivation, and solicitation, currently across 100+ countries and 24+ specialties
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance member acquisition, retention, and engagement.
• Identify, pilot, and implement innovative approaches to expand membership across new categories of health care professionals, scientists, researchers, clinicians, and industry partners.

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Lead and mentor a high-performing membership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Partner with peers and senior leadership to integrate membership goals into broader organizational strategies.
• Build internal capacity through training, exceptional performance management, and professional development.

Operational Excellence and Fiscal Stewardship

• Establish and maintain robust operational systems and processes to support department operations and membership activities.
• Drive revenue growth through strategic partnerships, affinity programs, and value-added services.
• Lead fiscal planning and budgetary oversight, ensuring strong financial controls and growth targets.
• Leverage data and insights to inform decision-making and optimize member value and experience.
• Collaborate with Business Technology and senior leadership to advance technology initiatives, including website portal performance to support membership
• Collaborate closely with key internal peers (including those leading scientific conferences and meetings, science and medicine, research alumni operations, advocacy, finance, and field operations) to ensure that members remain at the center of everything that the Association does.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key ambassador for the Association’s membership, representing the organization at national conferences, forums, and stakeholder meetings.
• Collaborate with internal science and medicine, marketing, advocacy, and fundraising teams to align messaging and outreach efforts.
• Cultivate relationships with external partners to enhance member benefits and visibility.

Membership Engagement & Volunteer

 

• Role-model best practices in volunteer management and foster meaningful mentor/mentee experiences.
• Oversee volunteer committees and engage them for optimal strategic planning and council operations.
• Facilitate member contributions to our mission through conference planning, peer r