Executive Director-Louisiana

SEARCH FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-LOUISIANA

New Orleans, Louisiana

Heart Gift, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting children around the world with life‑saving cardiac care, seeks a dynamic, mission‑driven Executive Director to lead its Louisiana chapter. This is a rare opportunity for a nonprofit leader to shape the future of a high‑impact organization by providing strategic leadership, expanding philanthropic partnerships, and deepening community engagement across the state. Reporting to Heart Gift’s CEO, the Executive Director-Louisiana will guide the chapter’s long‑term strategy in alignment with Heart Gift’s mission;

direct philanthropic activities; supervise one staff member; and oversee day‑to‑day operations, budgets, and annual plans. The Executive Director-Louisiana will serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for Heart Gift, while partnering closely with the CEO and the Louisiana Community Impact Board to advance the organization’s work and impacts.

Each year, more than one million children are born with congenital heart defects (CHD), yet only 10% have access to the specialized medical care essential for their survival. Since 2000, Heart Gift has served children with CHDs in remote areas of the world with limited access to specialized medical care.

Heart Gift’s approach requires multifaceted efforts, which include managing complex logistics, connecting children to expert medical professionals, providing financial support when local facilities are available, and leveraging strategic partnerships to equip hospitals and medical teams with the proper tools and resources to deliver quality access to care. Heart Gift’s goal is to remove barriers and create sustainable programs that offer long‑term solutions and equitable treatment for children in need.

To learn more about Heart Gift, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Partner with the CEO and team to advance Heart Gift’s long‑term strategy by leading fundraising efforts in Louisiana that support the organization’s life‑saving work.
• Plan and execute a comprehensive fundraising program, including individual giving, corporate support, and special events, with a focus on raising ~$500K annually and building sustainable revenue.
• Personally and collaboratively secure gifts at a variety of levels, aligning donor interests with Heart Gift’s mission and impact.
• Serve as a primary relationship manager for Louisiana donors, guiding them through every stage of donor engagement.
• Track progress toward fundraising goals and ensure donor commitments are fulfilled.
• Maintain accurate donor records and use data to inform cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.

• Work closely with the CEO, staff, and the Louisiana Community Impact Board to advance shared goals and support organizational initiatives.
• Manage and mentor the Patient Coordinator-Louisiana.
• Communicate openly and collaborate effectively to ensure alignment with policies, priorities, and best practices.
• Contribute to budgeting and planning related to fundraising activities.

• Manage the Heart Gift relationship with LCMC Health and Manning Family Children’s; ensure that the program consistently meets the expectations of the health system and the hospital; and oversee all public relations and marketing efforts related to Heart Gift’s work with the health system and the hospital.
• Build awareness of Heart Gift throughout the chapter’s service area by cultivating relationships with key community stakeholders.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and credible ambassador for the organization within Louisiana.
• Serve as an additional point of support for patient families and host families throughout the Heart Gift journey, including coordination related to medical appointments and host family identification.

The most competitive contenders for the Executive Director role will possess a solid combination of the following traits and experiences:

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor…