Development Director Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Development director roles in Iowa span nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and healthcare systems, with employers like the University of Iowa, UnityPoint Health, and Mercy Medical Center actively hiring. Des Moines and Iowa City are the primary hiring hubs. International candidates with fundraising and strategic leadership experience can find visa sponsorship opportunities across these sectors.
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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.
We are currently hiring a Development Director in West Des Moines! The Director will generate revenue for our Heart Ball fundraising campaign, which includes our signature Heart Ball event, and peer-to-peer fundraising through Leaders of Impact.
This is a home-office, field-based position!
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
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
- Generate revenue by prospecting and securing local corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Achieve revenue goals by building and managing relationships with corporate partners and donors.
- Recruit top community leaders and drive peer-to-peer fundraising strategies to achieve overall revenue goals.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors and donors by conducting research that matches to the campaign goals and the Association's mission.
- Develop and present proposals and accompanying materials to secure revenue and volunteer engagement.
- Recruit and be responsible for executive volunteer leadership, volunteer committees, and day-of-the-event volunteers.
- Lead and engage new individual membership for our Cor Vitae giving society, in partnership with other appropriate fundraising staff. Includes planning and implementing regular engagement events for members.
- Work with a Communications Director to support and promote campaign communication plans.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
- University/College degree or equivalent experience
- Ability to do daily local travel up to 70% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
- 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
- Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
- Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills?
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
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Location: US-IA-West Des Moines
Posted Date 13 hours ago (4/8/2026 5:27 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17371
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time

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.
We are currently hiring a Development Director in West Des Moines! The Director will generate revenue for our Heart Ball fundraising campaign, which includes our signature Heart Ball event, and peer-to-peer fundraising through Leaders of Impact.
This is a home-office, field-based position!
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
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
- Generate revenue by prospecting and securing local corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Achieve revenue goals by building and managing relationships with corporate partners and donors.
- Recruit top community leaders and drive peer-to-peer fundraising strategies to achieve overall revenue goals.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors and donors by conducting research that matches to the campaign goals and the Association's mission.
- Develop and present proposals and accompanying materials to secure revenue and volunteer engagement.
- Recruit and be responsible for executive volunteer leadership, volunteer committees, and day-of-the-event volunteers.
- Lead and engage new individual membership for our Cor Vitae giving society, in partnership with other appropriate fundraising staff. Includes planning and implementing regular engagement events for members.
- Work with a Communications Director to support and promote campaign communication plans.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
- University/College degree or equivalent experience
- Ability to do daily local travel up to 70% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
- 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
- Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
- Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills?
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: US-IA-West Des Moines
Posted Date 13 hours ago (4/8/2026 5:27 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17371
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
Development Director Job Roles in Iowa
See all 28+ Development Director Jobs in Iowa
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Search Development Director Jobs in IowaDevelopment Director Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for development directors in Iowa?
Nonprofits, universities, and healthcare systems are the most active sponsors for development director roles in Iowa. Employers like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, UnityPoint Health, and larger community foundations have sponsored work visas for senior development professionals. Arts and cultural organizations in Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, have also hired internationally for fundraising leadership positions.
Which visa types are most common for development director roles in Iowa?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for development director roles in Iowa, as these positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, communications, or business. Some university-affiliated roles may be eligible for J-1 exchange visitor status. Candidates with extraordinary achievement in fundraising leadership may explore the O-1A, though that standard requires substantial documented recognition in the field.
How to find development director visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for international job seekers looking for visa sponsorship roles, including development director positions in Iowa. You can filter by state and role to see which Iowa employers are actively hiring and have a history of sponsoring work visas. This is more efficient than broad job searches, since Migrate Mate surfaces employers with documented sponsorship activity rather than requiring you to screen each listing manually.
Which cities in Iowa have the most development director sponsorship jobs?
Des Moines is Iowa's primary market for development director roles, driven by its concentration of nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and corporate foundations. Iowa City is a strong secondary market due to the University of Iowa and its affiliated medical and research institutions. Cedar Rapids also has a meaningful nonprofit sector, particularly in social services and arts organizations, where development leadership hiring occurs regularly.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for international development directors?
Iowa's nonprofit sector is heavily tied to agricultural, healthcare, and educational missions, which shapes the fundraising priorities development directors manage. Employers sponsoring H-1B visas must pay the Department of Labor prevailing wage for the role and location, and Iowa's prevailing wages for senior development positions are generally set relative to Des Moines and Iowa City market data. Candidates with experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, or grant writing tend to be most competitive with Iowa-based sponsors.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored development director jobs in Iowa?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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