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 has an excellent opportunity for a Community Connector with our Rural at Heart team, at the ECHAGA Corporation site located in Pine Ridge, SD.

The Rural at Heart positions serve as key resources in rural communities to help accelerate cardiovascular health improvement efforts through collaboration with clinical and/or community partners. The Rural at Heart Team Member will focus on these priority areas (Host site-dependent): controlling blood pressure, increasing community readiness, addressing chronic illness, and assisting community members and patients with navigating the barriers to care.  

This is a full-time (37.5 hours weekly), benefits eligible, grant-funded opportunity; current funding is through September 4, 2026. Part-time may be considered for this position. 

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.

• Implement evidence-based blood pressure control practices in clinical and community settings and provide related education.
  
  
• Enable host site and community partner capacity to improve health outcomes.
  
  
• Support implementation of nutrition security initiatives, including screening, referral, and healthy food access programs.
  
  
• Promote community readiness by supporting Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and hands-only CPR training events.
  
  
• Deliver health education in individual and group settings on cardiovascular health topics.
  
  
• Able to communicate, build relationships, and effectively work with and through community stakeholders.
  
  
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers and community partners to achieve priority community and collective impact goals. Measure and increase engagement of community participants. Instill spirit of belonging and shared purpose within community networks.
  
  
• Communicate program direction and provide consultation to host site and partner organizations.
  
  
• Regular communication with host sites (clinical and community), American Heart Association field supervisors and regional leads, National staff, community partners and extended Association teams. Regular interaction with community members and/or patients to deliver education and connect them to resources.
  

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in public health, health promotion, or health sciences preferred. 
  
  
• Proven track record with communications and organizational skills.
  
  
• Demonstrated success in working both independently and in a team environment.
  
  
• Commitment to improving rural health outcomes. 
  
  
• Must have at least intermediate knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word.  
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage large projects and events ensuring deadline compliance.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.
  
  
• Able to do daily local travel (site-specific requirements); access to reliable transportation required. Estimated local travel is 50% of time.  
  
  
• Attend training events both virtually and in person (approximately 1-2 week-long events) and participate in organizational and community meetings.
  
  
• Able 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.
  
  
• When working remotely, access to reliable internet is essential.

The American Heart Association invests in its people.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation and Performance – Attracting talented, committed Community Connectors means offering competitive compensation, ongoing professional development and training, and an environment in which to work and grow. And we do.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Other 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.

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?  Click here to see other opportunities.

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