Director, Strategic Clinical Research & Industry

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 has an excellent opportunity for a Director, Strategic Clinical Research & Industry in our Quality, Outcomes Research & Analytics (QORA) department!

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, grant funded opportunity. Current funding will expire on July 1, 2029, with the possibility of extension.

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

The Director, Strategic Clinical Research & Industry is responsible for the successful implementation and execution of industry-sponsored research, quality improvement, and evidence-generation initiatives. This position serves as the primary operational lead for assigned industry collaborations, translating strategic partnerships into high-impact programs that advance cardiovascular and brain health while supporting organizational growth.

• Collaborate with industry partners and internal stakeholders to identify unmet evidence needs and develop innovative, fundable research and quality improvement programs that advance cardiovascular and brain health while supporting organizational growth.
• Lead the implementation and execution of industry-sponsored clinical research, quality improvement, registry-based, and evidence-generation initiatives from project launch through completion.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, milestones, budgets, risk mitigation strategies, and communication plans to ensure successful project execution.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams that may include research, analytics, registry operations, quality improvement, publication services, technology, legal, and finance stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings, client meetings, steering committees, advisory boards, and stakeholder workgroups.
• Monitor project performance, budget utilization, timelines, and contractual commitments, proactively identifying and resolving challenges.
• Collaborate with scientific, clinical, and operational leaders to ensure projects align with study protocols, sponsor objectives, and organizational priorities.
• Support the development and execution of publication and dissemination strategies, including abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, and scientific communications.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device organizations on the design and execution of randomized controlled trials, pragmatic trials, and real-world evidence studies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance client satisfaction, expand strategic relationships, and contribute to repeat and future business opportunities.
• Develop and implement operational best practices, standardized processes, and project management tools that improve efficiency and scalability across the research portfolio.
• Prepare executive summaries, project reports, dashboards, and stakeholder updates that communicate program progress, outcomes, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with applicable research, privacy, regulatory, contractual, and organizational requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health sciences, healthcare administration, clinical research, nursing, life sciences, business, or related field.
• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in clinical research, healthcare program management, life sciences, healthcare consulting, quality improvement, or related fields.
• Experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programs.
• Experience working directly with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, digital health, or healthcare industry organizations.
• Experience managing project budgets, timelines, deliverables, and client relationships.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong verbal, written, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (MPH, MHA, MBA, MS, MHA, PharmD, PhD, or related field).
• Experience in cardiovascular, stroke, neuroscience, or population health research.
• Experience managing observational studies, registries, pragmatic clinical trials, implementation science, quality improvement initiatives, or real-world evidence programs.
• Knowledge of healthcare quality measurement, outcomes research, healthcare data, and evidence generation.
• Experience supporting scientific publications, abstracts, manuscripts, and conference presentations.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), SOCRA, CCRP, or equivalent certification.
• Experience working with healthcare systems, academic institutions, physician leaders, and subject matter experts.

Proficiency Requirement

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint. Experience with project management platforms, customer relationship management systems, database applications, analytics tools, and virtual collaboration technologies preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range will be $120,000 to $140,000 . Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of 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; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
• 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? 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