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 outstanding opportunity for a National SVP, Research and Grants Administration in our Science department!

This position can be home-based. 

Please submit your application for this position by October 3, 2025.

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.

The Senior Vice President (SVP), Research and Grants Administration, will lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the American Heart Association’s research enterprise, including board-directed initiatives and donor-funded awards. This executive role is pivotal to advancing the Association’s mission through innovative research funding and scientific grant programs. With a focus on national impact, the SVP will shape strategy, foster scientific collaboration, and ensure the integrity and effectiveness of research initiatives across the organization. 

Research Leadership

• Guide the Association’s research agenda, staying abreast of trends and innovations impacting non-profit research funding organizations.
• Represent the Association in national scientific forums, promoting funding opportunities and thought leadership.
• Key staff leader in supporting the Research Committee and key volunteers to evaluate and enhance research programs.

Grants Strategy & Oversight

• Lead the development and execution of research grant programs, ensuring alignment with the Association’s strategic priorities.
• Manage over a $500M portfolio across the full grant lifecycle—from application to closeout—ensuring compliance, financial oversight, timely reporting, and alignment with funder and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of grant lifecycle management, including promotion, application, peer review, award setup, post-award reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Mission Advancement and Corporate Relations, to foster growth of research funding and novel initiatives.

Organizational & Financial Stewardship

• Direct departmental budgeting and financial planning, identifying new revenue opportunities and ensuring fiscal accountability.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and structural frameworks to support research operations and compliance.

Team & Volunteer Engagement

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of 40+ cross-functional colleagues responsible for program execution, from development and applicant support to post-award compliance, reporting, and payments, to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Serve as the expert voice of the Association’s research enterprise to internal and external stakeholders, including volunteer leaders, peer funders, and research institutions.
• Work closely with volunteers, including committees, task forces, and working groups.

• MD or PhD in biomedical, biological, public health, or related discipline.
• Minimum ten (10) years of relevant research experience, as well as demonstrated academic leadership experience and career progression.
• At least eight (8) years of supervisory experience in the research domain.
• Background in non-profit, government, or academic research administration.
• Proven strategic planning and program management expertise.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in volunteer management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong understanding of related technology and information systems.
• Ability to travel overnight up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant research experience.
• 8+ years of supervisory experience.
• Has led research in an academic setting, including oversight of all elements of running a research program and training of research staff, students and/or fellows.
• Experience working with professional member societies and active committees or boards.

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 by merit increases and incentive programs based on the type of position. This position is incentive eligible up to 37.5% 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.  HeartU 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