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 have an excellent opportunity for a National Executive Program Lead, Brain Health!

A new, high-level staff lead position for the Brain Health Initiative will create Association ownership and accountability over new and innovative ideas from their inception, ensure alignment with Association healthy living and stroke priorities and 2028 impact goals, and support research translation into real-world adoption, programs and other applications.

Engaging with expert volunteer leaders across domains of brain health science and business is key to the success of the Brain Health Initiative’s short- and long-term goals. The Initiative seeks a high-level leader to support the caliber of our external research and advisory committees, foster robust research, develop business and programmatic strategies, and drive best practices for an integrated approach to all domains of the Initiative’s strategic priorities.

This position can be home-based.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you achieve success, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support available 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.

• Work with top staff leadership and science volunteers across the Brain Health Initiative and other Association departments;
• Support leadership in integrating new scientific ideas with existing clinical research approaches to scaling brain health interventions;
• Sync with broader healthy living programs and interventions, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health domains as well as women’s initiatives;
• Analyze evidentiary gaps in integrating brain health and cognitive wellness into the health care system;
• Help patients and communities navigate from clinical conversations and prescriptions to community-based and consumer health resources that support healthy brain aging and long-term lifestyle change behaviors;
• Serve as copilot in the creation of new brain-related scientific and research ideas;
• Draft and edit documents across all aspects of the process in developing scientific statements, guidelines and advisories;
• Develop funding proposals to ensure fit within the Association's capabilities, support the Brain Health Initiative and align with shared interests of funders and the American Heart Association;
• Liaise across departments and programs, sharing best scientific practices across all Emerging Strategies initiatives;
• Liaise with fundraising teams, participating in calls as a subject matter expert while maintaining Association oversight;
• Serve as connector among the Association's departments such as Legal, Emerging Strategies, Science & Medicine, and Advocacy on strategic ideation and organizational alignment;
• Contribute to submissions, revisions, and preliminary research needed for NIH, ARPA-H, PCORI, CMMI, and other major government grant opportunities;
• Provide guidance and scientific oversight on reports and support materials for current grants and contracts.

• A bachelor's degree in science or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience.
• Business acumen.
• Capability and experience to achieve deep understanding of the Association's Science & Medicine infrastructure, policy guidance, and practices.
• Understanding of business strategies and practices required, including strategic and business planning, market research, program design and other key aspects of driving business outcomes.
• Experience engaging with highest-level internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive research experience, manifested as experience as first or last author on peer-reviewed manuscripts and publications.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Senior Leadership and Executive Officers of  the Association's best practices.
• Experience cultivating high-level stakeholder relationships on behalf of the Association.
• Experience working with funders, fundraising, and developing successful grant proposals.

Preferred Requirements

• Doctoral-level science degree.
• Experience engaging stakeholders in program design, implementation and/or evaluation, policy research, and translation.
• Experience designing research intervention studies with strong track records as first or last author on peer-reviewed manuscripts and publications.
• Strong experience with secondary data analyses as indicated by track record of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Successful participation in or securing of research grants or other major government grants.
• In-depth knowledge and experience engaging with federal agencies and senior government and legislative officials.
• Knowledge of national coverage determination requirements and evidence-based processes.

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; 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