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 Senior Project Manager, Contract Onboarding & Process Management within the National Corporate Relations (NCR) team.

 This is a full-time, benefits eligible, grant-funded opportunity, current funding is through May of 2031.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the full lifecycle of new business implementation from contract close through the first 12 months of delivery. This role ensures that all contract deliverables, startup milestones, and operational requirements are translated into clear, actionable plans and executed with precision. The position serves as the central point of coordination across internal teams, funders, and associated stakeholders as needed to ensure a seamless transition from sales to steady‑state operations.

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.

Contract Startup Leadership

• Lead the end‑to‑end startup process for newly closed contracts, ensuring all deliverables, timelines, and obligations are clearly defined, documented, and communicated.
• Develop and manage comprehensive implementation plans covering the first 12 months post‑contract execution.
• Facilitate internal kickoff meetings, aligning cross‑functional teams on scope, responsibilities, risks, and success metrics.
• Translate contract terms into operational workflows, resource requirements, and performance expectations.

Process & Project Management

• Build and maintain standardized processes, tools, and templates for contract onboarding and early‑stage delivery.
• Track progress against startup milestones, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and barriers to execution.
• Drive accountability across teams through structured check‑ins, reporting, and escalation pathways.
• Ensure all deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and in alignment with contractual commitments.

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between Corporate Relations, Operations, Implementing Departments, and Funder Relations teams during the onboarding period.
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure resource allocation, staffing, and training needs are met for new business launches.
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to ensure contract interpretation, pricing, and compliance requirements are fully understood and operationalized.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in client onboarding meetings to ensure clarity of expectations, timelines, and deliverables.
• Provide clients with structured updates, milestone tracking, and early‑stage performance reporting.
• Build trust and credibility by ensuring a smooth, transparent, and well‑managed onboarding experience.

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor early‑stage performance metrics to ensure new contracts achieve expected outcomes during the first year.
• Conduct post‑implementation reviews to identify lessons learned and opportunities to improve future onboarding processes.
• Partner with leadership to refine operational models, reduce startup friction, and enhance scalability.

• Five (5) years of experience in project management, operations, client onboarding, or contract implementation, preferably in a complex service‑based or regulated environment. 7+ years preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Proven ability to manage large, multi‑stakeholder projects with tight timelines and high visibility.
• Strong understanding of contract structures, deliverables, and operational implications.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate risks, solve problems, and drive cross‑functional alignment.
• Proficiency with project management tools and methodologies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment with competing priorities.
• PMP Certification preferred.

The expected pay range will be $100,000-$115,000. 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 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