Program Director, Implementation Trials

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 is thrilled to have an outstanding opportunity for a Program Director, Implementation Trials – Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC). This position can be home-based.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity. Current funding will expire 6/30/2031, with the possibility of extension.

The Program Director, Implementation Trials, will lead the development and execution of clinical trials within a national Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Initiative. The Director will also collaborate across initiative workstreams to ensure that insights inform national strategy and dissemination efforts. This role directly contributes to initiative goals to embed CAC testing for eligible adults into routine care by addressing real-world barriers, optimizing workflows, and amplifying effective models of care delivery.

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

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Steering Committee operations, including setting agendas, guiding development of presentation materials, facilitating member engagement, synthesizing key decisions, and ensuring execution of follow-up actions.
• Direct the protocol development process in collaboration with the Steering Committee Chair and members by compiling study design recommendations and ensuring efficient review and alignment across stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive trial implementation plans and timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, study milestones, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the strategy and execution of trial site recruitment, including stakeholder outreach, site feasibility and readiness assessments, and finalization of site contracts.
• Provide leadership for Institutional Review Board (IRB) strategy and coordination, ensuring timely submissions, regulatory compliance, and alignment across participating sites.
• Oversee and mentor site Implementation Managers, ensuring high-quality technical assistance and site consultation to drive protocol adherence and timely execution.
• Oversee trial outcomes data tracking and interpretation, guiding the synthesis of findings into high-impact publications, presentations, and dissemination strategies.
• Serve as a key cross-functional leader, partnering with other initiative workstreams to ensure cohesive strategy, integrated execution, and alignment with broader initiative and organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MPH, MSN, MBA, or related field) strongly preferred
• 8+ years of experience in trial management, healthcare quality improvement, or clinical program implementation
• Knowledge of cardiovascular disease prevention, including the dyslipidemia guideline and ASCVD risk management
• Experience working with health systems, provider groups, or clinical networks
• Ability to lead multi-site trials or initiatives
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills

Core Competencies

• Clinical & Analytical Rigor: Strong understanding of cardiovascular prevention and ability to interpret evolving evidence
• Facilitation & Influence: Ability to lead complex discussions and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Execution Excellence: Highly detail-oriented with strong project management and follow-through
• Strategic Integration: Skilled at aligning multiple workstreams into a cohesive execution strategy
• Translation & Communication: Ability to distill complex clinical and operational insights into actionable guidance
• Collaboration: Works effectively across business units to drive shared outcomes

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range will be $120,000 to $130,000. 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