Director, Strategic Clinical Research & Industry

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!

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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

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.

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