Chief Science & Medical Officer

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.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Science and Medical Officer is responsible for the oversight of general overall health and well-being science with special emphasis on cardiovascular and brain health science and related market-facing activities including:

• The examination and development of medical and scientific issues (domestically and globally)
• Preparation of scientific positions
• Strategic management of the scientific initiatives of the association through interaction with medical officers, science leadership, council leadership and science staff
• All science-related activities of the association, including science councils, research, scientific publishing, scientific meetings and other science products, including but not limited to health surveillance, evaluation, metrics and services related to the core, commercial (mission-aligned businesses) and emerging strategies
• Envisioning and developing partnerships and serving as the liaison to other scientific organizations

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.

• →Participates in the formulation of association policy and strategic goals in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Committee, the Science Advisory Coordinating Committee and the Board of Directors.
• →Performs constant analysis and monitoring of the state of CV science knowledge, sets priorities, and makes judgment calls on when to recommend that information move into needed positions, statements, scientific programs, and communications activities.
• →Maintains close liaison with science volunteer leadership, especially the President, Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee, science committees and council chairpersons, collaborates fully with the EVP, Science Strategy & Operations and ensures a seamless partnership with staff scientists on a routine basis.
• →Formulates, implements and evaluates strategic partnerships with other key scientific organizations and serves as the Association's liaison to those organizations.
• →Is available to serve as an external spokesperson in conjunction with the President and the CEO. Advises and participates in advocacy issues that involve the translation of science to public policy. 
• →Provides regular, ongoing guidance to science and research staff and other business leads regarding scientific and medical issues. Ultimate accountability with the CEO for assuring that all science activities are modern, market-facing, and successful business enterprises including Scientific Meetings, Scientific Journals, Research programs, Professional Education, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Scientific Councils and other science products and services related to the Association’s core, commercial and emerging strategies.
• →Primary staff liaison for the President and President-elect, including the weekly officers call
• →Provides strategic direction for Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee and other Association committees as directed.
• →Serves as a member of the CEO Cabinet, the Executive Impact Team-National and is available for all other volunteer leadership groups including the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
• →Maintains active relationships with the entire Executive staff across the Association to assure maximum integration and coordination.
• →Participates as a partner with the Chief Executive Officer in development of strategic alliances and major gifts supporting research and science programs. Participates in Mission Advancement and External Relations conversations and strategic discussions as necessary.

• Chief Medical Officer for Prevention
• EVP Science Strategy and Operations
• EVP for Research (new position)
• Chief Science Officer, Brain Health and Stroke
• Chief, Data Science and Analytics
• Chief Clinical Officer
• Clinical Science Advisor

• Science/medical credentials at the doctoral level (M.D. strongly preferred);
• Extensive science and clinical experience (16+ years at Senior/Executive level);
• Recognized reputation in medical and scientific circles;
• Knowledge of the American Heart Association and of external science agencies.

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