[Hiring] Director, Strategic Clinical Research & Industry @American Heart Association

Role Description

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 Requirement

• 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.

Compensation & Benefits

• The expected pay range will be $120,000 to $140,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply.
• Compensation: Competitive base salary with regular market value reviews.
• Performance and Recognition: Rewards for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs.
• Benefits: Wide array including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program.
• Professional Development: Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and Heart U, the Association’s national online university.
• Work-Life Harmonization: Minimum of 16 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, increasing with seniority, plus 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition Assistance: Financial assistance for employees wishing to further their education and career.