Science & Medicine Advisor

The American Heart Association, founded in 1924, is dedicated to reducing cardiovascular disease and accelerating progress in health. Join us to make a meaningful impact on global health challenges.

About the role

The Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) provides expert guidance to U.S.-based and international physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals who contribute clinical and research expertise to the Association. This role involves collaborating with science volunteers to develop scientific statements, clinical practice guidelines, educational programs, advocacy responses, and other initiatives requiring clinical and research input. The SMA also serves as an in-house expert for Association staff developing programs, press releases, and website materials.

Responsibilities

• Guide and partner with science volunteers (clinicians, researchers, and scientists) in creating American Heart Association scientific statements, advisories, guidelines, conference programming, early career mentoring experiences, and integrating these into Association activities.
• Provide consultation, guidance, and approval on scientific aspects to internal staff developing public and professional programs, patient and lay publications, Association websites, press releases, corporate relations, and marketing materials with health and science implications.
• Review content for Association professional websites and products.
• Synthesize, analyze, and explain the current state of science and medicine—both verbally and in writing—to lay professionals and internal staff, including implications for the Association.

Requirements

• RN, MD, NP, PA with a graduate degree and clinical experience from an academic medical center, hospital, or private practice caring for cardiovascular patients; or equivalent experience. Doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, etc.) preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional adult cardiology clinical experience, with additional research experience in cardiovascular or related fields. Eight (8) years preferred.
• Superior writing and communication skills with a publication history in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously under time constraints.
• Ability to understand, integrate, and summarize scientific literature.
• Experience managing high-level volunteers (domestic and international) with clinical and research backgrounds.
• Must be able to travel overnight for approximately 25% of the time.

Preferred Skills

• American Heart Association Scientific Council Professional Member.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for technology and information systems.
• Staff position experience in a not-for-profit and/or government sector, or active committee/board/officer role in a professional member society.

Pay

The expected pay range is $110,000 to $120,000. Geographic differentials may apply.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive base salary with regular market reviews and performance-based incentives.
• Health & Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Includes an employee assistance program, wellness program, telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Retirement: Robust retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution.
• Professional Development: Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentoring programs, and Heart U, the Association’s online university with over 100,000 resources.
• Work-Life Harmonization: Minimum of 16 days Paid Time Off (PTO) for new employees, increasing with seniority, plus 12 paid holidays annually, including year-end days off.
• Tuition Assistance: Financial support for employees pursuing further education related to their current or future roles.