Science & Medicine Advisor

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.

About the role

The Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) provides direction and guidance to US-based and international practicing physicians, scientists, and allied health professional volunteers who contribute their clinical and research expertise to the Association. Through strong interpersonal and leadership skills and broad knowledge of cardiovascular care and science, the SMA collaborates with science volunteers to produce the Association’s Scientific Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, educational programs, advocacy and policy responses, and other expert-driven activities.

The SMA also serves as the in-house expert and resource for Association staff developing programs and projects such as patient initiatives, press releases, and website materials.

This role is based in our National Center office in Dallas, TX, with a home-based option available.

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 and programs.
• Provide consultation, guidance, and approval on science-related aspects to internal staff developing public and professional programs, patient and lay publications, Association websites, press releases, corporate relations, marketing materials, and other public-facing activities.
• Work with teams to review content for Association professional websites and products.
• Synthesize, analyze, and explain (verbally and in writing) the current state of science and medicine in assigned portfolios, as well as their implications for the Association, to both lay professionals and internal staff.

Requirements

• RN, MD, NP, or 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. Pay is commensurate with experience, and geographic differentials may apply.

Benefits

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