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 works with science volunteers to produce the Association’s Scientific Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, educational programs, advocacy and policy responses, and other activities requiring clinical and research input.

The SMA also serves as the in-house expert and resource for other Association staff developing programs and projects such as patient 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 other Association activities and programs.
• Provide consultation, guidance, and approval on science aspects to internal Association staff developing public and professional programs, patient and lay publications, Association websites, press releases, corporate relations, and marketing materials with health and science implications.
• 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 their portfolios to lay professionals and internal Association 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 the ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.
• Ability to understand, integrate, and summarize scientific literature.
• Ability to manage 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 the use of technology and information systems.
• Staff position experience in a not-for-profit and/or government sector or active committee/Board/officer membership in a professional member society.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive base salary, regularly reviewed and adjusted based on market value. Expected pay range: $110,000 to $120,000, with geographic differentials applied as needed.
• Performance and Recognition: Annual salary planning and incentive programs based on position type.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; robust retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution; employee assistance program; employee wellness program; telemedicine and medical consultation.
• Professional Development: Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentoring programs, and Heart U, the Association’s national online university with over 100,000 resources.
• 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 current or potential future roles.