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 general knowledge of cardiovascular care and science, the SMA collaborates with science volunteers to produce the Association’s Scientific Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, educational programs (online and face-to-face), responses to proposed advocacy and policy stances, and other activities requiring input from clinical and research experts.

The SMA also serves as the in-house expert and resource for other Association staff developing programs and projects, such as patient programs on atrial fibrillation or women’s health, press releases describing new breakthroughs, and review of Association website materials.

This role is based in our National Center office in Dallas, TX, with a home-based option available. Travel is required approximately 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Guide and partner with science volunteers (clinicians, researchers, and scientists) in the creation of American Heart Association scientific statements, advisories, guidelines, conference programming, early career mentoring experiences, and the integration of 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, marketing materials with health and science implications, 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 their portfolios to lay professionals and internal Association staff, including implications for the Association.

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 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.

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 annual salary planning and incentive programs.
• Health and 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 national online university with over 100,000 resources. Opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or participate in mentoring programs.
• Work-Life Harmonization:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Minimum of 16 days per year for new employees, increasing with seniority.
  • Paid Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year, including several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance: Financial support for employees pursuing further education and career development related to their current or potential future roles.