Program Director, Implementation Trials

American Heart Association • Dallas, TX

23h • Remote

About The Position

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. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us. The American Heart Association is thrilled to have an outstanding opportunity for a Program Director, Implementation Trials – Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) . This position can be home-based. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity. Current funding will expire 6/30/2031, with the possibility of extension. The Program Director, Implementation Trials, will lead the development and execution of clinical trials within a national Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Initiative. The Director will also collaborate across initiative workstreams to ensure that insights inform national strategy and dissemination efforts. This role directly contributes to initiative goals to embed CAC testing for eligible adults into routine care by addressing real-world barriers, optimizing workflows, and amplifying effective models of care delivery. The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally. #TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , X , and at heart.jobs .

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MPH, MSN, MBA, or related field) strongly preferred
• 8+ years of experience in trial management, healthcare quality improvement, or clinical program implementation
• Knowledge of cardiovascular disease prevention, including the dyslipidemia guideline and ASCVD risk management
• Experience working with health systems, provider groups, or clinical networks
• Ability to lead multi-site trials or initiatives
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Clinical & Analytical Rigor : Strong understanding of cardiovascular prevention and ability to interpret evolving evidence
• Facilitation & Influence : Ability to lead complex discussions and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Execution Excellence : Highly detail-oriented with strong project management and follow-through
• Strategic Integration : Skilled at aligning multiple workstreams into a cohesive execution strategy
• Translation & Communication : Ability to distill complex clinical and operational insights into actionable guidance
• Collaboration : Works effectively across business units to drive shared outcomes

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Steering Committee operations, including setting agendas, guiding development of presentation materials, facilitating member engagement, synthesizing key decisions, and ensuring execution of follow-up actions.
• Direct the protocol development process in collaboration with the Steering Committee Chair and members by compiling study design recommendations and ensuring efficient review and alignment across stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive trial implementation plans and timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, study milestones, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the strategy and execution of trial site recruitment, including stakeholder outreach, site feasibility and readiness assessments, and finalization of site contracts.
• Provide leadership for Institutional Review Board (IRB) strategy and coordination, ensuring timely submissions, regulatory compliance, and alignment across participating sites.
• Oversee and mentor site Implementation Managers, ensuring high-quality technical assistance and site consultation to drive protocol adherence and timely execution.
• Oversee trial outcomes data tracking and interpretation, guiding the synthesis of findings into high-impact publications, presentations, and dissemination strategies.
• Serve as a key cross-functional leader, partnering with other initiative workstreams to ensure cohesive strategy, integrated execution, and alignment with broader initiative and organizational goals.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution
• employee assistance program
• employee wellness program
• telemedicine, and medical consultation
• Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year
• 12 paid holidays off each year
• Tuition Assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior