Program Director, Implementation Trials

American Heart Association•Dallas, TX

2d•$120,000 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

The American Heart Association is seeking a Program Director, Implementation Trials – Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) to lead the development and execution of clinical trials within a national Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Initiative. This role can be home-based and is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity with current funding expiring on 6/30/2031, though extensions are possible. The Director will collaborate across initiative workstreams to ensure insights inform national strategy and dissemination efforts, contributing to the goal of embedding 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 resources for work-life harmonization, including Heart U, an award-winning corporate university, and additional local training and support. #TheAHALife embodies the company's commitment to work-life harmonization and core values, allowing employees to thrive personally and professionally.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
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
Strong understanding of cardiovascular prevention and ability to interpret evolving evidence
Ability to lead complex discussions and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
Highly detail-oriented with strong project management and follow-through
Skilled at aligning multiple workstreams into a cohesive execution strategy
Ability to distill complex clinical and operational insights into actionable guidance
Works effectively across business units to drive shared outcomes

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MPH, MSN, MBA, or related field) strongly preferred

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.