Sr. Research & Grant Administrator

American Heart Association • Dallas, TX

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • 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 has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Research & Grant Administrator. (Home-based work is available)
The Senior Research & Grant Administrator leads strategic and restricted research pre-award and peer review operations, ensuring integrity, accountability, and scientific excellence across the Association’s research programs. The role requires strong scientific acumen, independent decision‑making, and the ability to manage complex concurrent processes from RFA release through funding recommendations.
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 in a scientific field or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of experience in research grants administration with emphasis on peer review and pre‑award.
• Demonstrated ability to independently make sound decisions in sophisticated settings.
• Strong scientific communication skills and ability to interpret technical materials.
• Proven skill in volunteer management and relationship development.
• Experience managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments.
• High professionalism, confidentiality, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• 7 years of experience in research grants administration with emphasis on peer review and pre‑award.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a related scientific field.
• Ability to interpret complex scientific documents.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead applications and peer review operations to ensure efficient, high‑quality execution.
• Independently implement improvements to strengthen processes, increase reviewer satisfaction, and enhance cost‑effective delivery.
• Maintain awareness of evolving peer review standards across nonprofit funders and federal agencies.
• Represent the American Heart Association in external professional communities and support mission-driven initiatives.
• Pre‑Award & Peer Review Operations: Independently oversee all aspects of pre‑award and peer review cycles for foundational and strategic programs.
• Conduct preliminary scientific reviews to confirm alignment with program requirements.
• Assign proposals based on expertise and compliance, managing conflicts of interest.
• Determine deadlines and procedures, communicating expectations clearly to staff and reviewers.
• Facilitate peer review meetings and ensure accurate dissemination of critiques and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate reviewer data, committee assignments, and tracking systems.
• Serve as subject matter expert for ProposalCentral and pre-award operations.
• Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, train, and support 200+ high‑level volunteer peer reviewers annually, including chairs and co‑chairs.
• Match scientific expertise to committees through independent research.
• Lead 8–10 peer review committees annually for major strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with volunteer reviewers and provide timely, professional communication.
• Project Management: Develop and lead project plans, timelines, and deliverables across multiple concurrent cycles.
• Coordinate cross‑departmental collaboration and maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate operational needs and ensure on‑time, high‑quality execution.
• Independently plan and handle all logistics for in person peer review meetings and volunteer participation, including arranging travel and accommodations, coordinating transportation, securing meeting facilities and technology, developing schedules and agendas, and providing on site operational support to ensure a smooth, high quality experience that reflects the American Heart Association standards and supports strong volunteer engagement.
• Systems & Tools Administration: Oversee ProposalCentral functionality and ensure process integrity.
• Develop reporting tools, templates, and improvements to support peer review and pre‑award activities.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate 2–3 pre‑award and peer review staff.
• Ensure staff training and quality control to maintain operational excellence.

Benefits

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the type of position
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

What This Job Offers

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