The American Heart Association is seeking a dynamic Senior Program Lead to join our Healthy Living team, with flexibility for remote candidates.

 This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity, with current funding through June of 2029.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the planning and execution of the assigned portfolio strategy. Responsible for managing the ongoing operations, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of one or more organizational programs. Ensures programs meet quality, reliability, schedule, and cost objectives while aligning with mission goals. Develops and oversees program plans, budgets, resource allocation, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Responsible for monitoring existing and designing new performance metrics to demonstrate success, implementing process improvements, and assessing program impact to drive enhancements.

• Leads cross-functional team in the planning, operations, and execution of one or more programs to ensure they meet stated objectives. Oversee program operations, budgets, and resource management, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to guidelines. Ensure program integration with existing American Heart Association initiatives, aligning projects with organizational priorities.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives, assessing program outcomes and recommending adjustments to enhance performance. Leads efforts to enhance participant engagement and retention, elevating program visibility and impact.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure program success, fostering relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and volunteers. Ensure programs and learning initiatives comply with sponsorship and/or grant requirements, American Heart Association's science, accreditation bodies, regulatory requirements, and credentialing standards.
• Establishes and tracks program KPIs, including participation rates, engagement metrics, quality measures, and financial performance. Analyzes program data, stakeholder feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement, expansion, or redirection. Makes data-driven recommendations on program adjustments, resource allocation, and process enhancements.
• Supports the branding, positioning, and promotion of programs, collaborating with marketing teams. May participate in sponsorship meetings with potential sponsors or funders to secure financial support of the program. Provides input on training development and implementation strategies, ensuring outreach and content delivery are optimized.
• Acts as key point of contact for national partners and represents the organization externally on issues related to the assigned program audience at the national level.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope and responsibility of the job level and family.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Five (5) years minimum prior relevant experience in food service or restaurant administration, quality improvement, food industry associations or innovation is desired.
• Experience developing, launching, or scaling new programs, initiatives, or pilot projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience with nutrition-related programming or healthy food initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strategic relationships with external stakeholders, industry partners, vendors, or community organizations.
• Experience leading projects in evolving environments where processes and frameworks are still being developed.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and aligning diverse stakeholders around shared goals.
• Experience developing program metrics, KPIs, evaluation frameworks, and performance monitoring processes.

The expected pay range for this position is $100,000 - $120,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• 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; eligibility for an incentive program is 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.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.