Sr. Program Lead, Professional Education, Specialty Conferences

Since our founding in 1924 weve cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half but there is still so much more to do. To overcome todays 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 opportunity for a Senior Program Lead Professional Education Specialty Conferences. This position provides strategic leadership for a portfolio of scientific conferences and educational programs including Epidemiology and Lifestyle (EPI/Lifestyle) Basic Cardiovascular Sciences (BCVS) Vascular Discovery (VasD) Hypertension Scientific Sessions (HTN) and the ReSS Conference.

The Senior Program Lead is responsible for driving the growth profitability and long-term success of assigned conferences through strategic planning volunteer engagement staff leadership and cross-functional collaboration. This role leads a team of program management professionals and works closely with volunteer leaders strategic partners and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality scientific meetings that advance the Associations mission while meeting financial and operational objectives.

Success in this role is measured through conference growth attendee satisfaction volunteer engagement operational excellence revenue performance and the development of innovative strategies that strengthen the Associations position as a leader in cardiovascular science and education.

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 onLinkedInInstagramFacebookX and .

• Provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of specialty scientific conferences and educational programs.
• Develop and implement growth strategies to increase attendance revenue engagement and market relevance.
• Establish long-term portfolio plans that align with organizational goals and emerging trends in cardiovascular science and professional education.
• Identify opportunities for innovation new meeting formats and enhanced attendee experiences.

• Lead efforts to achieve annual attendance revenue and net revenue goals.
• Monitor conference performance metrics and implement improvement strategies as needed.
• Drive initiatives that improve attendee satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
• Analyze market trends attendee feedback and competitive data to inform business decisions.

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that expand conference reach value and impact.
• Collaborate with professional societies academic institutions and other external organizations to strengthen meeting programs and advance business objectives.
• Support initiatives that increase global engagement and broaden participation across scientific communities.

• Serve as a staff partner to volunteer leadership scientific committees and planning groups.
• Facilitate effective volunteer engagement and foster productive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Guide volunteers through strategic planning program development and decision-making processes.
• Ensure volunteer contributions align with conference objectives and organizational priorities.

• Directly supervise program management staff members.
• Provide coaching mentorship performance management and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative high-performing team culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish priorities and allocate resources to ensure successful execution of conference objectives.

• Develop and manage conference budgets and financial forecasts.
• Monitor expenses revenue and overall conference profitability.
• Collaborate with finance sponsorship and meeting operations teams to maximize financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while maintaining program quality.

• Oversee the planning execution monitoring and evaluation of assigned conferences and educational initiatives.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule within budget and according to established quality standards.
• Coordinate activities across multiple internal departments and external vendors.
• Communicate project status risks and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience managing scientific conferences association meetings or professional education programs.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading high-performing teams.
• Experience developing and managing budgets and financial performance.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working effectively with volunteers committees and multiple stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication relationship management and problem-solving skills.

• Experience within a medical scientific healthcare or professional association environment.
• Experience supporting scientific advisory groups or volunteer leadership structures.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships.
• Demonstrated success achieving conference attendance revenue and attendee satisfaction goals.

The expected pay range will be $90000 to $100000. 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. Thats 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 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 Associations national online university with more than 100000 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 Associations 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.

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

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities