Sr. Research & Grant Administrator

Overview

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 Linked In, Instagram, Facebook, X, and s.

• 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.

• 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 Proposal Central and pre‑award operations.

• 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.

• 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.

• Oversee Proposal Central functionality and ensure process integrity.
• Develop reporting tools, templates, and improvements to support peer review and pre‑award activities.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate 2–3 pre‑award and peer review staff.
• Ensure staff training and quality control to…