VP, Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET)

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. The AHA has two main offices, located in Washington, D.C. and Chicago. We are currently seeking a VP, Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) for our Chicago office. This position is a hybrid role (three days in the office, two days working remote).

Starting base salary = $185,000- $231,000- $277,000 (commensurate with related experience). The AHA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location.

The VP, Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) is responsible for setting and advancing strategic growth, sustainability and impact of the Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET), the non-for-profit research and educational affiliate of the American Hospital Association (AHA). As a key member of the HRET Leadership Team, lead a diverse portfolio of funded and non-funded programs and partnerships and provide strategic direction and executive oversight for grants, cooperative agreements and philanthropic initiatives that align with the HRET and AHA strategic plans. Balance strategy and operations to guide the successful implementation of programming, strengthen organizational infrastructure and cultivate new opportunities that expand HRET's reach while ensuring long term financial sustainability. With deep expertise in managing complex federal and philanthropic awards, build compelling cases for support and ensure measurable outcomes that reinforce HRET's position as a trusted national partner to hospitals, health systems, and stakeholders. Accountable for demonstrating impact through quality improvement, process and performance excellence, and strong financial stewardship. Lead multi-dimensional team across a balanced portfolio of initiatives, which include ensuring that funded initiatives contribute to a sustainable business model, balancing programmatic innovation with margin accountability and positioning HRET to grow and diversify its revenue base while delivering meaningful improvement in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide leadership of HRET's portfolio, ensuring effective, innovative design, execution, and evaluation of national, regional, state, and local initiatives supported by federal, state, and private partners
• Partner with the HRET President and members of the AHA Executive Management Group (EMG) to steward the 501(c)(3), share the HRET story, diversify revenue, and position HRET for long-term growth and sustainability.
• Serve as key relationship manager with funders to advance mission-aligned partnerships and ensure alignment of deliverables, budgets, and impact reporting.
• Drive new business development by identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with government and philanthropic partners, and shaping proposals that expand HRET's reach and influence.
• Continuously apply performance improvement principles to strengthen operational infrastructure to support compliance, finance, and performance across a multimillion-dollar portfolio.
• Mentor and develop internal teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous performance improvement in service of the HRET's mission and vision.
• Communicate extensively with the HRET President, peers across the AHA, and members of EMG as indicated to increase awareness and engagement around key and issues relative to programs and project objectives.
• Contribute and seek subject matter expertise in clinical quality improvement, health system operations, public health, and patient safety to inform program design and accelerate adoption of proven practices.

We offer an excellent total compensation package, which includes medical/dental coverage (PPO/HMO), vision care, life insurance, short- and long-term disability plans, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, paid vacation/holidays/sick days, wellness programs and more!

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call (312) 422-3000 and ask for the Vice President, Human Resources and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

The AHA participates in the E-Verify Program. #LI-Hybrid

Masters of HEALTH, MEDICINE, & SOCIETY (required)

5 years: Quality/Performance Improvement with demonstrated achievement in outcomes at the national level. (required)
7 years: Experience in funded (federal and private philanthropic) leadership, portfolio management and partnership development. Demonstrated success in securing and managing large scale awards and in growing and sustaining 501(c)(3) entities through fund diversification and long-term strategic planning. (required)
12 years: Experience in clinical care (e.g., nursing, pharmacy, medicine, etc.), healthcare leadership / management / operations, and/or healthcare quality improvement. (required)