Director for Research Operations, Charlotte Campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Overview

Job Summary

Oversees Research Operations on the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, serving as the primary liaison for faculty needs for research services. Ensures integrated approaches to providing appropriate infrastructure and aligning resources to fulfill institutional research goals and objectives.  Develops and fosters effective collaborations between clinical and basic science departments, institutes, centers, and other affiliated services/offices to ensure integrated approaches to providing appropriate infrastructure and aligning resources in order to fulfill institutional research goals and objectives.  Contributes to achievement of vision by providing administrative guidance and thought leadership in development and enhancement of research strategies and tactics for the Charlotte market and oversees development of business plans for allocation (or reallocation) of resources necessary to support overall research strategic plans and operations for these research units and shared resource functions.   Works closely with senior leaders and partners throughout the System to execute high-priority projects and develop and maintain enterprise-wide research platform. 

Manages research operations programs supporting the institutional research clinical and pre-clinical infrastructure on the Charlotte campus.  Provides leadership and acts as the operational liaison for the Clinical Research Unit, Study Coordinator Float Pool, Human Research Oversight and Outreach, local pre- and post-award support, and similar programs. 

Functions as process champion for driving enhancements for reporting and analysis, benchmarking, and financial management of service units and programs on the Charlotte campus and works closely with the Director of Winston-Salem Research Operations to coordinate services in the Southeast region.   Guides the development and implementation of the Research Space Policy, and policies for acquisition of shared research capital equipment with the AVPs, Associate Deans, and Vice Deans.  

Essential Functions

• Functions as the primary administrative leadership liaison for faculty needs for research services on the Charlotte campus, working closely with the AVPs, Associate Deans, and Vice Deans on matters that strategically enhance the research environment. Interfaces with the Director for Winston-Salem Research Operations to coordinate activities that need to cross the SE Region. 
• Develops and fosters effective collaboration between research operations offices for service delivery, clinical and basic science departments and other affiliated services and offices to ensure integrated approaches to providing research services and infrastructure in order to fulfill collective institutional research and educational goals and objectives.  
• Addresses faculty issues with scheduling, access, quality service delivery, and coordination of services to best meet the needs of the research faculty and service units.  Manages customer service expectations and issues to resolution. Works closely with Clinical Research Operations management and Human Monitoring and Oversight for clinical research service needs.
• Shares communications at large on the Charlotte campus to ensure the research faculty and staff are aware of important updates and changes to support in the research services arena. Engages and communicates with external partners that impact the Charlotte campus. 
• Oversees central budgetary and operations administrative oversight functions, evaluation/monitoring, resource and administrative management, as well as strategic planning for shared core resources (institutional and departmental), and assigned programs.  Manages quarterly reports, budget variances, and financial status for these programs.  Participates actively in financial, budgetary, and planning discussions, coordinating closely with other Dean’s Office executives and leaders, related to these academic operating units and resources.
• Monitors and enforces, in conjunction with other Charlotte campus offices and executives, the institutional Service Center Policy applicable to research shared resource centers and cores, which charge users for their products and services.  Reviews the creation of appropriate Standard Operating Procedures for the operational and financial management of shared resources and centers.  Directs operations and financial audits of institutional and departmental cores as necessary and presents findings and recommendations to leaders.      Ensures compliance with the NIH Uniform Guidance and functions as process champion for systems and process improvements which minimize risks of non-compliance within the institution and improve financial management, efficiency, and effectiveness of research shared resources (institutional and departmental).
• Oversees and guides development of automated metrics, dashboards and ad hoc reporting by central support analysts for annual performance management, leadership decision-making and strategic planning related to investments in new and continuing shared resource cores, and programs.  Directs and guides support staff and analysts who provide decision support for these activities.
• Engages in external benchmarking with appropriate external professional association(s) or group(s) to identify potential opportunities for innovations and improvements in systems and administrative processes.
• Supports the AVPs, Associate Deans, and Vice Deans for the WFUSM Research Space Advisory Committee focused on research laboratory space use and allocation, as well as guides the development and implementation of the Research Space Policy. 
• Establishes and advises program and shared resource directors on institutional administrative policies and standard operating procedures for consistent application and enforcement across the institution. Develops institutional guidelines for operations, standard operating procedures, financial models, and information/administrative systems for shared resources to improve the returns on institutional investments and effectiveness/efficiency of operations.
• Exemplifies the institutional Values and Code of Conduct, while striving to identify compliance risk through department led risk assessments, system monitoring, and periodic audits, and reporting any identified violation to Legal Services and Corporate Compliance Departments.  Ensures immediate action is taken on any issues identified and that policies are developed or revised as necessary to strengthen and build a compliant operational environment that mitigates risk.
• Ensure harmonization of policies and procedures in research with Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
• Identifies, implements, and manages value-added opportunities to promote the long-term overall success of research.
• Aligns decisions and actions with organizational mission and vision.
• Interprets financial reports, prepares budgets, and optimizes operations.
• Acts as a key member of the Charlotte Growth and Development team, focusing on resources necessary to grow research output.
• Recruits, staffs, and provides performance evaluations to team members.
• Coordinates multiple priorities simultaneously, works quickly under pressure and models professionalism.

Physical Requirements
Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and reaching. Critical thinking and ability to concentrate and make decisions. Works in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to respond quickly in stressful situations.  This role is expected to be on-site at least four days/week.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required.  Advanced degree preferred (PhD, MBA, JD, MHA, MS, MPH, MPP, MPA, etc.) 
• Minimum 10 years progressive experience leading to management/direction of research operations.
• Significant experience providing research services activities is strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to provide critical conceptual and strategic thinking to important financial, academic, and administrative issues across a complex organization. 
• A record of accomplishment working effectively with faculty and institutional administration.
• Outstanding achievement in development and management of a diverse staff.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to function in a complex, high-demand environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously and accustomed to setting and achieving goals.
• Positive attitude, proactive mindset, and a leadership style characterized by highly ethical practices, a commitment to diversity, and an appreciation for collaboration and its role in effective shared governance with faculty, staff, and students. 
• Excellent communication skills complemented by a collegial style that will engender trust and facilitate collaboration.
• Proven ability to develop and guide large and high-functioning programs, including capacity to generate and implement clear goals, procedures, systems, and priorities across different areas. 
• Ability to lead effectively across divisions, using collaboration and persuasion to guide decision-making and influence crucial operations; a proven team player, with the ability to both advocate and to partner with others; and skilled as a negotiator with experience reviewing and realigning systems, policies, and personnel. 
• Effective organizational and strategic planning skills, a strong commitment to accountability, and an ability to see the underlying systems that drive performance. 
• Commitment to the organization’s Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Clean, comfortable, office environment