Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the role

The Center for Precision Behavioral Health Research & Innovation at the University of Louisville is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership for a high-impact behavioral health center integrating clinical research, basic research, digital innovation, community outreach, and philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day operations and translating strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear metrics, timelines, and accountability
• Collaborating with the Center Director and Principal Investigators to ensure efficient coordination of research initiatives, including randomized controlled trials, digital interventions, longitudinal research, and multiple complex research trials
• Managing budgets across grants, contracts, and other revenue streams
• Supporting forecasting, sustainability planning, and growth scenarios
• Building and expanding operations for innovative behavioral health programs, including technology-enabled interventions
• Recruiting, supervising, and mentoring interdisciplinary staff
• Providing administrative and HR oversight of research managers, research assistants, and other staff
• Ensuring adherence to HIPAA, IRB processes, federal and state regulations, and other relevant compliance standards
• Implementing quality assurance systems
• Developing and maintaining relationships with institutional leadership, funders, community partners, and industry collaborators
• Designing and implementing operational systems, workflows, and data infrastructure to support scale, efficiency, and evaluation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and eight (8) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Master's degree (e.g., MPH, MHA, MBA, MS) with substantial leadership experience, or PhD in a relevant field such as clinical psychology, public health, health services research, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in operations, program leadership, or center management in behavioral health, healthcare, or research settings
• Strong financial management and grant portfolio oversight experience
• Experience working with or scaling clinical research programs, particularly clinical trial research studies, or digital health and AI-based interventions
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks, including HIPAA and IRB processes
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills
• Experience managing large, multi-site, or federally funded research programs
• Background in implementation science or translating research into practice
• Experience with digital health platforms or mobile assessment/intervention tools
• Track record of building sustainable operational infrastructure in a growing research center

Benefits

This position is supported by one-time funding designated for the development of the Center. As with all positions supported by limited-term funding sources, continuation of the position is subject to the availability of funding and institutional priorities.

Pay

Target Compensation Range: $97,814.00 - $146,773.00. Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Schedule

Full time, regular hours.