Director, Strategic Research Initiatives

About the role

The Director, Strategic Research Initiatives manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the administration of academic, research, clinical or administrative programs of the University. The role utilizes critical thinking and deep knowledge of the research and healthcare landscape to ensure the institution remains at the forefront of clinical research.

Responsibilities

• Utilize critical thinking and knowledge of the research and healthcare landscape to continuously innovate and keep UChicago Medicine at the forefront of research.
• Serve as the day-to-day leader for major strategic projects and initiatives with notable complexity and cross-functional scope.
• Structure ambiguous strategic questions across a broad range of topics into clear hypotheses and workplans, identifying the critical analyses required to inform executive decision-making.
• Lead the solution development for highly complex, unique problems that have a broad impact on the business, including strategic thinking and structured problem solving in collaboration with system executives.
• Build credibility with senior executives and clinical leaders, facilitating discussions that advance alignment and move complex decisions forward.
• Act as a recognized expert/thought leader within the company on strategy, particularly as it relates to current and past projects in clinical research.
• Enable artificial intelligence (AI) and data science techniques to develop creative and practical solutions for critical challenges.
• Develop infrastructure recommendations and processes for the implementation and expansion of network research.
• Seek new external research partnerships to advance the clinical research network strategy.
• Measure and report KPIs and lead continuous improvement.
• Lead a team of individuals tasked with support of strategic initiatives through direct reports or indirectly through project leadership.
• Manage program operations and administrative functions which may include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising and proposal development.
• Contribute to the design of program content, policies, and Office of Clinical Research business processes.
• Develop the dissemination, interpretation and application of program policies and recommends or makes exceptions.
• Recommend program content, policies and strategic planning efforts.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field and 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Knowledge and skills developed through this experience include leading complex, multi-functional programs and projects within an academic research organization, leading through influence, experience with Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) and other enterprise solutions for research administration, ability to create and track key performance indicators, strong communication skills including the development of project charters, project plans, and executive presentation materials, and experience working with clinical operations in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and experience with project management, excellent communication skills, diplomacy and collaboration, high attention to detail, and proactive problem solving.