Site Director

The Site Director provides leadership, development, and task direction for a team of clinical research professionals. Responsible for feasibility, start‑up, and execution of clinical trials, as well as budget and timeline management, resourcing, and end‑to‑end trial execution. Ensures compliance with regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Pinnacle SOPs, and corporate guidelines. Collaborates cross‑functionally across the organization, coordinates, tracks and reports study status, mentors team members, and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and performance measurement. Sets the example for others by modeling Pinnacle values. Must be organized, collaborative, goal‑ and solutions‑oriented, flexible, and possess superior critical‑thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct site operations activities and continually improve workflow.
• Execute operational plans according to agreed timelines and budgets.
• Comply with policies, SOPs, and governing regulations.
• Identify and resolve issues using advanced clinical trial and GCP knowledge.
• Maintain quality‑control standards and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Ensure staff fulfill training and regulatory requirements for their roles.
• Review protocols and attend trainings to guide trial execution and protocol adherence.
• Serve as the primary site contact for sponsors, CROs, and vendors.
• Represent the site at internal and external meetings.
• Partner with the site marketing team to develop a pipeline of referral sources and cultivate relationships.
• Oversee completion of study feasibilities and RFI responses.
• Assist with budget negotiations for new studies.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with key external parties.
• Align the site to support corporate strategic goals.
• Collaborate with corporate departments and study sponsors on site‑level marketing initiatives.
• Identify vendors and participate in the vendor‑selection process.
• Serve as a liaison to other sites for research‑related activities.
• Identify risks and proactively create and implement mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate the daily operations of clinical research programs.
• Recognize, exemplify, and adhere to Pinnacle’s values and competitive differentiators of People & Culture, Science, and Quality.
• Oversee the site’s clinical operations team.
• Manage staffing levels and lead hiring, termination, and performance management for direct reports.
• Conduct performance reviews in accordance with company policies.
• Pursue ongoing continuing education for leadership and skill development.
• Oversee training to ensure clinical staff competency.
• Approve PTO while ensuring staffing levels meet daily business demands.
• Identify facility, supply, and equipment needs to maintain site capabilities.
• Implement Corrective Action Preventive Action (CAPA) plans as required.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field; graduate degree preferred (MS, MPH, MHA).
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a clinical research setting, including coordinating complex research projects.
• Research professional certification from ACRP or SOCRA is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of management experience in a research/clinic setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Experience with clinical research protocols and their governing regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in leading people and managing resources.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management and budget negotiation.
• Valid driver’s license, a safe driving record, and an automobile that is appropriately insured.
• Impeccable integrity and personal and professional values.

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proactive at identifying and solving issues.
• Superior written and oral communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex material and present information accurately.
• Energetic self‑starter, highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated organizational, project‑management, and time‑management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Strong people skills; ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and handle confidential matters with discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to build relationships with scientific, medical, executive, administrative, and other personnel at all levels.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work performed in an office/laboratory and/or clinical environment; exposure to biological fluids and/or bloodborne pathogens; personal protective equipment required (protective eyewear, garments, gloves).
• Occasional travel may be required domestically and/or internationally.
• Ability to work in an upright and/or stationary position for 6‑10 hours per day; frequent mobility required; occasional squatting, kneeling, or bending.
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying or moving objects, including medical equipment, with a maximum lift of 20‑50 lb.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability, short‑term disability, FSA, and life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid time off.
• Fourteen paid company holidays.
• Scrub voucher (specific positions apply).
• Additional benefits available.