Executive Director Research Operations

Cleveland Clinic is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to serve as Executive Director Research Operations. This leader plays a key role in the direction and operation of the organization's world-renowned research department, overseeing the following areas – Emerging Science and Technology, Medical and Surgical Sub-Specialties, Neurobiology and London. Reporting to the Vice President – Research, Innovations and Education, the Executive Director Research Operations leads multiple departments of a key research function. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategy for their assigned functions. Additionally, this leader develops annual and long-term plans for assigned areas to deliver the vision and strategic goals of research at Cleveland Clinic. The Executive Director Research Operations Influences and inspires others to achieve results through relationship building and diplomacy. This leader takes a long-term view in establishing standards around which others will operate, leading a robust group of research operations departments and teams to manage and grow research practice across the enterprise. Responsibilities: Lead area in a matrixed environment to support all aspects of research activities, administration and operations to ensure service level expectations are managed and supported. Responsible for ensuring robust and comprehensive business operations reviews occur between research departments, divisions, markets and shared services. Responsible for continuous improvement of the quality and depth of research business operations. Partner with executive research leadership and key research leaders to develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans for their assigned research functions and operations. Align key stakeholder groups to execute growth plans, recruitment, resource allocation and research programmatic development according to the strategic plan and targets. Adopt new technology to innovate research operations. Work with market-based teams to assess research activities and shared services demand within a given market. Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms on research activities and shared services progress and outcomes. Lead people in a complex environment, setting meaningful goals and ensuring accountability in achievement. Select top talent and build leadership succession through development and coaching. Provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for research team members. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence within research operations. Be accountable for developing a research management model that focuses on creating a sustainable environment. Oversee all aspects of research operations, including budgets, capital, space management, platforms and shared services. Drive improvement initiatives for departments, divisions, markets and shared services. Monitor and evaluate research operations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. Identify research opportunities, access to new awards or revenue sources, and collaborate with research leadership to optimize Principal Investigator's research productivity. Build relationships such that strong and productive partnerships occur with researchers, research administrators, internal collaborators and teams, external organizations and funding agencies to support research initiatives. Drive research integrity by partnering with researchers to assure compliance with relevant policies, regulations and ethical standards governing research activities. Oversee the implementation of guidelines, policies and platforms for the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects, animals or sensitive data. Establish and maintain procedures for obtaining necessary approvals and permits for research projects. Partner with other Cleveland Clinic teams such as Legal, Compliance, Protective Services to manage risk and implement measures to assure the safety and security of research personnel, equipment and data. Conduct regular evaluations and assessments of research operations to identify areas for improvement. Implement best practices and benchmark other Academic Medical Centers to identify improvement opportunities. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Allied Health, Education or a related field Minimum of 15 years of professional and functionally relevant experience, with 10 years of demonstrated leadership and management experience. Two additional years of progressively responsible management experience may offset the master’s degree requirement. Demonstrated experience leading a research department or similar organization in academic healthcare, university or college setting, including research or academic operations, multiple levels of management, budgetary responsibility and achievement of department goals by providing strategic direction Experience coaching and managing multiple levels of leaders in a matrix organization Demonstrated track record of quickly establishing trusting and credible relationships with physicians, researchers/scientists, educators, clinical, administrative and community stakeholders Excellent analytical skills and business acumen Physical Requirements:Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. Ability to communicate effectively and exchange accurate information. Ability to travel throughout the health system.Personal Protective Equipment:Follows standards procedures regarding the use of personal protective equipment.Pay RangeMinimum Annual Salary: $151,220.00Maximum Annual Salary: $298,640.00The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).Job ID: 345364Employment Type: 8:00am-5:00pmJob Area: Executive - Administrative LeadershipPosted Date: 31/07/2026