General Summary

The Executive Director of Research Administration (“Executive Director") is primarily responsible for directing the operational, financial, regulatory, human resource and business activities of the RIC Research Department, and all research activities within the domain of RIC.  These activities will include analyzing, modifying, and developing improved structure as needed. The Executive Director of Research Administration is responsible for all administrative duties associated with scientific and clinical research studies at RIC; familiarity with all aspects of basic and clinical research within academic milieu is essential, as well as a business orientation and the ability to develop novel programs in a matrixed environment.

The Executive Director will be visible to academic community, industry and government entities and will play a key role in future planning and business enhancement of all activities involving discovery science and therapeutic development at RIC.  Specific responsibilities include: financial analysis and strategy; contract negotiations with sponsors and strategic partners; contract processing and management; providing direction to and ensuring integrity in data management, mining and analysis; human resource management; interfacing and ensuring compliance with granting organizations, regulatory agencies, collaborating institutions and other strategic partners; managing facilities; business development and marketing.

Consistently demonstrates support of the RIC statement of Mission and Philosophy by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

Demonstrates RIC Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and RIC Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

 STRATEGIC

1.     In partnership with the Vice President for Research (VPR), develop the evolving “roadmap" or plan, including high-level financial model, that will successfully advance the new vision of RIC Research over the next five to ten years;

2.     In cooperation with Northwestern University and other university partners, expand RIC’s unique environment that facilitates improved translational research;

OPERATIONAL

1.    Represent RIC Research within RIC operations forums and with leadership visibility for this important role with accountability for operational excellence in research, contributing as a member of a larger operating team within RIC and committed to the long-term overall success of RIC’s mission;

2.     Provide oversight direction and leadership for grant maintenance, renewal, and new grant acquisition successes through pre-award and post-award grant process improvement;

3.    Assisting in creating the structure, systems and processes that enhance the acquisition and marketing of intellectual property;

4.     Ensure adherence to and compliance with applicable state, Federal and other government regulations, accreditation requirements, and expectations of other regulatory agencies and funding sources;

5.     Oversee and direct the acquisition, allocation and management of the facilities required to conduct and grow research at RIC and support the overall mission;

6.     Oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures as  needed;

7.     Act as liaison between RIC investigators and officials and others, when necessary;

8.     Responsible for development and maintenance of inter-institutional relationships, pharmaceutical industry representatives, patent attorneys, NIH, FDA, and other external bodies important to the future success of RIC research;

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

1.       Oversee preparation and monitoring of annual budget including projections of sources of revenue and expense for grant, gift, contract and internal funds;

2.       Accountable for implementing and monitoring approved operations budget, and in partnership with VPR, for achieving budgetary success on an annual basis;

3.       Responsible for all finances supporting RIC research, including the preparation of research budgets and monitoring of gift, grant, and contract financial activities;

4.       In collaboration with RIC finance, responsible for overseeing the operational payment structure, monitoring payments and billing as outlined in project contracts for all funded studies;

5.       As appropriate, collaborate with Northwestern University and other campus partners’ administrative staff to develop strategies for maximizing research revenue and effectiveness;

HUMAN RESOURCES

1.      Responsible for the supervision and management of administrative and support staff within the RIC research department including pre-award, department, post-award, and core facilities personnel;

2.       Creates an environment of engagement; solicits input from a wide variety of people and functions; proven ability to develop individuals and build a successful team;

3.       Oversee and direct all recruitment activities for research administrative positions, working in close liaison with RIC Human Resources staff and others;

4.       Accountable for timely, high quality implementation of the annual performance evaluation process  within the Research department, including goal setting, merit reviews and disciplinary procedures;

5.       Develop and supervise a comprehensive program of staff development including orientation, in services, continuing education, and staff meetings;

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Perform other duties as assigned by the VPR and/or EVP.

The Executive Director of Research Administration reports to the Executive Vice President (“EVP"), with a critical linkage to the Vice President, Research.  The Executive Director will work closely with each to develop strategic initiatives and position RIC research with the infrastructure and systems to achieve operational excellence