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ASSOCIATE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DCRI

Job Title: ASSOCIATE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DCRI
Job Code: 2308
FLSA: E
Job Level: 98
Revised Date: 02/01/2024
Job Family: JF 28

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Occupational Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the Operations Management Team (OMT), this position will work closely with the COO on strategy development, operations management and process improvements, as well as quality and compliance. Additionally, they will be responsible for overseeing the operational performance of a sub set of operations groups, with the Directors of those groups reporting directly to this position.

Work Performed

Operations Strategy & Management

Assist the COO in the development and implementation of operational strategies and goals.

Assist the COO with oversight and management of the operational and strategic progress of the operations groups.

Conduct comprehensive project reviews and risk management for DCRIs collective portfolio of clinical research programs and projects, actively reviewing the top projects based on revenue to identify and mitigate any projects at risk.

In collaboration with the COO, work with the CFO and Research Proposal Development leadership to assess fiscal requirements, develop study budgets, manage expenditures, and ensure payments are managed by the respective teams.

Implement effective metrics and strategies to measure and improve operational efficiency, quality and service delivery of the operations teams.

Communicate and cascade the operational metrics and expectations to the operations leaders and provide feedback and coaching.

Analyze and report on operational data and trends, and identify areas of improvement and opportunity.

Develop and implement plans and strategies to ensure the quality and integrity of DCRIs clinical data and compliance with the study protocols, SOPs, GCP, and applicable regulations.

Identify opportunities to leverage and/or redesign processes, tools and technology to improve and/or increase efficiency of DCRI operations.

Ensure resources are managed in an effective way across the sub set of operations groups they oversee to achieve financial and business objectives.

Operational Excellence & Innovation

Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and collaboration across the organization.

Sponsor, lead and/or participate in key DCRI wide initiatives that support the strategic growth and development of the DCRI, as well as seek to enhance operational and translational capabilities, services and outcomes.

Oversee the launch and implementation of these initiatives, ensuring that they are aligned with the DCRIs vision, mission, and values.

Collaborate with other senior leaders and stakeholders to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of these initiatives, and identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Quality & Compliance

Responsible for being the overall operational point person for QA, QA escalations, QSD compliance and audit/inspection readiness.

Ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance for DCRIs clinical research programs and projects, and address any issues or risks that may arise.

Develop and implement escalation plans and strategies to resolve any quality issues or incidents, and ensure proper documentation and follow up.

Collaborate with other senior leaders and stakeholders to implement and maintain the QSD policies and procedures, and prepare the organization for internal and external audits and inspections.

Ensure compliance with IRB regulations and policies, such as IRB expirations, informed consent forms, data sharing agreements, etc.

Coordinate with Duke IRB and ORAQ staff on IRB related matters, such as delay in IRB reviews/approval of DCRI studies, coordination of DCRI IRB submissions via IRIS, and oversight of the DOCR RPM for DCRI IRB support.

Partnerships

In collaboration with Vendor Management, cultivate key vendor/partner relationships.

Work with various vendors, partners and Academic Research Organizations (AROs) to ensure the quality, efficiency, and compliance of the clinical research programs and projects.

Collaborate with other senior leaders and stakeholders to leverage the best practices and resources from these vendors and partners, and optimize the value and outcomes of these relationships.

Financial Management

In collaboration with the COO, contribute to DCRIs overall budget development to align operations goals with the budget.

Oversee budgetary forecasts for their groups expenses (operating and capital) on an annual basis.

Ensure appropriate utilization of resources and adherence to targets, monitoring expenditure of funds relative to budget and ensuring that appropriate interventions are implemented.

Personnel Management

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment and culture.

Direct various personnel functions, including but not limited to, hiring, performance management, merit recommendations, promotions and work schedules.

Provide career planning advice to staff and create development plans to help staff achieve their career goals including assigning work which leverages their skills and capabilities and provides them with opportunities for learning.

Other Duties

Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Bachelor degree required. Bachelor degree in a health related discipline (i.e., nursing, pharmacy or allied health profession) preferred

Experience

Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in clinical research operations in a coordinating center environment (including 6 years in a leadership capacity) in the contract research, pharmaceutical, medical device, or biotechnology industry or in an academic research organization.

Leadership experience in both academic and/or corporate environments. P&L management experience preferred.

Skills

Proven track record of implementing and using effective operational tools and methodologies to ensure the quality and efficiency of clinical research operations

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the clinical research enterprise, including study design, execution, monitoring, data management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance

Proven ability to manage and oversee staff, providing feedback, coaching, and performance evaluation Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation

Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of DCRI capabilities, and how they support the clinical research activities and objectives

Self motivated and independent worker, able to work with minimal supervision and direction

Effective prioritization and time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously

Experience in partnering with external organizations, such as AROs, CROs, etc., to ensure the quality, efficiency, and compliance of clinical research programs and projects

Community builder, with strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to bring people together and foster collaboration and trust

Clinical experience is a plus, as it provides insight and perspective into the clinical research environment and challenges

Knowledge of ICH GCP and regulatory requirements, and how they apply to clinical research operations and processes

Comfortable with different/new technologies, able to learn and adapt to new systems, tools, and methods

Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.