Research Operations Director

Research Operations DirectorJob Code: RESE21072Job Family: Research Compensation Band: Band N FLSA: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Operations Director leads the strategic and operational support of research initiatives across global health, and development sectors. The Director oversees the operational execution of a diverse research portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time and in compliance with ethical standards. They lead efforts to optimize workflows, manage shared resources, and interface with operations and enterprise services across the organization to support research initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIESComplexity & Problem Solving:This role requires advanced problem-solving skills to navigate complex regulatory environments, multi-country research logistics, and evolving donor requirements. The Director identifies operational bottlenecks, develops scalable solutions, and ensures alignment with FHI 360’s mission and compliance standards.

• Designing and implementing systems that streamline research operations across diverse geographies.
• Anticipating and mitigating risks related to research implementation, ethics, and data security.
• Driving innovation in research support services, including digital tools and process automation.
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Expertise & Influence:Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Director develops systems and processes to support research implementation and oversight. They influence strategic decisions related to research infrastructure, compliance, and capacity building. Their work directly impacts the organization’s reputation to deliver high-quality, compliant and ethical research on all its projects, across segments and portfolios.

Key Accountabilities Include:- Leading the revision and enforcement of SOPs in conjunction with our Office of International Research Ethics, safeguarding and data security/privacy teams.

• Serves as an integral part of discussions with new and continuing research partners,

potential funders, and in leadership meetings across the organization and externally

• Provides oversight to the development and execution of research project plans, ensuring adherence to SOPs, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
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Collaboration & Interaction:This role requires extensive collaboration across internal departments (e.g., Research, Legal, Finance, HR, IT) and with external stakeholders including donors and regulatory bodies. The Director communicates with clarity and diplomacy, often engaging with VP-level leaders and cross-functional teams to align research operations with strategic goals.

Responsibilities include:- Facilitating cross-functional working groups to support research project lifecycles.

• Building strong relationships with country offices to ensure local context is integrated into operational planning.
• Mentoring mid-level managers and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Implementing project management tools and dashboards to track progress and performance.
• Leading post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and inform future practices.
• Embraces other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.
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Task Management & Efficiency:- May supervise direct reports.

• Overseeing research teams and managing operations.
• Provide leadership for vendor identification and selection, ensuring proper oversight and performance management.
• Embraces other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge & Skills:- Understanding of global research operations, including IRB processes, donor compliance, and international research regulations.

• Expertise in operational strategy, risk management, and quality assurance in research settings.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and...