Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago

Lead strategic clinical research initiatives and manage cross-functional teams to advance research operations and partnerships. | Requires 7+ years leading complex programs in academic research with strong communication, project management, and clinical operations experience. | Department BSD OCR - Office of Clinical Research About The Department The Office of Clinical Research (OCR) is the nucleus of the clinical research enterprise, providing services, training, tools and compliance oversight to support the conduct of clinical research across the entire Biological Sciences Division and University of Chicago Medicine human subject research portfolio. The mission of the Office of Clinical Research is to catalyze clinical research by providing expertise, resources, infrastructure, and systems that facilitate clinical research operations and enable collaboration across the enterprise while promoting compliance and human subject protection on behalf of our diverse community of patients and volunteers. Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care. Job Summary The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the administration of academic, research, clinical or administrative programs of the University. The Director, Strategic Research Initiatives serves as a key leader in advancing the innovation and impact of clinical research at UChicago Medicine. This position utilizes critical thinking and deep knowledge of the research and healthcare landscape to ensure the institution remains at the forefront of clinical research. Acting as the day-to-day lead for major, cross-functional strategic projects, the director structures complex and ambiguous questions into clear hypotheses and actionable workplans for executive decision-making. This role partners closely with senior executives and clinical leaders, facilitating alignment and progressing solutions to highly complex problems with broad business impact. The director enables technology and data-driven solutions for critical challenges, develops infrastructure recommendations, and implements processes to enhance research operations and expand the research network. The position actively seeks external partnerships to advance research network strategy and continuously measures and reports KPIs to drive ongoing improvement. The director leads teams supporting strategic initiatives and manages program operations including planning, scheduling, evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, and proposal development. Additionally, this role contributes to the design of program content, business processes, and policies for the Office of Clinical Research, supporting the institution’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence within clinical research. Responsibilities • Utilize critical thinking and knowledge of the research and healthcare landscape to continuously innovate and keep UChicago Medicine at the forefront of research. • Serve as the day-to-day leader for major strategic projects and initiatives with notable complexity and cross functional scope. • Structure ambiguous strategic questions across a broad range of topics into clear hypotheses and workplans, identifying the critical analyses required to inform executive decision-making. • Lead the solution development for highly complex, unique problems that have a broad impact on the business, including strategic thinking and structured problem solving in collaboration with system executives. • Build credibility with senior executives and clinical leaders, facilitating discussions that advance alignment and move complex decisions forward. • Serve as a recognized expert / thought leader within the company on strategy, particularly as it relates to current and past projects in clinical research. • Responsible for enabling artificial intelligence (AI) and data science techniques to develop creative and practical solutions for critical challenges. • Develop infrastructure recommendations and processes for the implementation and expansion of network research. • Seek new external research partnerships to advance the clinical research network strategy. • Measure and report KPIs and lead continuous improvement. • Lead a team of individuals tasked with support of strategic initiatives through direct reports or indirectly through project leadership. • Manages program operations and administrative functions which may include planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising and proposal development. • Contributes to the design of program content, policies, and Office of Clinical Research business processes. • Develops the dissemination, interpretation and application of program policies and recommends or makes exceptions. • Recommends program content, policies and strategic planning efforts. • Performs other related work as needed. Education: Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree. Experience: • Experience leading complex, multi-functional programs and projects within an academic research organization. • Experience leading through influence. • Experience with Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) and other enterprise solutions for research administration. • Ability to create and track key performance indicators. • Strong communication skills including the development of project charters, project plans, and executive presentation materials. • Experience working with clinical operations in a healthcare setting. Preferred Competencies • Project management. • Excellent communication skills. • Diplomacy and collaboration. • High attention to detail. • Proactive problem solving. Working Conditions • Remote office environment. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (optional) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $140,000.00 - $180,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Perform financial and operational data analysis, develop dashboards, manage projects, and support decision-making to improve departmental performance. | Requires 2-5 years related experience, college degree, strong analytical, project management, and communication skills, preferably with healthcare background and advanced degree. | Department BSD MED - Administration - Finance About The Department The Department of Medicine was the first department created when the medical school began over 110 years ago. It has evolved into the largest department not only in the medical school with over 300 full time faculty but is also the largest department in the University. The main missions of the Department of Medicine, scholarship, discovery, education and outstanding patient care, occur in a setting of multicultural and ethnic diversity. These missions are supported by exceptional faculty and trainees in the department. The Department of Medicine also takes great pride in providing unparalleled, comprehensive and innovative patient care. The Department's clinical excellence is continually recognized by the highly regarded US News and World Report. Each of the Department's sub-specialty practices are recognized as programs of national, regional, and local distinction for our novel diagnostic and therapeutic patient care offerings. The Department of Medicine has a long and proud history of research and discovery in the basic, clinical and translational sciences. Currently, the Department of Medicine is among an elite group of medical centers who are leading in the discovery and delivery of personalized medicine. Our impressive pool of talented researchers is renowned for bridging the bench to the bedside, and clinical research evaluations of new drugs and devices. The educational mission of the Department of Medicine is to train exceptional healers and the future leaders in academic medicine. The Department is home to four top residency programs (Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology and Medicine-Pediatrics) and twelve fellowship programs, including seven federally-funded training grants. Diversity of house staff and faculty is a key priority in our enterprise, both to cultivate leadership from underrepresented minorities and women and to reflect the ethnic and racial makeup of the patients we serve. Our trainees and faculty are recruited from top medical schools in the country. Job Summary Reporting to the Executive Administrator for the Department of Medicine (DOM) with matrix reporting to others, this person will build financial and data analytic capacity by independently learning current financial and related systems, optimizing available data/reports, independently identifying and quantifying opportunities, and developing new processes for improving the financial, productivity, quality, and other KPIs. Conducts and directs financial research to advance decision-making and communication to critical stakeholders. Prepares statistical reports, analysis, presentations, and financial studies of the Section's financial situation. Devises approaches for improving the general level of strategic and analytical thinking in the Section. Assesses the current financial analytic capacity needed and existing and proposes plans for reducing the gap between the two. Regularly works with a wide range of faculty and staff at all levels, including restricted and unrestricted financial and grant managers, fellowship program directors, etc., to communicate financial information and to assist with decision making. Designs and executes regular and ad hoc financial analysis, including forecasting, risk analysis, and evaluation of strategic options. Proactively identifies critical areas for attention and analysis. Responsibilities • Maintains and updates all recruitment data in Academic 360 through active partnership with every Section Administrator and Section Chief. • Conducts FTE distribution, cFTE management, and template review exercises. • Reconciles and reviews purchased service and joint venture agreements. • Oversees management of IADF, discretionary accounts, and funds-flow reconciliation. • Evaluates IADF and discretionary account management and funds-flow reconciliation. • Manages purpose code and labor expense allocations and ensures proper cost attribution. • Reviews and manages extra service pay submissions and identifies cost-saving opportunities. • Develops and maintains data collection systems and dashboards to support the faculty compensation plan and other financial initiatives. • Supports the development and distribution of robust financial, quality, productivity, and other key dashboards to Section Chiefs, Ambulatory Medical Directors, and Section Administrators. • Executes quantitative and qualitative analyses to support decision-making and guide departmental initiatives. • Analyzes financial statements, clinical and research revenue, and budget variances to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. • Conducts lookback and proforma analyses to evaluate recruitment and productivity assumptions. • Evaluates acuity and volume data to identify productivity improvements and manage related projects. • Audits and supports section-level budget data to ensure reporting accuracy and informs annual budget cycles. • Utilizes UCM Tableau and other tools to connect financial results with strategic insights and communicate findings effectively. • Partners with revenue cycle team to identify and implement revenue-enhancing strategies. • Directs and manages projects throughout the Department. • Comprehensive project management of strategic initiatives. Develops project work plans including identification of key stakeholders, deliverables, timelines and required resources for initiatives related, but not limited, to patient access, patient experience, clinic utilization, staff engagement, and clinical compliance. • Oversees operational and logistical aspects of projects, such as meeting schedules, agenda development, etc.; ensures project requirements are achieved in a timely fashion and within guidelines. Continuously assesses and makes effective recommendations to address barriers or obstacles to achieving project goals. • Develops measurement and analytic strategies to monitor the outcomes of projects over time. • Applies standardized tools and methodologies for consistent project execution. • Collaborates with Section Administrators to develop budget-positive and equity-positive business cases for improved ambulatory, inpatient, and procedural performance. • Utilizes standardized approaches, tools, and technology for internal consultancy. • Prepares concise, creative, professional summaries of plans, as appropriate. • Effectively presents findings to all levels of staff, targeting the presentation towards the knowledge level and needs of the audience, including internal senior management, clinicians, and front-line staff • Works to ensure smooth information flow between involved parties. • Develops summary communication materials for executive level presentations, as requested. • Encourages and engages others in discussion to build trust among team members by communicating ‘early and often’. • Utilizes strong coping and perceptivity skills in identifying the appropriate pace of change as well as awareness of stakeholder needs, and incorporates that into planning and execution of initiatives. • Proactively considers and evaluates complexities of projects. • Analyzes moderately complex data sets for the purpose of extracting and purposefully using applicable information. • Provides professional support to staff or faculty members in defining the project and applying principals of data science in manipulation, statistical applications, programming, analysis and modeling. • Performs other related work as needed. Education: Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: • Advanced degree. Experience: • Background in the healthcare field, with demonstrated strength in analytics, process improvement, and project management. Preferred Competencies • Proven skill in project scoping, action planning, and execution using structured tools and metrics. • Exceptional organizational ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects. • Strong analytical and research skills; synthesize complex data for diverse audiences. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working with senior management and multidisciplinary teams. • Demonstrated initiative, independence, and sound judgment in resolving complex issues. • Handle sensitive, confidential, and politically complex matters with discretion. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.