ASO DIR, Clinical Research

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Institute for Child Health Policy (ICHP) at the University of Florida is seeking an Associate Director of Research and Data Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Institute's External Quality Review Organization (EQRO) activities and other state- and federally funded research initiatives. This senior leadership position will direct all aspects of research and data operations, including data acquisition, data management, analytics, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, resource allocation, and reporting. The position also serves as a key operational leader in the management of the Institute's $100 million Medicaid EQRO contract, ensuring successful execution of contractual requirements, oversight of complex deliverables, management of project risks, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. Working in close partnership with Institute leadership, faculty, project teams, state agencies, and external partners, the Associate Director will help shape the Institute's strategic direction, identify opportunities for program growth, strengthen operational excellence, and ensure the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of high-impact research and quality improvement initiatives. The Associate Director will lead a multidisciplinary team of analysts, data engineers, and other project staff, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and operational leadership. Serving as a senior liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders, the position translate complex data, analytics, and research findings into clear, actionable recommendations that supports policy development, operational decision-making, and program improvement.

Requirements

Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of experience.
Knowledge of the research life cycle.
Knowledge of Medicaid and CHIP and External Quality Review policies and protocols.
Knowledge of statistics, including linear and non-linear regression logistic regression, time-series, survival models, and non-parametric methods.
Various skills in data management and computer programming, especially with SAS, SQL, Stata, and Access.
Experience with software review and documentation processes.
Attention to detail, particularly with regard to data accuracy and integrity.
Experience with HIPAA protected data.
Excellent written (in English) and oral communication skill.
Ability to prepare documentation for internal project reports, reports to stakeholders and the public, and scientific publications in peer reviewed journals.
Ability to work independently and to collaborate with faculty and staff at multiple levels and to effectively manage the work of a research team.

Responsibilities

Partners with the Director and other organizational leaders to establish strategic priorities and guide the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of research operations supporting ICHP and the EQRO’s project portfolio and long-term goals.
Evaluates operational performance and implements strategies to enhance research effectiveness, efficiency, and service delivery.
Leads the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of research, data management, operational processes, policies, and procedures that support project execution and contractual compliance.
Directs the development and implementation of research strategies, operational frameworks, and project plans that ensure efficient resource utilization and compliance with organizational and contractual obligations.
Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational objectives and identify opportunities for innovation and program growth.
Directs operational oversight of multiple concurrent research projects by establishing priorities, allocating resources, monitoring performance, and ensuring the successful execution of research activities.
Oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure sound stewardship and alignment with strategic priorities.
Ensures compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, HIPAA, data security standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Coordinates and monitors research projects and operational activities to meet milestones, deliverables, and organizational objectives.
Leads cross-functional teams and collaborates with staff, project leadership, faculty, and external partners to align with stakeholder priorities and organizational goals.
Serves as a subject matter expert in research operations and data analysis, providing consultation and strategic guidance to leadership and stakeholders.
Provides leadership, supervision, and mentorship to research, data management, and analysis staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused work environment.
Establishes performance goals and metrics for teams and individuals to evaluate progress against assigned responsibilities and organizational objectives.
Provides ongoing direction, coaching, and constructive feedback to support performance and professional growth.
Promotes continuous learning through internal presentations, industry conferences, workshops, certifications, and other training programs.
Delegates work assignments, oversees project contributions from programmers, data managers, and other staff, and ensures deliverables meet established standards for quality, timeliness, and effort.
Supports workforce planning, succession planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, corrective action, retention, and talent development to ensure the long-term success of ICHP and the EQRO.
Translates complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for leadership, stakeholders, project teams, and external partners through presentations, reports, and other communications.
Oversees the development, review, and maintenance of technical and operational documentation, ensuring materials are accurate, concise, and tailored to various audiences.
Reviews reports and deliverables produced by research and data management staff, providing guidance to improve clarity, quality, consistency, and effectiveness.
Facilitates communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of project goals, requirements, risks, and outcomes.