Assistant Director, Clinical Research Business Operations

University of California, Irvine•Orange, CA

27d

About The Position

The Assistant Director for Clinical Research Business Operations (AD CRBO) reports to the Administrative Director for Clinical Research Operations and is directly responsible for all financial matters of the Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials and Research (Stern Center) including fiscal oversight of all clinical research contracts and grants from various sponsors and fund sources (e.g. industry contracts state and federal funds, philanthropic funds, and institutional support) in support of and clinical research trials. The principal role of the AD CRBO is to independently manage the all financials, contracts and amendments for a significantly large portfolio of cancer-related clinical trials. In addition, the AD for CRBO leads a team responsible for on-boarding new clinical research coordinators of the financial requirements for the trials, developing budgets for investigator-initiated trials, activating new clinical trials, and ensuring post award finances of the trials are up to date and current, ensuring receipt of all funds owed to the CFCCC. The AD CRBO is the primary liaison to investigators, clinical research coordinators and researchers for communicating and training about the financial study resource requirements for clinical research trials. In addition, the AD CRBO develops, implements and maintains policies and standard operating procedures for the contractual negotiation and workflow for clinical research and serves as the primary business liaison to the CFCCC's National Clinical Trial Network affiliates. The Assistant Director for Clinical Research Business Operations receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. Manages, prepares, administers, and directs control of budget / organization resources. Manages the activities of the financial / resource analyst staff. Reviews and approves recommendations for financial planning and control. Monitors Stern Center adherence to approved budget. Provides guidance to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established policies. Work is reviewed and measured based on meeting objectives and schedules. Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals results in additional costs and personnel, and serious delays in overall schedules.

Requirements

Advanced ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; demonstrated advanced ability to effectively produce and present concise, logical and transparent analytical reports with complex finance-related information (from multiple sources) both verbally and in writing in a clear manner.
Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels; ability to interact with diverse populations.
Client services oriented; excellent listening, critical thinking, and analytical skills with in-depth attention to detail.
Ability to use organizational skills and multi-task in a high-volume environment.
Knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and within a deadline-driven structure.
Demonstrated experience in maintaining flexibility and adaptability while leading and implementing institutional change
Ability to work both independently and as part of team
Experience in short- and long-range financial and resource planning management in a multidisciplinary matrixed work environment
Strong analytical finance background in a research working environment
Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Minimum of 7-9 years of experience in accounting and financial management, with a focus on contracts and grants for clinical trials, budget processing, and strategic financial planning and projections; with direct experience in management of Federal, State and industry-sponsored contracts and grants.

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of University of California contracts and grants accounting and management principles and procedures, finance policies, practices, and systems (e.g. Kuali Financial System, Kuali Research, OnCore, EVAL, etc.)
Experience managing finances for oncology-specific trials
Familiar with Cancer Center Support Grant guidelines
Experience working in a multidisciplinary matrixed work environment
Professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage all financials, contracts and amendments for a significantly large portfolio of cancer-related clinical trials.
Lead a team responsible for on-boarding new clinical research coordinators of the financial requirements for the trials, developing budgets for investigator-initiated trials, activating new clinical trials, and ensuring post award finances of the trials are up to date and current, ensuring receipt of all funds owed to the CFCCC.
Primary liaison to investigators, clinical research coordinators and researchers for communicating and training about the financial study resource requirements for clinical research trials.
Develop, implements and maintains policies and standard operating procedures for the contractual negotiation and workflow for clinical research and serves as the primary business liaison to the CFCCC's National Clinical Trial Network affiliates.
Receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals.
Manages, prepares, administers, and directs control of budget / organization resources.
Manages the activities of the financial / resource analyst staff.
Reviews and approves recommendations for financial planning and control.
Monitors Stern Center adherence to approved budget.
Provides guidance to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established policies.