Clinical Research Program Director

Elevance Health•Indianapolis, IN

23h•$114,400 - $197,340•Hybrid

About The Position

As the research arm of Elevance Health, Carelon Research is a full-service CRO with more than three decades’ experience integrating data, clinical expertise, and scientific rigor with patient perspectives to accelerate impact. When studies are designed with the power of real-world health data and patient insights, decisions become clearer, connections stronger, and outcomes more meaningful. The Clinical Research Program Director is responsible for the development and ongoing management of one or more external client-facing clinical research programs that are multi-state, multi-function, and multi-year in scope. This role serves as a strategic leader across clinical research operations, business development, proposal development, and client engagement activities. The Program Director supports business growth by helping secure new research opportunities, fostering client relationships, representing the organization at industry conferences, and ensuring successful execution of externally funded clinical research programs.

Requirements

Requires a BA/BS and minimum of 10 years experience in external client facing program management, project management; complex business processes, strategic and business planning; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.

Nice To Haves

Clinical research experience within a Contract Research Organization (CRO), life sciences company, academic research organization, or sponsor-funded research environment preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading complex clinical research programs and serving as a strategic partner to clients, sponsors, investigators, and research stakeholders preferred.
Experience supporting business development activities, including proposal development, capabilities presentations, client engagement, and pursuit of new research opportunities preferred.
High level of working knowledge of GCP, ICH, FDA regulations, and the clinical research regulatory environment preferred.
Strong consultative communication, relationship management, and presentation skills with the ability to represent an organization at industry conferences, scientific meetings, and client-facing events preferred.
Experience working with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other life sciences organizations while supporting externally funded clinical research programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists with project budgets, proposal budgets, forecasting, and business planning activities to support clinical research program growth and operational performance.
Develops project proposals, capabilities presentations, and client-facing materials while engaging sponsors and prospective clients to discuss clinical research capabilities and opportunities.
Attends industry conferences, scientific meetings, and client events to promote the clinical research line of business, develop relationships, and support business development efforts.
Provides subject matter expertise regarding clinical research operations, regulatory considerations, and industry best practices while staying informed of emerging trends impacting research organizations and sponsors.
Manages external client-facing relationships, serves as a point of escalation, and partners with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery of clinical research programs and high levels of client satisfaction.
Leads strategic initiatives focused on process improvement, operational effectiveness, adoption of new tools and technologies, and enhancement of clinical research capabilities.
Develops presentations, reporting materials, and executive-level communications to support program oversight, client meetings, business development efforts, and performance tracking.