Director Clinical Research Operations

OSF HealthCare•Peoria, IL

About The Position

The Director of Clinical Research provides strategic leadership for clinical research operations within the assigned area, advancing long-term vision, program growth, and alignment with organizational and Ministry objectives. The role oversees the local portfolio of clinical research programs including clinical trials (Phase I-IV), investigator-initiated research, scientific grant-funded research ensuring high-quality study execution, regulatory excellence, and integration of research into clinical care. The Director leads high-performing research teams, drives quality and performance improvement initiatives, and collaborates with research administration, executive leadership, investigators, industry partners, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to expand research capability and innovation. Additionally, the Director contributes to strategic portfolio development and financial planning to ensure sustainable, mission-aligned research growth. The Director also provides expert input on clinical trial budget development, directs local financial and capital planning for research operations, ensures effective oversight of study activation and operational performance, and delivers high-level reporting and communication to the CMO, Research Administration, executive committees, and governing bodies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, biological/life sciences, or related field
7+ years progressive experience in clinical research operations within a healthcare or academic medical center environment
3+ years in formal leadership role overseeing research coordinators, managers, or operational teams
Experience supporting industry-sponsored or FDA-regulated research
Demonstrated experience standardizing multi-departmental operational workflows
Research-related certification (Association of Clinical Research Professionals / Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRP/CCRC), Society of Clinical Research Associates / Certified Clinical Research Professional (SOCRA/CCRP), Certified Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC), Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), etc.) expected within 1 year on the job
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Solid computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft software
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to be detail oriented
Strong understanding of clinical trial activation processes, study lifecycle management, and enrollment operations
Demonstrated ability to develop and track operational KPIs and performance dashboards
Strong project management and change management capabilities
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Familiarity with research systems (such as Epic research functionality, Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), iRIS/Cayuse)
Basic understanding of research funding mechanisms, billing regulations, Medicare coverage analysis, and compliance frameworks
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional department initiatives
Knowledge of research data governance, HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11, and regulatory frameworks applicable to clinical research
Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, business administration, or related field
Oncology research experience strongly preferred
Experience supporting research site growth strategies
Research related applications / software experience
Lean or Six Sigma certification
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Knowledge of clinical research operations, study data management, and electronic data capture (EDC) systems
General understanding of medical terminology Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), Research Electronic Data Capture (REDcap), Participant Payment Solution, Cosmos, and/or other research software systems

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for clinical research operations within the assigned area
Advance long-term vision, program growth, and alignment with organizational and Ministry objectives
Oversee the local portfolio of clinical research programs including clinical trials (Phase I-IV), investigator-initiated research, scientific grant-funded research
Ensure high-quality study execution, regulatory excellence, and integration of research into clinical care
Lead high-performing research teams
Drive quality and performance improvement initiatives
Collaborate with research administration, executive leadership, investigators, industry partners, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to expand research capability and innovation
Contribute to strategic portfolio development and financial planning to ensure sustainable, mission-aligned research growth
Provide expert input on clinical trial budget development
Direct local financial and capital planning for research operations
Ensure effective oversight of study activation and operational performance
Deliver high-level reporting and communication to the CMO, Research Administration, executive committees, and governing bodies

Benefits

Comprehensive and market-competitive total rewards package that includes benefits, compensation, recognition and well-being offerings that focus on the whole person and engage with their current stage of life and career

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