Director, Conflict of Interest and Outside Activities, Office of Research Support and Compliance

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Office of Research Support and Compliance (ORSC) at The University of Texas at Austin functions to ensure that all research conducted at the University is in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies. The ORSC educates and supports the University research community with regulatory guidance concerning human subjects research (Institutional Review Board), animal research (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), use of biohazardous agents and use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids (Institutional Biosafety Committee), financial conflict of interest in research (FCOI), and research integrity education. The Director of Conflict of Interest and Outside Activities provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s financial conflict of interest (FCOI) in research and outside professional activities (OPA) programs. This position ensures institutional compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university requirements while promoting transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct in research and scholarly activity. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Support and Compliance, the Director serves as the institutional expert on conflicts of interest and commitment, partners closely with faculty, researchers, administrators, and legal counsel, and supports the university’s mission by balancing regulatory compliance with responsible engagement in external professional activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Significant, progressively responsible experience (7+ years) in conflict of interest administration and research compliance within higher education, healthcare, or research-intensive environments, to include at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated deep knowledge of financial conflicts of interest in research, outside professional activities requirements, and federal research sponsor disclosure requirements.
Strong analytical, judgment, and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate complex situations and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and foster trust with a diverse range of stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, staff and students.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and senior leadership.
Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive information.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, Juris Doctor, or other advanced degree.
Knowledge and experience in research integrity and responsible conduct of research.
Experience managing change and continuous quality improvement.
Understanding of risk and reputational considerations in a large research enterprise.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Oversight Direct and manage the university’s Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) in Research and Outside Professional Activities (OPA) programs.
Develop, interpret, and implement institutional policies, procedures, and guidance related to conflicts of interest, conflicts of commitment, and outside activities.
Provide strategic direction to ensure programs are efficient, risk-based, and aligned with federal, state, and institutional policies; sponsor expectations; and best practices.
Direct institutional committees responsible for conflict review and oversight.
Lead institutional responses to audits, inquiries, or investigations related to conflicts of interest in research and outside professional activities.
Monitor program effectiveness using metrics and data analysis; recommend improvements to processes and systems.
Collaborate with partner university offices such as Sponsored Programs, Research Security, Research Compliance, Discovery to Impact, Human Resources, Legal Counsel, and Faculty Affairs.
Advise senior leadership and institutional committees on conflict of interest trends, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Oversee the review, analysis, and management of disclosed significant financial interests related to sponsored and unsponsored research.
Ensure timely identification, evaluation, and resolution of financial conflicts of interest in accordance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements.
Develop and monitor conflict management plans, including coordination with department leadership and research oversight units.
Ensure accurate reporting of FCOI information to sponsors and other external entities, as required.
Oversee the disclosure, review, and approval of faculty and researcher outside professional activities, including consulting, speaking, board service, entrepreneurial activities, and external employment.
Assess outside activities for potential conflicts of interest, conflicts of commitment, or reputational risk to the university.
Partner with academic leadership to ensure consistent application of policies related to effort, time commitment, and external engagements.
Provide guidance to faculty and administrators on appropriate engagement in outside activities while maintaining compliance with institutional expectations.
Develop and monitor conflict of commitment management plans, including coordination with departmental leadership and research oversight units.
Develop and deliver training and educational resources, including website content, for faculty, researchers, and staff on conflicts of interest, conflicts of commitment, and outside activities, including sponsor disclosure requirements.
Serve as a trusted advisor and point of contact for faculty and administrators seeking guidance on complex or sensitive conflict-related matters.
Promote a culture of compliance, transparency, and ethical decision-making across the institution.
Mentor and supervise staff, fostering engagement and professional development.
Facilitate regular team communication and provide constructive feedback.
Stay current on evolving regulations, sponsor policies, and best practices affecting conflicts of interest and outside activities in higher education.
Actively participate in regional, and national organizations to stay current on regulations and best practices.
Attend conferences and educational events to maintain expertise