Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
About The Position
The Center for Precision Behavioral Health Research & Innovation at the University of Louisville is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership for a high-impact behavioral health center integrating clinical research, basic research, digital innovation, community outreach, and philanthropy. In close partnership with the Center Director, the COO ensures that the Center's scientific vision is translated into efficient, scalable, and sustainable research programs that improve behavioral health outcomes and expand access to care. This role oversees all operational domains, including program execution, research operations, financial management, compliance, and infrastructure, while building systems that support growth across grant-funded and revenue-generating activities. The COO plays a critical role in scaling digital health tools, managing complex research portfolios, and ensuring seamless coordination across interdisciplinary teams. This position is supported by one-time funding designated for the development of the Center. As with all positions supported by limited-term funding sources, continuation of the position is subject to the availability of funding and institutional priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field and eight (8) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Grade 11 (Salaried)
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree (e.g., MPH, MHA, MBA, MS) with substantial leadership experience, or PhD in a relevant field such as clinical psychology, public health, health services research, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in operations, program leadership, or center management in behavioral health, healthcare, or research settings.
- Strong financial management and grant portfolio oversight experience.
- Experience working with or scaling clinical research programs, particularly clinical trial research studies, or digital health and AI-based interventions.
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks, including HIPAA and IRB processes.
- Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Experience managing large, multi-site, or federally funded research programs.
- Background in implementation science or translating research into practice.
- Experience with digital health platforms or mobile assessment/intervention tools.
- Track record of building sustainable operational infrastructure in a growing research center.
Responsibilities
- Leading day-to-day operations and translating strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear metrics, timelines, and accountability
- Collaborating with the Center Director and Principal Investigators to ensure efficient coordination of research initiatives, including randomized controlled trials, digital interventions, longitudinal research, and multiple complex research trials
- Managing budgets across grants, contracts, and other revenue streams
- Supporting forecasting, sustainability planning, and growth scenarios
- Building and expanding operations for innovative behavioral health programs, including technology-enabled interventions
- Recruiting, supervising, and mentoring interdisciplinary staff
- Providing administrative and HR oversight of research managers, research assistants, and other staff
- Ensuring adherence to HIPAA, IRB processes, federal and state regulations, and other relevant compliance standards
- Implementing quality assurance systems
- Developing and maintaining relationships with institutional leadership, funders, community partners, and industry collaborators
- Designing and implementing operational systems, workflows, and data infrastructure to support scale, efficiency, and evaluation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
