Mellowes Center Strategic Director of Operations

Medical College of Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

10h

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Mellowes Center for Genomic Science and Precision Medicine, the Mellowes Center Strategic Director of Operations (MCSDO) is a member of the Center’s leadership team and provides operational leadership across the Center. The position is anticipated to dedicate approximately 50% of its effort to the Mellowes Center and approximately 50% to the Therapeutic Lighthouse Research Institute (TLRI) through a leasing agreement between MCW and TLRI. For TLRI, the individual is anticipated to serve as Chief Operating Officer and senior administrative and business leader. At the Mellowes Center, the role leads the administrative and operational infrastructure supporting the research enterprise, including research operations, regulatory compliance, grants lifecycle support, staff training, budgets and resources, change management, partner outreach and stewardship, and supervision of Human Resources operations and administrative support staff. The role also serves as the Center’s primary liaison with MCW research administration offices, the IRB, and collaborating institutions to support efficient research that complies with applicable federal, sponsor, and MCW requirements. At TLRI, the role is anticipated to serve as the primary campus and ecosystem resource and point of contact for academic and industry partners, donors, and philanthropic supporters. Responsibilities include leading business development, improving administrative processes, building partnerships, supporting the institute’s launch and growth, and developing its long-term business strategy and sustainability. Other duties may be assigned by the Mellowes Center Executive Director, TLRI Chief Executive Officer, or other institutional leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; equivalent experience may be substituted for education.
At least 12 years of research administration, clinical research, or business development experience in an academic, healthcare, or life sciences setting.
At least 7 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Knowledge of research administration, NIH and federal sponsor policy, human subjects research regulations, IRB processes, and pre- and post-award grants management.
Knowledge of financial management, budget preparation, and human resources practices in an academic or research environment.
Leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and change management skills.
Ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly and collaborate with faculty, staff, and stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain confidentiality.
Knowledge of business development, technology transfer, licensing, and industry partnership models in biotechnology, life sciences, or therapeutic development.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with executive-level academic, industry, and philanthropic stakeholders and represent and advocate for an organization externally.
Knowledge of philanthropy and donor stewardship practices, and strong negotiation, presentation, and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MHA, MPH, or related field) and/or doctorate in a related field.
Ten years of leadership experience in an academic, clinical research, or life sciences industry environment.
Experience in business development, partnership negotiation, or fundraising.
Financial management experience in a medical school, hospital, or biotechnology setting.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or licensure.

Responsibilities

Direct the daily administrative and research operations of the Mellowes Center and maintain financial and programmatic tracking systems, policies, and standard operating procedures.
Ensure regulatory compliance for Mellowes Center research, including IRB and IACUC approvals and renewals, and design and implement training programs for research staff and investigators.
Supervise research and administrative support staff; recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff; coordinate corrective action with Human Resources; and identify staffing and resource needs.
Partner with Mellowes Center leadership on strategic and operational planning and resolve operational challenges in line with the Center’s strategic direction.
Serve as the Mellowes Center subject matter expert on the grants lifecycle, supporting proposal preparation, grant budgets, sponsor requirements, collaborative research agreements, and joint funding processes between the Mellowes Center and TLRI; communicate with NIH and other sponsors as needed.
Oversee Mellowes Center research budgets, purchasing, and spending with Center finance staff, and streamline ordering and procurement.
Establish and monitor operational metrics; prepare annual and ad hoc reports; and liaise among research administration offices, investigators, and external collaborating institutions.
Oversee tracking systems for publications and support manuscripts, grant materials, and presentations; provide input on study design and conduct as appropriate.
Serve as TLRI’s COO and senior administrative and business leader; lead its launch, growth, and long-term business strategy, including business plans, financial models, and sustainability strategies.
Lead TLRI business development by identifying, negotiating, and stewarding sponsored research, licensing, commercialization opportunities, and strategic alliances with industry, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical partners, coordinating with MCW legal, technology transfer, and contracting offices.
Act as relationship owner and primary contact for TLRI academic and industry partners, representing TLRI in partnership discussions, external meetings, and industry forums.
Advocate for TLRI at MCW and in the precision therapeutic advancement community; develop effective administrative processes and integration with MCW, and develop communications and outreach materials with MCW Marketing and Communications.
Partner with the Mellowes Center Executive Director and MCW Advancement to identify, cultivate, and steward TLRI donors and philanthropic partners; serve as a primary donor contact and support proposals, stewardship reports, and fundraising strategy.
Complete other duties as assigned by the Mellowes Center Executive Director, TLRI Chief Executive Officer, or other institutional leadership.

Benefits

Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Flexible spending options
403B retirement package
Competitive vacation and paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement
Paid parental leave
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Pet insurance
On-campus fitness facility with onsite classes
Discounted rates on select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation, and entertainment