Research Operations Director

FHI 360 • US-REMOTE-DC, DC

3d • $152,000 - $170,600

About The Position

The Research Operations Director leads strategic and operational support for research initiatives across global health and development sectors. The Director oversees operational execution of a diverse research portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time and comply with ethical standards. The role optimizes workflows, manages shared resources, and coordinates with operations and enterprise services to support research initiatives.

The Director works autonomously to develop systems and processes for research implementation and oversight, and influences decisions on research infrastructure, compliance, and capacity building. The role addresses complex regulatory environments, multi-country logistics, and evolving donor requirements, while identifying bottlenecks, mitigating risks, and driving innovation in research support services.

The position collaborates extensively with internal departments and external stakeholders, including donors and regulatory bodies, and engages with senior leaders and cross-functional teams. It may supervise direct reports and provides leadership for vendor identification, selection, oversight, and performance management. The role requires 5–10% travel and is performed in a typical office environment.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or international equivalent in Public Health, Social Sciences, Research Administration, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in operations or project management.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-country portfolios.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience in NGO or nonprofit research settings.
• Understanding of global research operations, including IRB processes, donor compliance, and international research regulations.
• Expertise in operational strategy, risk management, and quality assurance in research settings.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and data systems used in research environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Project, Excel, and Word, and experience using project management software.
• Relevant degree or international equivalent, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to perform the job responsibilities effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Project Management certification is preferred but not required.
• Five years of experience in a leadership role is preferred.
• Other relevant certifications or their international equivalents are welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement systems that streamline research operations across diverse geographies.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks related to research implementation, ethics, and data security.
• Drive innovation in research support services, including digital tools and process automation.
• Revise and enforce standard operating procedures in conjunction with the Office of International Research Ethics and safeguarding and data security/privacy teams.
• Participate in discussions with new and continuing research partners and potential funders, and in internal and external leadership meetings.
• Oversee development and execution of research project plans, ensuring adherence to SOPs, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate cross-functional working groups to support research project lifecycles.
• Build relationships with country offices to integrate local context into operational planning.
• Mentor mid-level managers and foster collaboration and accountability.
• Implement project management tools and dashboards to track progress and performance.
• Lead post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and inform future practices.
• Oversee research teams and manage operations; may supervise direct reports.
• Lead vendor identification and selection, ensuring appropriate oversight and performance management.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account.
• US-based full-time staff receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year; paid time off is prorated for employees working less than a full-time schedule.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Professional development.
• Policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director