Research Operations Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead the strategic and operational support for research initiatives within the global health and development sectors.

• Oversee the execution of a diverse research portfolio, ensuring timely delivery while adhering to ethical standards.

• Streamline workflows and manage shared resources effectively.

• Collaborate with operations and enterprise services throughout the organization.

• Design and implement systems that enhance research operations across various geographical locations.

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with research implementation, ethical considerations, and data security.

• Foster innovation in research support services, incorporating digital tools and process automation.

• Lead the revision and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with teams focused on research ethics, safeguarding, and data security/privacy.

• Engage in discussions with research partners, potential funders, and organizational leadership.

• Supervise the development and execution of research project plans.

• Facilitate cross-functional working groups throughout the lifecycle of research projects.

• Cultivate relationships with country offices and incorporate local contexts into operational planning.

• Mentor mid-level managers, promoting collaboration and accountability.

• Implement project management tools and dashboards to monitor progress and performance.

• Lead post-project reviews and document lessons learned.

• Manage research teams and oversee operations.

• Direct the identification, selection, oversight, and performance management of vendors.

• May supervise direct reports.

• Travel required: 5–10%.

⛳️ Requirements

• Master’s degree or its international equivalent in Public Health, Social Sciences, Research Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations or project management.

• Proven experience in managing complex, multi-country portfolios.

• Fluency in the English language.

• Experience in NGO or non-profit research environments.

• Relevant degree or its international equivalent, or a combination of relevant education and experience.

• Knowledge of global research operations, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, donor compliance, and international research regulations.

• Expertise in operational strategy, risk management, and quality assurance within research settings.

• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Proficient in project management tools and data systems utilized in research contexts.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Project, Excel, and Word, with experience in project management software.

• Project Management (PM) certification is preferred but not mandatory.

• 5 years of experience in a leadership role is preferred.

• Willingness to undergo reference, criminal record, terrorism finance, and misconduct disclosure screening checks.

🏝️ Benefits

• FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account.

• 18 days of paid vacation per year for US-based full-time staff.

• 12 sick days per year for US-based full-time staff.

• 11 holidays per year for US-based full-time staff.

• Competitive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Policies and programs designed to support a healthy work/life balance.