Director, Research Business Services

Director, Research Business Services

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.

The Director is responsible for directing all financial and operational activities associated with industry-sponsored research, investigator-initiated studies, consortium and network studies, and OHRI administrative operations. The Research Business Services team provides core services including:
Clinical trial budget development and negotiation, Clinical trial contract negotiation and management, Coverage analysis and billing compliance oversight, Grant administration and sponsored program support, Pre-award and post-award financial management, Revenue cycle oversight and financial reporting, Research operational accounting and analytics, Research systems administration and support. The Director serves as the leader for Operational Excellence and Process Governance within Research Business Services (RBS).

The Director is responsible for establishing standardized business processes, performance management systems, process ownership, and continuous improvement practices across RBS functions, including clinical trial budgeting, contracting support, billing compliance, grants administration, financial management, and revenue cycle operations. This position reports to the Senior Director of Research Operations.

Responsibilities And Duties:

Research Pre-Award and Post-Award Administration (50%)

Clinical Research Financial Leadership

· Provide leadership for research finance, billing, and administrative teams.

· Oversee clinical trial budget development and contract negotiations.

· Ensure effective management of coverage analysis and research billing compliance activities.

· Oversee CTMS calendar development and post-award revenue recognition functions.

· Collaborate with investigators, research directors, coordinators, and operations leaders to develop sustainable financial plans.

· Serve as a strategic resource for physicians and research personnel.

· Monitor emerging industry, regulatory, reimbursement, and research finance trends.

· Facilitate resolution of budgeting, contracting, billing, and operational barriers.

· Continuous Improvement Leadership

· Lead process improvement initiatives across the clinical trial lifecycle.

· Utilize Lean methodologies to reduce waste, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve cycle times.

· Establish process controls that improve quality, compliance, and operational consistency.

· Monitor key operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.

· Sponsor cross-functional improvement projects focused on startup, contracting, budgeting, billing compliance, and study execution.

Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (20%)

· Direct grant administration activities supporting sponsored programs.

· Ensure compliance with federal, sponsor, state, and institutional requirements.

· Collaborate with Foundation, Finance, Compliance, and Internal Audit teams.

· Support annual audits and risk assessments.

· Evaluate grant administration workflows and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and service delivery.

· Standardize grant administration processes and documentation across the organization.

Research Business and Financial Operations (30%)

Operational Leadership

· Develop and maintain the annual OHRI operating and research budget.

· Oversee research information systems and operational support functions.

· Develop financial models for new business opportunities, programs, and capital investments.

· Prepare executive-level reports, forecasts, analyses, and strategic recommendations.

· Partner with Corporate Finance and OHRI leadership on financial planning and performance management.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

· Develop and maintain an Operational Excellence roadmap for Research Business Services.

· Lead enterprise-wide process improvement…