Executive Director, Clinical Research Office

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) seeks an Executive Director for the Clinical Research Office to provide senior operational leadership across CHLA’s clinical research operations.

The role partners with the AVP and other executives to implement strategic initiatives, ensure compliant, efficient infrastructure, and foster growth in high-impact research areas at CHLA.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible management experience in clinical research operations, including 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of clinical research regulations, compliance standards (ICH, FDA, GCP).
• Experience in hospital or university research settings and/or clinical research operations.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Internet functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior operational leadership for CHLA clinical research operations.
• Define and lead the strategic vision for clinical research operations and ensure compliant, efficient infrastructure.
• Foster relationships with Principal Investigators, the Keck School of Medicine, and CHLA stakeholders; oversee staff and policy development.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory Knowledge

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Schedule: Monday-Friday, Day Shift

Purpose Statement/Position Summary: The Executive Director, Clinical Research Office at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), provides senior operational leadership for key clinical research operations support. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Research Operations, this individual collaborates closely with Associate Vice President, Research Finance, Director, Human Research Protection Program and other executive leaders to implement operational initiatives across CHLA. The Executive Director fosters effective relationships with Principal Investigators, the Keck School of Medicine, and other stakeholders across CHLA. Their responsibilities include defining and leading the strategic vision for clinical research operations, ensuring a compliant, efficient, and customer-focused infrastructure that aligns with institutional priorities and fosters growth in high-impact research areas. This role provides strategic oversight for clinical research coordinator and regulatory support staff, policy development, fiscal management, and staff performance, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement to support high-quality, innovative clinical research.

Minimum Qualifications/Work Experience:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible management experience in clinical research operations, including 5 years in senior leadership roles. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• In-depth technical knowledge of clinical research regulations, compliance standards, and industry best practices (e.g., ICH, FDA, GCP).
• Prior experience in a hospital research setting, university research setting, and/or clinical research operation.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Internet Functions.

Education/Licensure/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Preferred:

• Certification in clinical research coordination (e.g., ACRP/SoCRA - CCRC) and/or experience as a healthcare provider (RN, LPN, PA, PharmD, NP, etc.).
• Advanced degree in a relevant field e.g., MHA, MBA, MSN.