Executive Director, Clinical Research Office

Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 181,000 - 283,000; Full time

Job summary

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, is seeking an Executive Director, Clinical Research Office to shape the future of pediatric clinical research. You will provide senior operational leadership and work with investigators, the Keck School of Medicine, and CHLA leaders to implement strategic initiatives.

The role oversees coordinators and regulatory staff, manages budgets, ensures compliance with ICH/FDA/GCP, and drives growth in high-impact research while ensuring patient-centered

Qualifications

• 10+ years in clinical research operations management.
• 5+ years in senior leadership roles or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge of clinical research regulations and best practices.
• Experience in hospital or university research settings.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Provide senior operational leadership for clinical research operations.
• Define and lead the strategic vision for clinical research operations.
• Oversee clinical research coordinators and regulatory staff; develop policies.
• Manage fiscal resources and staff performance; drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators, Keck School of Medicine, and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership and management

Clinical research operations

Regulatory knowledge (ICH/FDA/GCP)

Hospital/university research exposure

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Executive Director, Clinical Research Office

Locations:

Los Angeles, California

Job Category:

Management/Leadership

Position Type:

Full-Time

Shift:

Days

Job Description

Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.

Overview

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:

Required:

• 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:

Required:

• 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.

Pay Scale Information

USD $181,126.40 - USD $282,540.96

CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates who exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.

About Us

CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world . As a premier Magnet-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. . We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth.

Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.

CHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.

Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.