Strategic Operations Leader — Genomics & Therapeutics

Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

Medical College of Wisconsin seeks a Strategic Director of Operations for the Mellowes Center in Milwaukee. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role leads operational infrastructure, research operations, budgeting, compliance, staff development, and external partnerships, with about 50% time allocated to TLRI via leasing.

The role also serves as TLRI COO, driving business development, donor engagement, and liaison with MCW offices to ensure compliant, efficient research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 12+ years in research administration, clinical research, or related fields.
• 7 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Preferred Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH) or Doctorate in a related field; CRA certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct the daily administrative and research operations of the Mellowes Center; develop and maintain financial and programmatic tracking systems and SOPs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for all Mellowes Center research activities; design training programs for staff and investigators.
• Supervise research and administrative staff; recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff; partner with HR.
• Partner on strategic and operational planning; address operational challenges aligned with center strategy.
• Oversee grants lifecycle, budgets, sponsor requirements, and collaborations with TLRI; liaise with MCW offices and sponsors.
• Oversee procurement processes and financial stewardship; monitor operational metrics and reporting.
• Oversee TLRI COO duties, business development, sponsorships, and donor engagement; coordinate with MCW leadership.
• Serve as liaison with research administration offices and external institutions to ensure compliant research activities.
• Contribute to study design input and manuscript support where appropriate.

Skills

Research administration

NIH policy knowledge

Budget management

HR leadership

Change management

Communication

Strategic partnerships

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

CRA certification preferred

Job description

Medical College of Wisconsin seeks a Strategic Director of Operations for the Mellowes Center in Milwaukee. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role leads operational infrastructure, research operations, budgeting, compliance, staff development, and external partnerships, with about 50% time allocated to TLRI via leasing.

The role also serves as TLRI COO, driving business development, donor engagement, and liaison with MCW offices to ensure compliant, efficient research.