Director-Research Operations- Full time-Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences

General Summary: Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences

The Director of Research Operations provides leadership for and management of Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences' (HF+MSU) research and scholarly programs. The Director works across Henry Ford Health, a premier integrated health system, and MSU, an R1 university, to develop and operationalize research programs, strategic initiatives, and infrastructure. The Director of Research Operations provides management within research of financial and administrative activities that include human resources, program/business development, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and other fiscal and administrative roles. This position is also responsible for change management, culture building, and operational efficiencies to ensure quality, cost, and satisfaction targets are achieved. The Director ensures compliance with institutional, regulatory, and ethical standards, while fostering a culture of inquiry, academic rigor, and professional integrity.

This position serves as the central, system-wide point of coordination and is administratively responsible for HF+MSU research and graduate program operations, including but not limited to processes, policies, technology, infrastructure, facilities, and resources. As a leader within the partnership, the Director develops and monitors program/unit budgets, performance outcomes and metrics, staffing levels, quality and satisfaction, and program and operational improvements. The Director leads strategy sessions, develops business plans, and coordinates all aspects of implementation. The Director serves on and represents HF+MSU on various internal and external committees and elevates the reputation and stature of HF+MSU. This position will focus approximately 50% on daily operations and 50% on strategy.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Research Operations

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans for research functional areas, including capital planning, resource allocations, and team structure to optimize the programmatic, financial and operational excellence of cross-organizational research and educational/training programs.

2. Management and development of personnel to achieve research aims.

3. Lead and facilitate retreats and summits to develop strategic plans, priorities, and initiatives.

4. Facilitate growth of the research enterprise through collaborative efforts and scientific synergies.

5. Integrate operations across units and/or institutions to streamline processes and drive efficiencies and cost effectiveness.

Financial

1. Manage program/unit financials, including budgetary goals and objectives for effective operations, analyzes financial performance, forecasts expenditures, and establishes corrective actions to remediate unfavorable variances.

2. Develop detailed business plans for new and existing programs/units, including market demand assessment, SWOT analyses, capital needs, facility requirements, financial analyses, and return on investment modeling, that guide leadership in strategic and routine decision making.

3. Develop annual budgets.

Administrative

1. Perform personnel functions, including developing job descriptions, interviewing, hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, disciplinary actions, and personnel restructuring.

2. Ensure payroll are completed in full and accurate manner.

3. Coordinate and approve staff leave time and overtime.

4. Delegate work functions and assignments to achieve outcomes and objectives within deadlines.

5. Facilitate connections between trainees and faculty mentors with relevant research interests or expertise.

6. Make recommendations and develop new administrative policies and procedures, as needed, to ensure smooth operations of the program/unit.

7. Assist in managing space policy, including identifying opportunities to improve space utilization and define needs and justification for additional space to leadership.

8. Responsible for oversight and management of process improvements within and across units/institutions, including optimal utilization of people, processes, and technology to achieve synergies and operational efficiencies.

9. Lead integration of operations, workflows, procedures, technology and policies across institutions.

10. Foster a strong culture of collegiality, trust, and respect through effective change management methodologies.

11. Draft, review, and implement memoranda of understanding, contracts, and other agreements.

12. Document and implement Standard Operating Procedures.

13. Establish communication channels with staff and faculty to ensure accurate information is received timely.

14. Provide advice, assistance, and service that support research operations and growth of the research portfolio.