Director of Network Operations

The Director of Network Operations is responsible for providing operational oversight for the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN) Coordinating Center and executing strategic priorities and projects ensuring alignment with the mission, vision, and goals of the network.

Directs the development and execution of MNCCTN's operational goals, monitors and analyzes performance metrics; ensures the MNCCTN Coordinating Center (MNCCTN-CC) is appropriately resourced and research is conducted in accordance with organizational, professional, and regulatory standards. Collaborates with executives, researchers, and operational leaders across the MNCCTN partner organizations, Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) to implement strategic priorities and process improvement initiatives to optimize performance. This role requires broad leadership capacity and deep technical expertise to oversee multi-site clinical trials in community sites.

The MNCCTN is a multi-institutional clinical trials network dedicated to increasing access to cancer clinical trials to improve cancer outcomes across the state. Funded by the state legislature through the MnDRIVE program, the network engages research and clinical partners to bring prevention and treatment clinical trials to cancer patients closer to home.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership - 20%
* Maintain a deep understanding of the strategic priorities of MNCCTN, MCC, and UMN to lead the MNCCTN Coordinating Center (MNCCTN-CC) team to execute and achieve performance targets/metrics
* Foster collaborative partnerships with MNCCTN clinical partners, across UMN, and with other external stakeholders to sustain program growth and achieve network goals
* Work closely with MCC faculty leads, ED for Clinical Research, and MNCCTN research partners to identify mutually beneficial research interests and new trial opportunities for the network
* Advise and make recommendations to executive leadership regarding MNCCTN portfolio performance, site activity and challenges
* Collaborate with leadership and external partners to identify revenue generating sponsored opportunities and promote interdisciplinary research initiatives
* Continually assess and improve quality and efficiency of services by identifying and monitoring KPIs
* Execute communications plans and MNCCTN-CC initiatives that support strategic goals and objectives

Operations Oversight - 55%
* Ensure efficient execution of MNCCTN clinical trials by overseeing the development and implementation of policies, SOPs, data infrastructure, and site performance metrics
* Oversee MNCCTN-CC team, delegating day-to-day trial operations and team management responsibilities as appropriate
* Oversee study prioritization, feasibility, and portfolio composition, collaborating closely with the MNCCTN Medical Director, network partners, and MCC senior leadership
* Monitor study feasibility, site performance, and KPIs; translate data into actionable insights for executive leadership decision-making
* Lead cross-site engagement with research staff, investigators, and partners to troubleshoot barriers and ensure study success
* Promote risk-based and quality-by-design approaches to streamline study start-up, implementation, and monitoring

*Ensure effective use and tracking of MNCCTN clinical trial funding internally and with external partners, in collaboration with MCC financial leadership
* Collaborate with MCC leadership to align financial model with portfolio strategy
* Ensure infrastructure, training, and guidance are in place to support compliant, efficient, and ethical clinical research across all partner sites

People Management - 20%
* Lead, mentor, and support MNCCTN-CC staff, ensuring adequate team size, structure, and resources to achieve strategic priorities
* Set clear performance goals, delegate effectively, and foster a collaborative, accountable culture
* Align staff expertise with organizational priorities and encourage professional growth
* Exercise full supervisory authority, including hiring, assigning work, evaluating performance, rewarding, and recommending promotion or discipline

Professional Development - 5%
* Remain informed of emerging clinical research practices, regulatory requirements, and operational innovations
* Engage in ongoing leadership and management training

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Master's Degree in business, healthcare administration, public health, or related field with 8+ years of experience, or Bachelor's with 10+ years of applicable experience in a clinical, research, or academic environment
* Demonstrated success in multi-disciplinary collaboration with physicians, investigators, community leaders, academics, and administrators
* Proven record of effective leadership, partnership-building, and organizational development
* Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; confident and effective public speaker
* Experience overseeing multi-site clinical trial operations
* Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and personnel

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Prior experience in cancer clinical trials or oncology research
* Experience conducting multi-institutional research
* Familiarity with academic medical centers and community-based research
* Experience building and scaling new programs or initiative

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to cancer research, education, and patient care for the citizens of Minnesota and the surrounding region. Since the time of the first award in 1997, there has been consistent growth of the membership and research base, enabling our center to further advance our knowledge and enhance care for our catchment area. We are driven to be the choice academic healthcare environment for patients, clinicians, scientists and students who seek exceptional, compassionate, precision cancer therapy; innovative clinical trials and prevention programs; cutting-edge research opportunities; and outstanding advanced education.

Pay Range: $135,000 - $165,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).