Director of Research Operations

University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States

Duration: Full Time

The Director of Research Operations is a strategic leader, responsible for managing and overseeing the UCSF School of Nursing's Office of Research. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Research, the Director plays a critical role in advancing the school's research mission and the Associate Dean's strategic priorities by leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of research support services.

This position requires strong leadership skills, oversee complex administrative operations, and ensure alignment with school-wide initiatives and goals. The Director operates with a high degree of autonomy and expertise, ensuring the Office of Research delivers exceptional services that enhance faculty research success.

The Director's primary responsibilities include:

Strategic leadership and planning, impacting the office's services and alignment with school-wide initiatives and goals
Management, planning, administration, and coordination of the complex administrative operations of the Office of Research, for specialized research support
Management of office budget and administration of funding opportunities held within the office
Analysis and evaluation of research-related data and metrics related to the impact of the office services
Coordination, synthesis and compilation of grant library and research document samples
Policy development, compliance and governance as relates to research
Communication and outreach to the school's research faculty
Collaboration and networking, forming interdisciplinary partnerships, enhancing university engagement, and representing the School of Nursing in both internal and external settings

The Director's work has institutional-wide impact, both within the School and amidst the whole University. This role communicates directly with a wide variety of stakeholders, including school leadership, principal investigators, senior administrators, and research organizations.

The Director will excel in this role by demonstrating proven leadership skills in managing , fostering collaboration, and driving institutional initiatives. Requires advanced knowledge of nursing research, grant processes, and compliance regulations.

Exceptional ability to lead strategic planning, operational management, and data-driven decision-making.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and build productive partnerships.

Department Description:

The UCSF School of Nursing fosters excellence, opportunity, and innovation in nursing education, research, and clinical impact. The School consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the nation and is recognized for its leadership in advancing health equity, improving health care delivery, and generating groundbreaking research supported by significant NIH funding.

As one of UCSF's four professional schools, the School of Nursing plays a critical role in the university's mission of advancing health worldwide through education, research, and patient care. The School's work is highly visible within the university and externally, contributing to UCSF's reputation as a global leader in health sciences.

The School of Nursing Dean's Office administers the School's core administrative and operational functions, providing centralized leadership for academic, research, and administrative activities across four academic departments and an organized research unit. The Dean's Office oversees operations that support the School's students, faculty, and staff and ensures alignment with the School's strategic priorities and the broader mission of UCSF.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in related area; and / or equivalent experience / training.
Minimum of 5 years of related work experience
Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques
Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service
Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment

Preferred Qualifications:

Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies.
Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
Advanced ability to create grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in related area; and / or equivalent experience / training.
Minimum of 5 years of related work experience
Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques
Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service
Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment

Preferred Qualifications:

Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies.
Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
Advanced ability to create grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required.