Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Executive Director of Research Compliance provides operational leadership and oversight for the university's research integrity, compliance, and research agreements portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, this position establishes the policies and operational framework ensuring the research enterprise meets the highest standards of ethical conduct and contractual stewardship. The executive director oversees institution-wide programs related to research integrity, conflicts of interest (COI), responsible conduct of research (RCR), and research agreements (including data use agreements (DUAs) and material transfer agreements (MTAs).
Serving as the Research Integrity Officer (RIO), the position is the senior administrative authority for applying federal and institutional requirements across all research units. The executive director leads functional directors and program managers helping staff align conflicts of interest and agreement workflows with broader compliance activities and advises senior leadership on institutional vulnerabilities. A core mandate is modernizing the research infrastructure by automating routine tasks and leveraging technologies like AI to enhance accuracy. Through high-level coordination, the executive director strengthens the university's research enterprise and promotes a culture of accountability and transparency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Promote research integrity and ensure compliance practices. Serve as the university's Research Integrity Officer (RIO) with senior oversight of the receipt, assessment, and management of research misconduct allegations. Ensure inquiries, investigations, and adjudications are conducted in strict accordance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policy. Lead the development and periodic review of institutional policies related to research integrity and ethical conduct. (35%)
Manage agreements and oversee contract administration. Provide high-level technical leadership and contractual oversight for the development, negotiation, and administration of research-related agreements (including but not limited to data use agreements, material transfer agreements, sponsored research, service and collaboration agreements and amendments). Establish standards and optimize processes that promote efficiency and risk-aware decision-making. Coordinate with legal and research administration units to ensure agreements protect university interests and intellectual property while facilitating efficient, collaborative research in compliance with government regulations and sponsor requirements. (25%)
Integrate conflict-of-interest (COI) processes and monitor compliance. Provide executive oversight of the university's COI program, helping staff align disclosure and management workflows with other research compliance and integrity activities. Ensure the COI framework is a cohesive part of the institutional risk management strategy, maintaining transparent and consistent management plan implementations. Serve as the final administrative authority for complex COI determinations. (15%)
Oversee responsible conduct of research (RCR) activities. Provide high-level oversight of institution-wide RCR education programs to ensure compliance with federal sponsor requirements. Establish expectations for curriculum design and delivery, ensuring programs effectively promote ethical research practices. (10%)
Advance systems modernization and evaluate program effectiveness. Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to evaluate program effectiveness. Identify opportunities for process improvement and system enhancements, specifically implementing automation and leveraging emerging technologies (such as AI) to streamline compliance infrastructure and agreement tracking. Ensure programs remain responsive to the evolving regulatory landscape and institutional needs. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Resolve complex issues and lead special projects. Resolve high-stakes administrative, ethical, or contractual challenges with maturity and sound judgment. Collaborate across the university to solve complex compliance challenges and perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (~1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with executive vice president for research and his senior leadership team. Daily contact with staff in the department.
University: Regular contact with the faculty, staff, and students to provide guidance, training, and conduct investigations. Regular contact with staff in Human Resources, Office of General Counsel, Technology Transfer office, and Sponsored Projects Administration.
External: Frequent contact with faculty and research staff involved in research at affiliated institutions conducting federally sponsored research.
Students: Occasional contact with students to provide training and guidance regarding research integrity.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervise an associate director of data use and material transfer agreements and a research integrity specialist
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 8+ years of progressive leadership in research integrity, legal affairs, or research administration.
Education: Master's degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) strongly preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Proven record in the creation, forensic analysis, and negotiation of research-related agreements is required.
Significant experience managing formal inquiries, evidence sequestration, and strict due process protocols.
Expert ability to manage complex research misconduct inquiries, including the sequestration and analysis of sensitive documentation and evidence, while ensuring all proceedings adhere to due process and the CWRU Faculty Handbook.
Advanced skill in applying legalistic interpretation to federal research mandates and institutional policies, ensuring compliance within an evolving regulatory landscape.
Mastery in drafting and negotiating complex agreements (e.g., DUAs, MTAs), as well as understanding of intellectual property law, data rights, and liability mitigation.
Proven ability to lead professional staff, specifically helping them align specialized compliance workflows, such as Conflicts of Interest, with the broader institutional research integrity mission.
A demonstrated record of and interest in implementing process automation and AI-driven solutions to modernize administrative systems and increase accuracy in compliance and agreement tracking. Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
Exceptional skill in mediating high-stakes administrative, ethical, or contractual challenges with professional maturity and a focus on mitigating institutional risk.
Superior interpersonal and public speaking skills, with the ability to translate technical and legal concepts for senior leadership. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Typical office environment.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 8+ years of progressive leadership in research integrity, legal affairs, or research administration.
Education: Master's degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) strongly preferred.
