Primary Location
Burnet Campus
Department
Legal
Shift
Day (United States of America)
Schedule
Full time
Weekly Hours
40
FTE
1
Employee Status
Regular
*Expected Starting Pay Range
$103,292.80 - $134,492.80
*Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on‑call, or weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.
The Director provides strategic leadership and oversight to promote compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements related to conflict of interest and conflict of commitment. The Director ensures compliance with all federal regulations issued by the Public Health Service (PHS) and other funding agencies, as well as any other applicable laws and regulations. They will also oversee training, communication, and education components of the Office as well as the disclosure and review processes, while advancing transparency and integrity across the enterprise.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership & Strategic Management
- Serve as the Institutional Designee responsible for ensuring objectivity in research per federal PHS regulations (42 CFR Part 50 and related guidance)
- Develop, implement, and regularly update comprehensive policies and procedures for conflict of interest and conflict of commitment
- Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to senior leadership on conflict of interest and conflict of commitment matters and institutional policy development
- Develop and maintain a multi-year strategic plan for program enhancements, technology improvements, and institutional readiness
Regulatory Compliance & Federal Reporting
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of evolving federal regulations and guidance from the Public Health Service (PHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other funding agencies
- Manage institutional disclosure and conflict management processes in compliance with 42 CFR Part 50.601 and related regulations
- Oversee the review, analysis, and management of financial disclosures from researchers, faculty, and other personnel
- Ensure timely identification and mitigation of potential conflicts prior to the submission of federal funding proposals
- Generate required federal reports and submissions, including COI certifications for research proposals and regulatory notifications
- Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely institutional adaptation to new requirements
Disclosure & Review Management
- Oversee the implementation and management of the electronic COI disclosure system, ensuring optimal functionality and user experience
- Lead the conflict of interest and conflict of commitment assessment and management process.
- Develop and implement management plans to mitigate identified conflicts
- Maintain comprehensive documentation and institutional records of all disclosed conflicts and related management actions
- Conduct periodic audits of research studies and clinical activities to ensure compliance with institutional conflict management plans
- Handle sensitive matters with diplomacy, discretion, and respect for all parties involved
Training, Communication & Education
- Develop and deliver comprehensive conflict of interest training programs for faculty, researchers, staff, students, and other institutional stakeholders
- Design curricula that address research conflicts, clinical COI, educational integrity, and institutional conflicts of interest
- Serve as an educational resource and trusted advisor to the academic and clinical community on COI policies and best practices
- Develop institutional communications, resources, and web-based materials to promote understanding of conflict of interest policies
- Conduct outreach and educational presentations at departmental, school, and institutional levels
Committee Leadership & Collaboration
- Chair or co-chair the institutional Conflict of Interest Committee and related governance bodies
- Provide leadership in developing committee guidelines, managing meeting logistics, and ensuring timely deliberation and decision-making
- Collaborate effectively with faculty, administration, research offices, compliance, legal, and other institutional departments
- Work respectfully and candidly with all stakeholders, including in situations involving disagreement or dispute
- Facilitate consensus-building on complex policy issues and institutional conflicts of interest matters
System Development & Technology
- Lead or direct the development, selection, implementation, and optimization of electronic COI disclosure and management systems
- Identify system requirements, prioritize enhancements, and evaluate technologies to improve operational efficiency and user experience
- Serve as liaison between technology vendors, IT security, and end-users to ensure system functionality and data integrity
- Develop metrics, reports, and dashboards to assess program effectiveness and identify trends
Team Leadership and Professional Development
- Recruit, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Office of Outside Interests staff
- Foster a collaborative, professional team environment with clear roles, expectations, and development opportunities
- Ensure team members receive ongoing training and maintain current knowledge of federal regulations and institutional policies
- Manage departmental budgets and allocate resources efficiently
Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned by leadership that are consistent with the nature and scope of this position
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in compliance, research administration, ethics, internal audit, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated expertise with federal conflict of interest regulations, including PHS 42 CFR Part 50, NIH, and NSF requirements
- Demonstrated experience managing a conflict of interest program in higher education, an academic medical center, or a research institution
- Experience working with faculty, researchers, and administrative personnel in an academic medical center environment
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to communicate complex regulatory and policy matters clearly to diverse audiences
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners
- Ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, identify issues, and develop practical, actionable solutions
- Proficiency with enterprise systems, compliance software, and electronic disclosure platforms used in academic medical centers
Preferred:
- Advanced degree (J.D., M.P.A., M.B.A., M.P.H., Ph.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field
- Prior experience conducting or supporting compliance audits or investigations
- Experience with research integrity and compliance programs in addition to conflict of interest management
- Familiarity with research administration systems (e.g., Huron, ProposalCentral, InfoEd)
- Experience serving on or chairing institutional committees and governance bodies
At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.
Cincinnati Children's is:
We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.
Comprehensive job description provided upon request.
Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability
