George Washington University

• Direct, develop and implement strategic and operational institutional policies and procedures related to research compliance; remain abreast of regulatory changes and provide advice regarding policy, procedural, and resource/operational needs relative to existing and emerging areas of research/regulatory compliance; work with functional directors to develop standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional requirements, including those related to reporting and certification.
• Develop, implement and direct a research compliance, quality assurance and monitoring function, to include reviews of all areas of research across the GW enterprise, and internal assessments of regulatory administrative and committee reviews and approvals (i.e. minutes, regulatory review procedures, etc.).
• Facilitate and ensure the appropriate implementation of the process for addressing allegations of research misconduct.
• Oversee the development of appropriate responsible conduct of research (RCR) programming, including RCR education and training for faculty, staff, and students; ensure the provision of related resources to aid the GW research community in conducting its research responsibly.
• Work with relevant GW offices to establish office web pages, newsletters, marketing pamphlets and content, and other tools (education scheduling, seminars, posters, etc.).
• Supervise research compliance officers with primary responsibility for issues involving research-related conflicts of interest and/or commitment, including financial conflicts of interest; data use agreements and data management plans; research compliance and quality assurance programming across the research enterprise; and export controls.
• Provide leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting regular department meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all employees, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/commendations to achieve desired outcomes.
• Facilitate the inspection of regulatory committee activity records and on-site research facilities by regulatory agencies during investigations and audits.
• Identify opportunities and take action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals. Drive the promotion of teamwork within and between departments; participate and/or lead and facilitate department process improvements as needed.
• Oversee department operations, designated projects, schedules and activities as needed to ensure that goals or objectives are accomplished within the required time frames. Set priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction.
• Employ a proactive approach in the optimization of safe and high-quality outcomes and information systems by monitoring and improving the department workflow and enhancing operations, using peer-to-peer accountability and identifying solutions via collaboration. Implement process improvements utilizing tools such as lean principles. Role model situational awareness, using teachable moments to improve safety and quality.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department, entity or system operations by leading unit projects and/or other department/system-directed activities. Proactively lead task forces and committees. May represent AP-RIC at assigned community or professional organization meetings.
• Drive change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Partner effectively with stakeholders as appropriate.
• Ensure own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis. Conducts conversations with staff on their development and IDP.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

To carry out these duties, the Executive Director, Research Integrity and Compliance will:

• Work closely with the AP-RIC, Office of General Counsel; the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Risk; the Office of Sponsored Projects; Information Technology; and other offices across the organization as necessary and appropriate.
• Build and nurture relationships with related institutional offices and functions, identify opportunities for mission-advancing partnerships; and engage key members of the GW research community, including the research deans.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 10 years of relevant professional experience, Master’s degree, or higher, in a relevant area of study preferred. Relevant experience must include at least 2 years of senior leadership/executive level experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten years of substantive experience in research compliance in higher education, a research institute, or a government regulatory agency with a significant focus on research integrity.
• Work in a higher education setting.
• Expertise in at least two research compliance areas identified above and sufficient working knowledge of all other areas.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with regulatory governmental agencies, accreditation, or other oversight organizations.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and integrity in all circumstances.
• Graduate degree in the sciences or law.
• Experience managing internal investigations.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with leadership and other stakeholders on critical operational elements.
• Demonstrated supervisory/managerial experience.