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Associate Director Clinical Operations information

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$282.5K

How much do associate director clinical operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director clinical operations in the United States is $145,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $173,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Associate Director of Clinical Operations typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a clinical trial?

An Associate Director of Clinical Operations regularly works alongside teams such as Regulatory Affairs, Data Management, Medical Affairs, and Biostatistics to ensure trials run smoothly and meet compliance standards. They coordinate project timelines, facilitate communication between departments, and address operational challenges as they arise. This collaborative approach helps to streamline decision-making, resolve issues quickly, and keep the clinical trial on track for successful completion.

What does an Associate Director of Clinical Operations do?

An Associate Director of Clinical Operations oversees the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device company. They supervise clinical project teams, ensure regulatory compliance, manage budgets and timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional departments to deliver high-quality results. Their role is crucial in ensuring that clinical studies are conducted efficiently, safely, and in accordance with all applicable guidelines and standards.

What is the difference between Associate Director Clinical Operations vs Clinical Project Manager?

AspectAssociate Director Clinical OperationsClinical Project Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple clinical trials, manages teams, and ensures regulatory complianceManages individual clinical projects, coordinates activities, and tracks progress
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in life sciences, often with experience in clinical operationsBachelor's in life sciences, with project management experience
Work EnvironmentSenior-level role within clinical operations teams, often in biotech or pharma companiesProject-focused role, working closely with cross-functional teams in clinical settings

The Associate Director Clinical Operations typically oversees multiple clinical trials and manages teams, requiring broader strategic oversight. In contrast, a Clinical Project Manager focuses on managing specific projects, ensuring timely execution. Both roles require relevant clinical experience, but the Associate Director role involves higher-level leadership and operational responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Director Clinical Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director Clinical Operations, you need expertise in clinical trial management, regulatory compliance, and strong leadership, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), GCP guidelines, and project management tools is essential, along with relevant certifications like PMP or ACRP. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills enable effective cross-functional collaboration and decision-making. These skills are vital for ensuring the successful planning, execution, and oversight of clinical trials while meeting regulatory and organizational goals.
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Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director Clinical Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,969 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Associate Director, Clinical Operations (Late-Phase)

Latigo Biotherapeutics

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job: Associate Director, Clinical Operations (Late-Phase)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA or San Francisco, CA
Position type: Full Time
Reports to: Senior Director, Clinical Operations
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Director, Clinical Operations, the Associate Director will be responsible for leading the execution of assigned late-phase clinical trials. This individual will work directly with the cross-functional study team to define and implement the operational strategy for assigned trials, and deliver on milestones within prescribed timelines and budget, and with high quality. The ideal candidate will be experienced in leading Phase 2 and Phase 3 multi-center trials, possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and be able to work effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates should be local to Thousand Oaks, CA or the San Francisco Bay area.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
  • Define and implement the operational strategy for assigned clinical trials, in collaboration with the cross-functional team and clinical leadership.
  • Provide expertise into the development of clinical documents (eg., study protocols and amendments, investigator brochures, case report forms, informed consent forms, study plans, site manuals, etc.). Author portions of clinical documents as required.
  • Develop and manage trial timelines to ensure alignment with overall program objectives and milestones.
  • Effectively manage trial communication to ensure stakeholders are informed of and aligned on trial activities and progress.
  • Proactively identify, communicate, and manage risks that may affect trial milestones, quality, or budget.
  • Identify and select qualified vendors. Responsible for vendor performance management.
  • Perform co-monitoring, as required, to support site, vendor and trial oversight.
  • Ensure clinical studies are conducted in compliance with SOPs, ICH/GCP guidelines, and FDA regulations. Oversee and ensure high quality of clinical trial execution and trial data.
  • Oversee and direct clinical contractors, as required.
  • Oversee and ensure accuracy of clinical trial budgets. Oversee accruals reporting and forecasting for assigned trials. Review vendor invoices for accuracy.
  • Contribute to Clinical Operations resource and budget planning.
  • Contribute to the development of department SOPs, systems, policies, best practices, and standards that support high quality clinical trial execution and GCP inspection readiness.
  • May manage direct reports, including ongoing performance management, mentorship, and career development.
  • Up to 25% travel may be required, consistent with project needs.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in life sciences
  • 8 years relevant industry experience
  • >3 years of experience on acute and/or chronic pain studies.
  • Proficient knowledge of ICH GCP, CFR, and other applicable regulatory requirements for clinical trial conduct.
  • Prior experience directing and managing Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials. Prior experience with pain or analgesia trials preferred but not required.
  • Prior experience with resource, budget, and vendor management.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking, problem solving, and negotiation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully work in cross-functional project teams with an emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and communication.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to relate to both internal and external stakeholders (e.g., scientific advisors, clinical consultants, CROs, investigators).
  • Self-disciplined, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize tasks to meet critical deadlines.

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