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Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whoop

Director, Clinical Operations

Boston, MA · On-site +1

As the Director, Clinical Operations, you will lead the clinical operations function responsible for executing the studies that support WHOOP's regulated and unregulated health features, with a ...

Howard

$140K - $150K/yr

The Director of Clinical Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for clinical services across multiple departments. This role ensures efficient workflows, compliance with regulatory ...

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Associate Director Clinical Operations information

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

As of Jun 20, 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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What cities are hiring for Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs? Cities with the most Associate Director Clinical Operations job openings:
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 8% 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.
Director, Clinical Operations

Director, Clinical Operations

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

Waltham, MA

$190K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary:

The Director, Clinical Operations is responsible for ensuring that clinical stage programs achieve strategic and operational objectives within established timelines, budget, and quality standards. This role provides leadership to the Clinical Operations team, contributes to the development of clinical program strategies, and ensures superior execution, collaboration, and transparency across functions. The Director partners with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive high-quality clinical trial delivery in a fast-paced, small-to-midsize biotech environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Program Strategy & Leadership (35%)
    • Develop and execute clinical program strategies that align with corporate goals. Provide leadership to the Clinical Operations team and ensure efficient resource allocation across programs.
  • Clinical Trial Oversight (25%)
    • Ensure clinical trials are properly defined, planned, and executed according to GCP, ICH, and FDA standards. Oversee study timelines, budgets, and quality metrics to achieve operational excellence.
  • Regulatory & Documentation Support (15%)
    • Assist in authoring key regulatory documents and ensure that clinical program deliverables align with submission requirements and regulatory expectations.
  • Vendor & CRO Management (15%)
    • Manage and oversee CROs, vendors, and external partners to ensure performance, deliverables, and financial accountability meet expectations.
  • Team Development & Collaboration (10%)
    • Foster a collaborative culture within Clinical Operations and serve as a leadership role model. Promote transparent communication, accountability, and operational discipline across the department.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in health science or related field required.

Minimum of 12 years of clinical research experience, with at least 10 years in clinical trial management and operational leadership roles.

Comprehensive understanding of clinical development processes, GCP, ICH, and global regulatory requirements.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage external CROs and vendors effectively.

Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on operational excellence.

Proven success managing global clinical programs in a small-to-midsize biotechnology environment.

Strong Phase III clinical trial experience and demonstrated global experience.

Preferred Capabilities:

Experience in oncology or rare disease clinical programs preferred.

Demonstrated success managing global programs in a small-to-midsize biotech environment.

Experience with clinical systems such as eTMF, CTMS, and EDC platforms.

Proficiency in budget management and vendor performance tracking.

Ability to lead in a dynamic, collaborative, and evolving organization.

Additional Information

Deciphera is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $190,000 - $261,000. Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.

Deciphera believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Deciphera's competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, a long-term incentive plan, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans (if applicable)

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and annual bonus.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and more.
  • Generous parental leave and family planning benefits.
  • Outstanding culture and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

Deciphera is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity. To ensure that we comply with reporting requirements, we invite you complete the confidential survey at the end of this application. Providing this information is optional. It will not be accessible or used in the hiring process, and has no effect on your opportunity for employment. This information will also be treated confidentially.  We are committed to make all hiring decisions and other employment decisions on a non-discriminatory basis.

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