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Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Clinical Operations Coordinator should be able to act independently on routine matters while escalating concerns to the Clinical Operations Manager/Administrative Supervisor or Senior Director as ...

The Clinical Operations Coordinator should be able to act independently on routine matters while escalating concerns to the Clinical Operations Manager/Administrative Supervisor or Senior Director as ...

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Director Clinical Operations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$62.4K

$151.9K

$293.9K

How much do director clinical operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for director clinical operations in Reston, VA is $151,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $180,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Director of Clinical Operations Do?

A director of clinical operations manages the daily operations of a healthcare facility or a specific department within a clinic or hospital. As a director of clinical operations, your responsibilities include scheduling staff to ensure proper coverage of patients and overseeing the productivity of your team to meet the organization's expectations. You define policies and procedures, facilitating further training when necessary. The director of clinical operations must also assess the performance of the medical team under your supervision regularly and mainstream processes when possible. Medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies often hire a director of clinical operations to oversee research, lab, and testing operations.

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

To thrive as a Director of Clinical Operations, you need a robust background in clinical management, regulatory compliance, and healthcare administration, often supported by a relevant degree and substantial leadership experience. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) tools, and certifications like PMP or CCRA are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help drive teams, manage stakeholders, and oversee complex projects. These skills are critical for ensuring clinical programs run efficiently, meet regulatory standards, and deliver high-quality patient outcomes.

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

AspectDirector Clinical OperationsClinical Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MS, PhD) and extensive industry experienceUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, with relevant project management certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and teams across departments, strategic planningManages individual clinical trials, coordinates project activities, and timelines
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare companies for senior leadership rolesCommonly employed in clinical research organizations and pharmaceutical companies for trial management

The main difference is that the Director Clinical Operations focuses on strategic oversight and leadership across multiple clinical trials, while the Clinical Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of specific clinical studies. Both roles require strong industry knowledge, but the director position involves broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making.

What does a Director of Clinical Operations do?

A Director of Clinical Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and strategic direction of clinical trials and research activities within healthcare organizations or pharmaceutical companies. They ensure that clinical studies are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves supervising teams, managing budgets, developing protocols, and liaising with stakeholders to ensure successful trial outcomes. Directors of Clinical Operations play a crucial role in bringing new medical treatments to market by ensuring studies run smoothly from start to finish.

How does a Director of Clinical Operations typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful clinical trial execution?

A Director of Clinical Operations regularly collaborates with cross-functional teams such as regulatory affairs, data management, medical affairs, and biostatistics to ensure clinical trials are executed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. This role involves leading team meetings, aligning project timelines, and facilitating communication between internal stakeholders and external partners like CROs and vendors. Strong coordination skills are essential, as the Director must balance diverse priorities and resolve any operational issues that arise, ensuring all teams work toward shared objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Operations jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Clinical Operations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Clinical Operations jobs in Reston, VA? For Director Clinical Operations jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Director Clinical Operations jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Director Clinical Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Clinical Operations job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 59% In-person, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,860 per year, or $73 per hour.
Director, Clinical Operations

Director, Clinical Operations

Howard University

Washington, DC • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Howard University rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
The Director of Clinical Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for clinical services across multiple departments. This role ensures efficient workflows, compliance with regulatory standards, and alignment with organizational goals for quality, access, and financial sustainability. The Director will lead multidisciplinary teams, optimize patient throughput, and foster collaboration among clinical and administrative stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Operations Oversight
  • Direct multi-disciplinary teams to ensure effective execution of clinical workflows, service delivery, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
  • Implement and monitor KPIs such as patient wait times, double-booking volume, appointment utilization rates, and provider panel sizes to drive operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with department chairs to streamline workflows and improve access to care across high-volume specialties.
  • Oversee scheduling systems, capacity planning, and resource allocation to maximize productivity and patient satisfaction.

Stakeholder Engagement
  • Facilitate regular strategy sessions with senior leadership, department chairs, and finance teams to align clinical and financial priorities.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for external consultants, payers, and vendors involved in clinical operations and financial planning.
  • Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support strategic initiatives and operational goals.

Leadership & Team Development
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop clinical operations managers and support staff.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care.
  • Ensure staff compliance with policies, procedures, and performance standards.

Financial & Strategic Management
  • Partner with finance teams to develop and manage budgets for clinical operations.
  • Monitor revenue cycle performance and implement strategies to optimize reimbursement.
  • Support strategic planning initiatives, including expansion of service lines and adoption of innovative care models.

Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and institutional policies.
  • Collaborate with quality improvement teams to monitor patient safety indicators and implement corrective actions.
  • Lead operational readiness for audits and inspections.

Core Competencies:
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Leadership and team development
  • Financial acumen and budget management
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Management, or related field; Master's preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in clinical operations or practice management, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
  • Demonstrated expertise in healthcare workflows, scheduling optimization, and performance improvement.
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, reimbursement policies, and healthcare IT systems.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
  • Standard office environment with occasional travel to clinical sites.
  • Ability to work extended hours during peak operational periods.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Compensation Range: $140,000 - $150,000