Director Of Program Operations Jobs in Jackson, MS

Senior Director of Clinical Research

On-site position in Jackson, MS

No relocation offered.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Clinical Research to lead and transform clinical trials operations across the institution. This is a highly visible, strategic leadership role central to the mission of achieving NCI (National Cancer Institute) designation.

This leader will provide enterprise-wide oversight of clinical research operations, drive standardization and efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance while fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for clinical trials across departments
• Centralize and standardize clinical research processes, infrastructure, and governance
• Ensure full compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and research standards
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, SOPs, and best practices for clinical research
• Lead efforts to identify operational gaps and resolve systemic challenges impacting research teams
• Oversee clinical trial lifecycle operations, including billing compliance, contracts, and budget approvals
• Monitor trial performance, metrics, risks, and financials; provide updates to leadership
• Partner with institutional leaders, faculty, and external stakeholders to grow and strengthen research capabilities
• Support education, training, and onboarding initiatives to enhance research excellence
• Lead and mentor a team of 15–20 staff, including:
  • Program Manager III
  • CTMS Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Office of Clinical Trials (Supervisor-level oversight)
  • Clinical Research Support Program Team
• Operate effectively within a matrixed academic medical center environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree AND 7+ years of clinical research experience (operations, regulatory, or trials management)
• Minimum 2 years of leadership/supervisory experience
• Deep knowledge of federal clinical research regulations and compliance standards
• Proven experience overseeing clinical trials operations at scale
• Regulatory compliance and policy leadership
• Clinical trial operations oversight and centralization
• Policy and SOP development
• Budgeting, contract management, and billing compliance
• Program and operational management across multiple teams
• Exceptional relationship-building abilities across all levels of the organization
• Strong problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Confident and effective communicator with the ability to influence faculty and leadership
• Highly personable, collaborative, and approachable
• Strategic thinker with operational execution capability

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• SOCRA or CCRP certification
• Experience in an academic medical center environment
• Experience in oncology or cancer research

Work Environment

This role may require occasional extended hours, travel to offsite locations, and exposure to clinical/research

environments. Work includes a mix of administrative and operational responsibilities with frequent interaction across departments.

This is a Permanent position based out of Jackson, MS.

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

UMMC will provide official benefits package, but details are provided below: Benefits: As a state institution, UMMC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: - State retirement plan - Good health insurance - Generous personal and medical time off that rolls over each year - Accumulated leave can be paid out or applied toward years of service at retirement

This is a fully onsite position in Jackson,MS.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

About Actalent

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