Strategic Program Manager Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

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

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.