Director of Operations, Clinical Research Unit | Permanent Full Time (1.0 FTE) | CHEO Research Institute

Compensation Pay Range:

$0.00-$0.00

Summary:

Please send your resume with a cover letter to Jackie Schultz at jschultz@cheo.on.ca with the position title in the subject line. Although we appreciate the interest of all candidates, only candidates invited for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please .

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Posting #RI-26-033

Posting Period – June 29, 2026, until filled

TITLE: Director of Operations, Clinical Research Unit (CRU)

Existing Vacancy

TERM: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Permanent

SALARY: $56.41/hr - $61.59/hr; Will be commensurate with skills and experience.

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jason Berman

Clinical Research Director, Richard Webster

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. (“CHEO RI”) is the research arm of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario – Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre (“CHEO”) and an affiliated institute of the University of Ottawa. We acknowledge that Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinabek territory. The Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO RI also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land. CHEO is a beloved institution and workplace that is widely recognized for being an anchor in our community. CHEO RI works to create new knowledge and evidence to support CHEO in its provision of world-class care to our children. Our mission at CHEORI is to connect exceptional talent and technology in pursuit of life-changing research for every child, youth and family in our community and beyond.

CHEO RI has an immediate requirement for a Director of Operations, CRU.

The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a Core service within the CHEO Research Institute. The 18-person hybrid team is made up mostly of biostatisticians and epidemiologists, as well as qualitative researchers and administration staff. We have three objectives:

To achieve excellence in applied clinical research methodology while maintaining client service. To improve CRU efficiency while maintaining quality. To grow funding to support the CRU while enhancing CHEO research.

We offer a broad range of services to help clients accomplish their research goals. We provide support for study design, sample size calculation, budget preparation, data management, statistical analysis and interpretation. Our team provides these services to emerging and experienced researchers, as well as national research networks.

The CRU is looking to continue to deliver trusted analysis and high client satisfaction, while growing our support of cutting-edge clinical trials and learning health systems for pediatric research networks.

To assist with our goals, the CRU is looking for our next highly motivated Director of Operations.

The incumbent will work in close partnership with the Scientific Director, CRU within a dyad leadership model to support staff and clients. In this model, the Scientific Director provides scientific and academic leadership while the Director of Operations provides operational and administrative leadership, jointly advancing the strategic and operational priorities of the CRU in alignment with CHEO Research Institute leadership.

The Director of Operations is required to oversee the financial management of this unit. The incumbent will also be responsible for the administration and management of the CRU, and act as the administrative spokesperson for all matters relating to the CRU. The incumbent will liaise and build strong and co-operative relationships with CHEO researchers and external clients and networks.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Scientific Director, the Director of Operations will:

• •Collaborate closely with the CRU Scientific Director within a dyad leadership model, and with key stakeholders to develop a logic model that strengthens financial sustainability and aligns with the CHEO RI strategic priorities.
• •Operationalize this plan through the development and execution of an annual work plan and associated financial plan, as well as team OKRs.
• •Proactively monitor and manage the CRU budget, reporting to the CRU Scientific Director, CRU and the CHEO RI CFO.
• •Oversee the maintenance and continuous improvement of the CRU client management system (including project management, time tracking, and billing) and implement a Customer Relationship Management system.
• •Manage human resources functions for the CRU, including setting individual OKRs, providing mentorship, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with RI policies. Additionally, lead biannual performance reviews and oversee the hiring process for all new CRU staff.
• •Oversee planning for the CRU in-person retreats.
• •Chair the weekly all-hands operations meeting, biweekly strategy meetings and conduct monthly staff 1-on-1 meetings with staff.
• •Foster a collaborative environment by encouraging staff participation in co-design of the CRU services, projects and processes.
• •Develop and execute contracts and letters of agreement for new projects in accordance with Hospital, the RI, granting/funding agencies and Good Clinical Practices policies.
• •Contribute to the Ontario Child Health Support Unit (OCHSU) as executive team member.
• •Enhance the visibility of the CRU by developing and implementing a communications plan targeting CHEO researchers, the CHEO Foundation, the University, and other parties the services provided by the CRU.
• •Participate as a member of the Corporate Strategy and Administrative Counsil and the Joint Strategy Sessions.
• •Demonstrate visible leadership in health and safety by ensuring compliance with applicable legislation (OHSA), CHEO RI policies, and safe work procedures. Maintain safe work environments, promote safe work practices, address hazards and unsafe behaviours promptly, and ensure staff are appropriately trained and aware of hazard and incident reporting processes.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILL AND ABILITIES

Essential skills and experience:

• •8+ years of experience leading large multi-disciplinary, hybrid team.
• •Proven experience managing and guiding technical teams.
• •Demonstrated expertise in overseeing large budgets, including financial planning, budgeting and fiscal management.
• •Strong project management capabilities, with a track record of delivering complex initiatives.
• •Experience leading organizational change and driving change management processes.
• •Strategic planning expertise, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• •Experience establishing and managing contracts in partnership with the legal team.
• •Skilled in conflict resolution and fostering a culture of accountability, in partnership with Human Resources.
• •A college degree or undergraduate University degree.
• •Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and organizational skills.
• •High degree of professionalism and sound judgement.

Proficiency in computer systems (Microsoft Office), and other relevant computer systems.

Desired skills and experience:

• •Experience reporting to funders and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• •Proven ability to manage hybrid teams.
• •Managing a consulting or service-oriented function, including the use of customer relationship management and client invoicing systems.
• •Familiarity with research or hospital settings.
• •Knowledge of the structure and processes of granting agencies, hospitals and universities.
• •Experience with CHEO Research Institute human resources and financial systems (e.g., Workday) is considered an asset.

• •Experience in Investigator lead Clinical Research in a health care center.
• •Solid understanding of research design, procedures, guidelines and standards governing
• clinical research including Personal Health Information Protection Act.
• •Experience in data manag