At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences. DMU is seeking a Director of Operations, Compliance, and Strategy. This role will work with the Executive Director of Research, the Research team, and the Faculty Leadership Team to plan and manage DMU's research enterprise. The Director will design and implement various programs, oversee the daily operations, compliance, and finances, and ensure the quality and sustainability of the research activities that align with DMU's mission. The Director will supervise and mentor staff members, foster a positive, inclusive, impactful culture, and collaborate with the DMU's diverse research community. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Research and working closely with other staff, the Director of Operations, Compliance, and Strategy will support the Faculty Leadership team, serving as Research Operations leader and compliance officer for all the daily operations and programs.
What you'll do: As directed by the Executive Director of Research, accountable for overseeing the strategic planning and operational management of research laboratory activities within the DMU research enterprise. This includes coordination and supervision of institutional laboratory operations across scientific core facilities, such as the Research Laboratory Operations unit and animal Care Facility, and initiatives related to center development, Technology Transfer, and Business Development. Develop and execute strategic plans for research operations, finance, and overall strategy. Align budgetary decisions with strategic objectives to drive the Research enterprise's success. Develop, report, and assess key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize team performance and resource allocation. Responsible for managing Research team member portfolios and maintaining a balance. Monitor project timelines, faculty transitions, and continuous improvement metrics. Work closely with the Executive Director of Research to develop and maintain the community advisory board, ensuring community partner voices are represented. Seek input from both community and university leaders to enhance the Research enterprise's impact. Regulatory Compliance Oversight: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations governing research activities, including IRB, IACUC, HIPAA, FERPA, and FDA regulations. What we're looking for: Master's degree and/or advanced degree (Ph.D., and M.B.A.) with at least five-seven years of administrative and strategic management experience, including financial and budgetary oversight and at least three years of direct professional staff supervision. Experience in a large-scale, complex academic research-oriented institution or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in an educational, pharma, or biotech environment. Proficiency in compliance, regulatory affairs, strategy development, project management, developing budgets, fiscal monitoring, and financial projections using multiple fund sources.
*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.
Total Rewards: Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy 90% employer-paid medical, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit to learn more about our benefits.
About: Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.
In 2023 Des Moines University (DMU) relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
Required Documents: Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at
Department: Research Status: Exempt Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Des Moines University is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law ("protected class"). Applications from candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
