Assistant Director, HRPP

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At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers. We know that the unique backgrounds and life experiences of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) community are what drive the university forward. Together, we’re forging a future that is built by us. Here, artists and engineers, doctors and designers come together to re-imagine the human experience and tackle the problems of tomorrow.

VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

VCU's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and its Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Office invites all interested candidates to apply for our Assistant Director position!

Our impact is measured one student and patient at a time. VCU’s unequaled combination of excellence, research and creativity makes success possible for every one of our 300,000+ “RAMily” members. And that makes us one of the most innovative universities in the country.

All full-time staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off,12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/

Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is responsible for the senior operational responsibilities of the VCU IRB and the single IRB review process in support of. the HRPP’s main objectives.
As the senior operational manager, this role is responsible for the daily administration of key aspects of the HRPP, including the review operations and related planning, oversight, monitoring, and improvement strategies. This role involves ensuring operational compliance in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures, oversight and reporting on process efficiency, and oversight of projects designed to reach the HRPP’s targeted goals. This role reports to the Director of the HRPP and works closely with the IRB Team Leadership to resolve issues that may arise among team members and strategic issues that may need the attention for the program’s success. Related responsibilities may include recruiting, supervision, training, evaluation of processes and quality, records management, and reporting.
In consultation with senior leadership, the Assistant Director for the HRPP may develop processes and implement new programs. This supervisory role focuses on standards of quality and serves as a resource regarding operational standards, while engaging in long-range strategy-setting requiring a comprehensive knowledge of human research protections and regulatory program operations through innovative new practices that drive change in support of program quality improvement goals supported by transparent metrics.

Responsibilities and Required Competencies
Communicate expectations clearly to team members and ensure that such expectations relate to departmental goals and/or engagement objectives
Oversee team members to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish assigned tasks
Draft and communicate expected timeline including any staffing or specialty needs
Serve as the lead in sharing information with the engagement team
Able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing to all levels of management
Advanced knowledge of human research protections programs and partnerships with FCOI, Biosafety, Radiation Safety, and other regulatory committees and groups.
Proficient knowledge of internal controls, both automated and manual, and able to relate them to engagement scope and compliance matters in a clear, decisive manner
Able to organize and document engagement and file required reports in accordance with applicable Standards
Superior interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with department and client personnel
Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Google Documents/Microsoft Office applications
Working knowledge of Huron IRB System preferred
Able to manage several projects simultaneously, effectively manage workload to meet deadlines, and delegate tasks to staff
Maintain integrity, objectivity, independence, and confidentiality
Self-motivated and able to perform assigned tasks and research independently in an efficient manner
Able to effectively monitor team members, provide assistance and seek opportunities to provide guidance when needed
Able to work well in a complex environment
Advanced knowledge of data mining tools and methodologies
Able to effectively mentor and coach team members in improving or developing their new skills
Recognize and pursue cross training opportunities
Proactive in taking on leadership responsibilities
Demonstrated ability to produce effective results in an efficient manner with minimal direction
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU