Assistant Director - Reach Operations

Overview
The Assistant Director, REACH Operations provides oversight and manages research activities within the Research and Education for All Children (REACH) purview. The incumbent will support the Executive Director and other department Principal Investigators (PIs). This staff member will support efforts related
to the consideration of Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations and data acquisition, and is responsible for investigating, identifying, developing, implementing and monitoring systems to ensure that research studies and protocols comply with IRB standards/scientific procedures and stay within timelines.
The incumbent will train, orient, and supervise research staff, conduct research assessments, and serve as the main point of contact for Research Coordinators outside and within Institute whose research aligns with CARD’s research mission. This position will prepare progress reports for the PI and assist in preparation of National Institute of Health (NIH) reports and grants.
Responsibilities

• Design infrastructure systems and coordinate research protocol implementation for studies and trials with Kennedy Krieger Institute principal investigators and study coordinators with whom Research and Education for All Children (REACH) is collaborating.
• Provide overall administrative supervision of research staff including scheduling and approval of leave/overtime and completing all required performance reviews in collaboration with the Principal Investigators (PIs). Manage the activities of research coordinators by setting priorities, delegating tasks, and ensuring research projects are carried out accordingly with the direction of the Executive Director, CARD and PI. Oversee implementation of recruitment, hiring, and training processes of research staff by Research Coordinators.
• Design and oversee systems for the recruitment, care, and treatment of research subjects. Coordinate services with other internal departments, external clinical services, and allied service agencies.
• Manage and direct the planning, scheduling, and overall operations of day-to-day clinical trial and other types of research protocol activities and procedures, ensuring that the infrastructure systems and the staff effectively support efficient workflow and adequate care and treatment of research subjects.
• Prepare summaries of research assessments to be shared with families. Make referrals as necessary and coordinate with internal departments to ensure efficient and appropriate sharing of information.
• Conduct audits and safeguards so that all clinical/research trial activities are carried out in accordance with established research protocol and standards, and in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedural requirements.
• Mentor and provide professional development opportunities to research staff, including training staff to complete clinical and experimental measures with study participants. Identify and provide opportunities for professional growth and continuing development of research staff.
• Serve as primary point of contact and coordination between study coordinators, investigators, ancillary departments, research subjects, sponsoring organizations, and/or regulating bodies.
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director, CARD/Vice President to support departmental planning and progress monitoring.
• Liaise with other Kennedy Krieger Institute departments to prepare job descriptions, ensure assessments are conducted by REACH staff, and work with CARD grants management team to provide information permitting other Institute departments to be invoiced correctly.
• Conduct presentations to internal and external audiences related to CARD research and/or autism.
• Assess operational, financial, and material requirements and impact for studies’ protocol implementation. Monitor study activities and prepare reports to funding agencies and investigators as assigned.
• Meet with community partners to promote a positive tone of collaboration by articulating CARD’s mission, seeking community support, and fostering rapport with stakeholders.
• Provide general research project oversight, problem resolution, and effective resource allocation among various research projects in collaboration with PIs and Executive Director, CARD.

Qualifications
EDUCATION:

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Rehabilitation, Psychology, or related field required.
• PhD is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a research setting.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent supervisory/management experience.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with autism and toddlers.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience administering standardized assessments.