Director of Research Compliance
HybridBoston, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Lead Harvard Business School's senior research compliance program by providing strategic oversight across human subjects protections, sponsored research, data governance, and emerging technologies. Monitor federal, state, and sponsor requirements to assess risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies while developing policies, procedures, and educational resources. Advise faculty, administrators, and institutional leaders on complex research matters, balancing innovation with compliance obligations. Manage and develop a team responsible for compliance, quality improvement, and data management initiatives. Collaborate with University offices and external partners to guide research activities involving AI, cloud services, and digital platforms.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree, JD, PhD, or equivalent experience
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research compliance, research administration, sponsored research, regulatory affairs, human subjects protections, legal affairs, or a related field
- Excellent judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and develop practical solutions
- Strong understanding of research compliance, governance, and institutional risk management
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Exceptional relationship-building, facilitation, and influencing skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues clearly to diverse audiences
- Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative and matrixed environment
- Strong service orientation and experience supporting faculty, senior leaders, and other key stakeholders
- Commitment to continuous improvement and interest in leveraging technology, automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools to enhance compliance operations and the faculty research experience
- Hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus
- HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week
- departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday
- Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice
- We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role
- This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location
- The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs
- When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts
- Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment
- Identity, Education, Criminal
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