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The Director of Research Compliance serves as Harvard Business School (HBS)'s senior subject matter expert on research compliance and a key member of the Research Administration team. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, researchers, administrators, and University offices to ensure compliance with applicable requirements while enabling innovative research. This role requires deep expertise in research compliance, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex and evolving issues with a practical, solutions-oriented approach.
Job Responsibility
Serve as the School's senior advisor on research compliance and lead the ongoing development and enhancement of HBS's research compliance program
Monitor and interpret federal, state, sponsor, University, and School requirements affecting faculty research
Develop and maintain policies, procedures, guidance, training, and educational resources
Assess compliance risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies
Provide expertise in areas including human subjects protections, data governance and management, sponsored research compliance, export controls, intellectual property, research partnerships, and emerging technologies
Identify opportunities to improve compliance operations through technology, automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools
Lead efforts to modernize compliance operations and improve efficiency, consistency, and user experience through which compliance support is delivered
Support the development and management of research collaborations involving faculty, sponsors, external organizations, and research partners
Advise stakeholders on compliance, governance, and institutional considerations related to external partnerships
Collaborate with the Office for Sponsored Programs, Office of Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Vice Provost for Research, and other University offices
Guide faculty and research teams on issues involving data sharing, AI, cloud services, digital platforms, and evolving research methodologies
Help balance faculty research goals, institutional interests, compliance requirements, and partner expectations
Partner closely with the Director of Research Facilitation and Planning and other stakeholders to help faculty navigate complex research activities and develop practical, risk-informed paths forward
Advise faculty, administrators, and School leaders on research-related compliance, governance, risk, and operational issues
Facilitate review of research activities, collaborations, data acquisitions, and emerging technologies requiring institutional assessment
Support informed decision-making through effective communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement
Lead, manage, and develop the school's research compliance team
Directly supervise: Assistant Director, Research Administration and Human Subjects Protection, Assistant Director, Research Compliance, Quality Improvement Program, Assistant Director, Research Compliance, Data Management
Establish priorities, goals, and performance expectations aligned with School objectives
Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence
Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
Requirements
Master's degree, JD, PhD, or equivalent experience required
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 is required
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
What we offer
Generous paid time off including parental leave
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
Retirement plans with university contributions
Wellbeing and mental health resources
Support for families and caregivers
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement