Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Detroit, MI
Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs in Detroit are concentrated in Midtown, New Center, and the greater Detroit Medical Center corridor, with strong demand across health systems, pharmaceutical research, and clinical contract organizations. Leading employers hiring right now include Wayne State University, PwC, and KPMG. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 51+ Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs
Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Job Purpose
The Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services provides strategic leadership for revenue-generating events, conferences, and guest‑housing operations across Summer Housing & Conference programs and spaces managed by the Student Center and Campus Reservations. This role drives business development, oversees sales and marketing initiatives, manages large‑scale conference operations, and ensures exceptional client experiences for internal and external partners.
The Associate Director leads professional and student staff, cultivates campus and community partnerships, and develops systems, processes, and strategies that maximize utilization, operational efficiency, and net revenue. This position plays a key role in advancing the university’s auxiliary enterprise goals through innovative programming, strong client relationships, and high‑quality service delivery. This position reports to the Associate Vice President & Chief Housing Officer.
Essential Functions
(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)
Business Development, Sales & Marketing - 40%
Lead business development strategy for Student Center and Campus Reservations as well as Summer Housing Conferences to expand market share and generate year‑over‑year revenue growth.
Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, lead qualification, proposals, pricing, contracting, and client retention.
Develop and maintain a portfolio of internal and external clients, initiate outreach to faculty, staff, professional organizations, and community partners.
Conduct site tours, sales presentations, and client meetings; represent the university at trade shows and industry events.
In concert with the Senior Director, implement yield‑management strategies to maximize space utilization and optimize revenue across meeting, event, and housing facilities.
In concert with SAS Marketing, oversee creation of annual marketing campaigns, including print, web, social media, and promotional materials.
Track sales metrics, ROI, conversion rates, and lost‑business data; prepare monthly and annual sales reports.
Collaborate with campus partners (Dining, Housing, Public Safety, Parking, OneCard, Enterprise Risk Management, Academic Departments, Athletics, etc.) to secure services and negotiate support for client programs.
Conference & Event Operations - 30%
Oversee planning and execution of conferences, seminars, special events, and summer programs across multiple facilities.
Lead operational planning meetings with service providers to ensure alignment between client expectations and campus capabilities.
Develop program budgets, advise clients on cost‑saving strategies, and make independent decisions regarding event logistics.
Manage logistical arrangements, including housing assignments, dining, catering, facilities, registration, parking, access control, and meeting space.
Ensure room readiness, quality assurance, and smooth transitions between programs.
Prepare event specifications and direct staff responsible for pre‑event planning and on‑site execution.
Oversee configuration and implementation of conference management software and related systems.
Serve as on‑call support during peak summer operations, evenings, and weekends as needed.
Strategic Leadership & Operational Management - 15%
Provide leadership for professional and student staff supporting sales, event operations, and summer conference housing.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate full‑time staff, graduate interns, and seasonal student employees.
Foster a service‑oriented culture focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering high‑quality experiences.
Develop and refine departmental systems, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
Contribute to long‑term strategic planning for auxiliary services, including forecasting, market analysis, and program development.
Serve as a key representative for the university’s conference and event services to internal and external stakeholders.
Financial Management & Reporting - 10%
Assist in developing and managing budgets for conference operations, marketing, and equipment needs.
Prepare proposals, contracts, invoices, and financial reconciliations; ensure timely billing and accurate account management.
Produce post‑event reports including financial summaries, registration data, evaluations, and recommendations for improvement.
Monitor performance metrics, analyze trends, and provide data‑driven insights to inform decision‑making.
Reconcile purchasing card statements and ensure compliance with university financial policies.
Perform other related duties as assigned - 5%
WORK CONTEXT
Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean
Leadership Accountability: Develops policy and strategic plans
Supervisory Accountability: Supervises associates' below supervisory level
Organizational Accountability: Manages sub-unit of a department
Financial Accountability: Manages operating budget
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives
Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, hospitality, marketing, or related field.
Master’s degree preferred.
CMP or related professional certification preferred.
Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)
Minimum five (5) years of experience in event, conference, or hospitality management.
Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and revenue management.
Business development acumen with proven ability to grow revenue and expand client portfolios.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team‑building skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to communicate professionally with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze data, evaluate programs, and implement process improvements.
High learning agility and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Strong writing skills for proposals, contracts, and client communications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to learn systems such as StarRez, EMS, or similar platforms.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
Generic Division
Primary department:
92L11
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Executive
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Hourly rate:
- Salary minimum: $95,000
- Salary hire maximum: $105,000
Working conditions:
WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment. Office‑based with frequent movement between campus facilities. Evening and weekend work required during peak seasons and major events. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for event related tasks. May have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
- Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Job Purpose
The Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services provides strategic leadership for revenue-generating events, conferences, and guest‑housing operations across Summer Housing & Conference programs and spaces managed by the Student Center and Campus Reservations. This role drives business development, oversees sales and marketing initiatives, manages large‑scale conference operations, and ensures exceptional client experiences for internal and external partners.
The Associate Director leads professional and student staff, cultivates campus and community partnerships, and develops systems, processes, and strategies that maximize utilization, operational efficiency, and net revenue. This position plays a key role in advancing the university’s auxiliary enterprise goals through innovative programming, strong client relationships, and high‑quality service delivery. This position reports to the Associate Vice President & Chief Housing Officer.
Essential Functions
(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)
Business Development, Sales & Marketing - 40%
Lead business development strategy for Student Center and Campus Reservations as well as Summer Housing Conferences to expand market share and generate year‑over‑year revenue growth.
Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, lead qualification, proposals, pricing, contracting, and client retention.
Develop and maintain a portfolio of internal and external clients, initiate outreach to faculty, staff, professional organizations, and community partners.
Conduct site tours, sales presentations, and client meetings; represent the university at trade shows and industry events.
In concert with the Senior Director, implement yield‑management strategies to maximize space utilization and optimize revenue across meeting, event, and housing facilities.
In concert with SAS Marketing, oversee creation of annual marketing campaigns, including print, web, social media, and promotional materials.
Track sales metrics, ROI, conversion rates, and lost‑business data; prepare monthly and annual sales reports.
Collaborate with campus partners (Dining, Housing, Public Safety, Parking, OneCard, Enterprise Risk Management, Academic Departments, Athletics, etc.) to secure services and negotiate support for client programs.
Conference & Event Operations - 30%
Oversee planning and execution of conferences, seminars, special events, and summer programs across multiple facilities.
Lead operational planning meetings with service providers to ensure alignment between client expectations and campus capabilities.
Develop program budgets, advise clients on cost‑saving strategies, and make independent decisions regarding event logistics.
Manage logistical arrangements, including housing assignments, dining, catering, facilities, registration, parking, access control, and meeting space.
Ensure room readiness, quality assurance, and smooth transitions between programs.
Prepare event specifications and direct staff responsible for pre‑event planning and on‑site execution.
Oversee configuration and implementation of conference management software and related systems.
Serve as on‑call support during peak summer operations, evenings, and weekends as needed.
Strategic Leadership & Operational Management - 15%
Provide leadership for professional and student staff supporting sales, event operations, and summer conference housing.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate full‑time staff, graduate interns, and seasonal student employees.
Foster a service‑oriented culture focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering high‑quality experiences.
Develop and refine departmental systems, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
Contribute to long‑term strategic planning for auxiliary services, including forecasting, market analysis, and program development.
Serve as a key representative for the university’s conference and event services to internal and external stakeholders.
Financial Management & Reporting - 10%
Assist in developing and managing budgets for conference operations, marketing, and equipment needs.
Prepare proposals, contracts, invoices, and financial reconciliations; ensure timely billing and accurate account management.
Produce post‑event reports including financial summaries, registration data, evaluations, and recommendations for improvement.
Monitor performance metrics, analyze trends, and provide data‑driven insights to inform decision‑making.
Reconcile purchasing card statements and ensure compliance with university financial policies.
Perform other related duties as assigned - 5%
WORK CONTEXT
Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean
Leadership Accountability: Develops policy and strategic plans
Supervisory Accountability: Supervises associates' below supervisory level
Organizational Accountability: Manages sub-unit of a department
Financial Accountability: Manages operating budget
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives
Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, hospitality, marketing, or related field.
Master’s degree preferred.
CMP or related professional certification preferred.
Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)
Minimum five (5) years of experience in event, conference, or hospitality management.
Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and revenue management.
Business development acumen with proven ability to grow revenue and expand client portfolios.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team‑building skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to communicate professionally with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze data, evaluate programs, and implement process improvements.
High learning agility and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Strong writing skills for proposals, contracts, and client communications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to learn systems such as StarRez, EMS, or similar platforms.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
Generic Division
Primary department:
92L11
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Executive
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Hourly rate:
- Salary minimum: $95,000
- Salary hire maximum: $105,000
Working conditions:
WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment. Office‑based with frequent movement between campus facilities. Evening and weekend work required during peak seasons and major events. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for event related tasks. May have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
- Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
See All 51 Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Detroit
Find roles in Detroit that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsAssociate Director Clinical Operations Job Market in Detroit
Who's Hiring
- Wayne State University8
- PwC5
- KPMG4
- University of Detroit Mercy4
- DTE Energy3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education5
- Accounting & Auditing4
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Energy1
- Insurance1
Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Detroit: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a associate director clinical operations job in Detroit?
Focus your search on Detroit's health system networks and the clinical research organizations clustered around the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health corridor in New Center and Midtown. Candidates with experience overseeing multi-site trials, managing CRO relationships, or leading regulatory submissions stand out locally. Familiarity with oncology, cardiology, or neurology protocols gives an edge, as those therapeutic areas drive the most active hiring across Detroit's academic medical and community health employers.
Which companies hire associate director clinical operationss in Detroit?
Companies currently hiring associate director clinical operationss in Detroit include Wayne State University, PwC, and KPMG, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Detroit's hiring is driven by a mix of large integrated health systems, specialty hospital networks, and mid-sized clinical research organizations that support both academic and industry-sponsored trials.
Are there remote associate director clinical operations jobs in Detroit?
Yes, though with limits, since associate director clinical operations roles often require on-site oversight of trials, staff, and sponsor meetings. About 24% of associate director clinical operations openings tied to Detroit are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with most flexibility found in the regulatory strategy, budget management, and vendor oversight portions of the role rather than direct site coordination.
How can I get a associate director clinical operations job in Detroit with little or no experience?
The most realistic path into this level in Detroit is through a clinical operations coordinator or manager role at one of the city's community health networks or contract research organizations, then building toward director-level scope over two to four years. Detroit's academic medical centers and hospital-affiliated research institutes regularly hire study coordinators and clinical project managers who can grow into oversight roles. Demonstrating protocol management, budget accountability, and team leadership in those positions is what moves candidates into associate director consideration locally.
Which industries hire the most associate director clinical operationss in Detroit?
The sectors hiring the most associate director clinical operationss in Detroit are Education, Accounting & Auditing, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Detroit's concentration of academic medical centers, regional health systems, and contract research infrastructure tied to its hospital networks makes those sectors the primary drivers of demand for clinical operations leadership in the city.
Related Jobs in Michigan
See All 51 Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in Detroit
Find roles in Detroit that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs