Clinical Operations Director Jobs
Clinical Operations Director jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, contract research organizations, and health systems, at levels from associate director to VP, with specializations in clinical trial management, regulatory affairs, and site operations. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Director-Clinical Operations, Emergency Department Service Line
Job Description
Overview
Our leaders shape strategic initiatives, develop passionate teams, and work to improve health outcomes. They advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork and purpose in all that they do. Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our leadership team in the role of Director-Clinical Operations, ED Service Line.
The Director of Clinical Operations, Emergency Department Service Line, provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered emergency care. This role leads a multidisciplinary team and is accountable for aligning Emergency Department operations with the organization’s mission, values, and goals for people, service, financial performance, and clinical excellence. The Director drives initiatives that strengthen patient experience, quality and safety outcomes, access, throughput, workforce engagement, and efficient use of resources.
In partnership with physicians, nursing leaders, ancillary departments, and operational stakeholders, the Director develops and executes business and unit plans that support sustainable performance improvement. This leader uses operational and clinical data to set priorities, monitor results, remove barriers, and advance evidence-based practices. The Director fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional service while ensuring compliance with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable best practices. The role may include 24-hour accountability for Emergency Department operations, staff performance, and overall service-line results.
Key Relationships
Reports to: Vice President – Chief Nursing Officer
Candidate Qualifications
Candidates for the position will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies.
Masters of Nursing or related field is required or actively enrolled.
Requires an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Indiana or an active Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) RN license.
Requires that the RN has graduated from a nationally accredited nursing program.
Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA.
Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
Requires completion Clinical Specialty Professional Certification within 1 year upon meeting eligibility requirements.
Requires 7-10 years of relevant experience.
Indiana University Health is unlike any other healthcare system and we're looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. IU Health leaders play a crucial role in advancing the mission of our organization and inspiring teams to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. As one of Indiana’s largest employers and the most comprehensive medical system in the state, our vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare through quality, innovation and education, and make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.
IU Health is the largest health system in Indiana with nearly 40,000 team members, 15 hospitals and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. The system’s programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics and transplants have received national recognition for quality patient care. IU Health, in partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, bring together highly skilled physicians, researchers, and educators into close collaboration to provide world-class care for children and adults and improve the health of patients and communities across Indiana.
Indiana University Health is dedicated to a fair hiring process and is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all individuals, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.
Director-Clinical Operations, Emergency Department Service Line
Job Description
Overview
Our leaders shape strategic initiatives, develop passionate teams, and work to improve health outcomes. They advance our mission and exemplify excellence, compassion, teamwork and purpose in all that they do. Indiana University Health is seeking individuals who embody these values to join our leadership team in the role of Director-Clinical Operations, ED Service Line.
The Director of Clinical Operations, Emergency Department Service Line, provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered emergency care. This role leads a multidisciplinary team and is accountable for aligning Emergency Department operations with the organization’s mission, values, and goals for people, service, financial performance, and clinical excellence. The Director drives initiatives that strengthen patient experience, quality and safety outcomes, access, throughput, workforce engagement, and efficient use of resources.
In partnership with physicians, nursing leaders, ancillary departments, and operational stakeholders, the Director develops and executes business and unit plans that support sustainable performance improvement. This leader uses operational and clinical data to set priorities, monitor results, remove barriers, and advance evidence-based practices. The Director fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional service while ensuring compliance with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable best practices. The role may include 24-hour accountability for Emergency Department operations, staff performance, and overall service-line results.
Key Relationships
Reports to: Vice President – Chief Nursing Officer
Candidate Qualifications
Candidates for the position will be evaluated according to the following criteria and competencies.
Masters of Nursing or related field is required or actively enrolled.
Requires an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Indiana or an active Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) RN license.
Requires that the RN has graduated from a nationally accredited nursing program.
Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA.
Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
Requires completion Clinical Specialty Professional Certification within 1 year upon meeting eligibility requirements.
Requires 7-10 years of relevant experience.
Indiana University Health is unlike any other healthcare system and we're looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. IU Health leaders play a crucial role in advancing the mission of our organization and inspiring teams to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. As one of Indiana’s largest employers and the most comprehensive medical system in the state, our vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare through quality, innovation and education, and make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.
IU Health is the largest health system in Indiana with nearly 40,000 team members, 15 hospitals and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. The system’s programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics and transplants have received national recognition for quality patient care. IU Health, in partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, bring together highly skilled physicians, researchers, and educators into close collaboration to provide world-class care for children and adults and improve the health of patients and communities across Indiana.
Indiana University Health is dedicated to a fair hiring process and is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all individuals, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.
Clinical Operations Director Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsClinical Operations Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals10
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
- Science & Research4
- Education2
- Insurance1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical operations director jobs.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field
- Extensive experience managing Phase I through Phase IV clinical trials end to end
- Deep knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and applicable international standards
- Proven experience selecting, overseeing, and managing contract research organizations
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- Strong cross-functional leadership and budget management experience across global clinical programs
Tips for Your Clinical Operations Director Job Search
Quantify trial oversight on your resume
Clinical operations director candidates who list the number of trials managed, therapeutic areas covered, and team sizes supervised stand out immediately. Hiring managers look for concrete scope, not vague leadership language, so replace phrases like 'oversaw clinical programs' with specific deliverables.
Highlight your ICH-GCP and regulatory fluency
Most job postings require hands-on knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and at minimum one electronic data capture system. Call these out explicitly in your resume's skills section rather than burying them in job descriptions, where reviewers often miss them.
Target openings by therapeutic area, not just title
Clinical operations directors hired in oncology, rare disease, or CNS trials often need therapy-specific protocol experience. Search by therapeutic area alongside the job title to find openings where your background maps cleanly to what the hiring team actually needs.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists clinical operations director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare to discuss budget and vendor management
Interviews at the director level almost always include questions about CRO selection, contract negotiations, and budget oversight. Come ready with a specific example of a vendor relationship you managed, including how you handled performance issues or scope changes mid-trial.
Negotiate start date around study timelines
Clinical operations directors who join mid-study face immediate pressure on deliverables. If you're switching roles, ask where a program stands in its lifecycle before accepting an offer so you can negotiate a start date that gives you adequate onboarding time.
Clinical Operations Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most clinical operations directors?
The companies hiring the most clinical operations directors right now include Eventus WholeHealth, AccentCare, and Revolution Medicines, with the largest share of openings in California, Massachusetts, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is concentrated in pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and large health systems running active clinical programs.
How many clinical operations director jobs are remote?
About 54% of clinical operations director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the role's heavy reliance on digital trial infrastructure and cross-site coordination. Sub-areas like CRO oversight, regulatory operations, and quality management tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while roles tied to a specific research site or hospital system more often require on-site presence.
How do you become a clinical operations director?
Most clinical operations directors start in clinical research coordinator or clinical research associate roles, building direct trial execution experience before moving into project management and then program leadership. Earning credentials such as the ACRP Certified Clinical Research Professional designation strengthens your profile. Progressively managing larger trial portfolios, therapeutic areas, and CRO relationships is the clearest path to the director level.
Can you get hired as a clinical operations director with limited director-level experience?
Yes, candidates who have managed full trial lifecycles as a senior manager or associate director can move into a clinical operations director role, especially at smaller biotech companies or startups with lean leadership teams. Demonstrating that you've owned budget accountability, CRO contracts, and cross-functional team leadership, even without the formal title, is more persuasive to most hiring teams than title alone.
What does the clinical operations director interview process look like?
The process typically opens with an HR or talent acquisition screen focused on background and seniority fit, followed by a panel interview with clinical development leadership, regulatory, and sometimes finance stakeholders. Candidates are usually asked to walk through a complex trial they managed end to end and to address a scenario involving a CRO performance problem or a protocol deviation. A final round may include a brief strategic exercise or executive presentation.
Where can I find and apply to clinical operations director jobs?
You can find and apply to clinical operations director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing from the same place, without having to track openings across multiple sources.
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