"Senior Administrator, PI Waiver and COI Management Plans"

The Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Research (SADR) is seeking a Senior Administrator, PI Waiver and COI Management Plans to lead and manage key research compliance programs within the School of Medicine. This role provides independent analysis, policy interpretation, and program oversight related to Principal Investigator (PI) eligibility, PI waiver requests, and Conflict of Interest (COI) management plan compliance.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean of Research, the position serves as a subject-matter expert on university policy, federal regulations, and sponsor requirements, and plays a critical role in evaluating PI waiver requests and monitoring compliance with approved COI management plans. The role manages a high-volume PI waiver process, prepares written recommendations that inform senior leadership and Provost-level decisions, and conducts systematic compliance reviews to ensure adherence to institutional requirements.

The Senior Administrator collaborates closely with faculty, departments, and central University partners to provide guidance, develop training and outreach materials, analyze trends, and recommend process improvements that support timely proposal submission and reduce compliance risk.

This role is ideal for a highly analytical professional with deep knowledge of research administration and compliance who is comfortable exercising independent judgment, managing complex and sensitive issues, and working collaboratively in a fast-paced academic environment.

Duties include:

• Lead the planning and operations of the Principal Investigator (PI) Waiver and Conflict of Interest (COI) management plan programs, applying subject matter expertise in university policy, federal regulations, and sponsor requirements.
• Independently review and evaluate high-volume PI waiver requests, interpret eligibility requirements, and prepare written recommendations that inform senior leadership and Provost-level decisions.
• Conduct systematic monitoring of active COI management plans to ensure required documentation, reporting, and compliance obligations are met; identify gaps or overdue requirements and coordinate follow-up as appropriate.
• Evaluate policies, procedures, and workflows related to PI eligibility and COI oversight; identify process gaps, compliance risks, and inefficiencies, and recommend improvements to enhance consistency, clarity, and turnaround time.
• Review and analyze program trends (e.g., volume, turnaround time, approval patterns, compliance findings) to advise leadership and support data-informed improvements to program effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Represent the PI waiver and COI oversight functions within the School of Medicine and in collaboration with central University offices (e.g., DoR, RMG, ORA, OGC, IRB); provide policy interpretation, guidance, and consultation to faculty and research administrators.
• Develop and deliver outreach, guidance materials, and training sessions to departments and faculty regarding PI eligibility, waiver requirements, and COI compliance expectations.
• Assess training and communication needs across the School of Medicine and develop reference materials, website content, FAQs, and intake guidance to improve submission quality and reduce administrative burden.
• Participate in investigations, audits, and compliance-related reviews involving sponsored research activities, as assigned.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying complex university, federal, and sponsor policies related to research administration, PI eligibility, and conflict of interest.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations, including NIH and other federal funding agency requirements.
• Experience providing independent analysis and written recommendations that inform senior leadership decision-making.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, high-risk workflows requiring sound judgment, discretion, and prioritization.
• Experience developing or delivering training, guidance, or educational materials for faculty and research administrators.
• Demonstrated ability to identify compliance gaps, assess risk, and recommend process or policy improvements.
• Strong experience collaborating with central offices (e.g., research administration, legal, compliance, or IRB functions) in a complex academic or research environment.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex policy guidance clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in or closely with a Dean’s Office, Provost’s Office, or central research administration function.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
• Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
• Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
• Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is based in Stanford’s Research Park and has the option of a telecommuting/hybrid schedule subject to operational needs.

The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 to $153,486 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.