Conflict of Interest Program-230200

Other

11/10/2021

Yes

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Deputy Director, Conflict of Interest Program

EHRA Non-Faculty

01004759

NF0005387

Full-Time Permanent

1

40

North Carolina, US

03/01/2022

UNC-Chapel Hill recognizes that conflicts of interest and commitment will arise from the research enterprise, from technology transfer activities, and from the many facets of the professional activities and personal lives of our employees, students and trainees. It is also recognized that in addition to individual interests, the financial holdings, intellectual property agreements, and the personal interests of our officials may give rise to institutional conflicts of interest related to potential business transactions or research activities. The University is committed to ensuring the integrity of its decision-making processes. The Conflict of Interest Office is responsible for implementing the policies and processes related to these areas, along with partnering offices and committees across the University. The Office seeks to be a resource to all individuals and units across campus as they navigate multiple responsibilities and activities, particularly related to sponsored research or human studies research. The goal is to manage all relationships appropriately, pursuant to the applicable University policy.

The Deputy Director of the Conflict of Interest (COI) Program reports to the Conflict of Interest (COI) Officer/Director of the COI Program. In conjunction with the COI Officer and other COI staff, this position administers campus-wide compliance initiatives that support the University’s extensive research program and other program initiatives. Working with the COI Officer/Director, this position’s primary responsibility is the daily management of an effective university-wide COI Program to detect, evaluate, manage and monitor conflicts of interest (COI), associated with the $1 billion research portfolio and the conduct of University business. A seasoned professional with significant experience and knowledge is required.

This position will direct staff and activities to support significant compliance efforts for the conduct of research and other areas of conflict of interest; assure compliance with university, State, and Federal policies; engage as needed with the standing COI Committees and represent the unit in pan-university meetings regarding COI management, intellectual property, policy interpretation, and other programmatic matters. Other key components include ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of disclosures through the COI review process, extensive involvement in the management and monitoring of defined conflicts of interest along with the COI Chairs and Committees, and participation in the monitoring structure of faculty/staff.

The COI Office seeks to be a resource to all individuals and units across campus as they navigate multiple responsibilities and activities, particularly related to sponsored research or human studies research. The COI Program is part of the Division of Institutional Integrity and Risk Management (IIRM).

Key specific duties include:
(1) Direct the work of professional-level COI Analysts, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of individual COI disclosures through the review process within established metrics. Primary focus relates to grants and human studies, representing approximately 58,000 disclosures submitted in fiscal year 2021 through the proprietary on-line system, with approximately 2,600 requiring human review. This work includes providing guidance and feedback to staff who are conducting preliminary assessments of presented conflicts and troubleshooting unusual cases. In conjunction with, and delegated certification authority from the COI Officer, this position assesses preliminary reports completed by COI Analysts and finalizes submission certifications on behalf of the University to federal agencies, particularly the Public Health Service (PHS)/National Institutes of Health (NIH). This position supervises COI Analysts, completing performance appraisals, setting performance goals, and monitoring staff development.
(2) Advise individual faculty and staff, as well as academic and administrative units, on policy interpretation and federal regulations, including presenting COI educational sessions as needed and leading group sessions. Collaborate with multiple administrative offices, such as technology transfer, human research ethics office, and sponsored programs to create effective partnerships.
(3) Direct the work of professional-level COI Analysts in conducting organizational COI (OCOI) reviews for research projects, approximately 90-100 annually. Work with the Office of Sponsored Research on analysis of contract terms to determine applicability. Work with the Director on certification of these OCOI reviews to federal or other sponsors.
(4) Participate in the oversight and further development of the home-grown on-line conflict of interest module in the disclosure system, participating in continuous improvement activities and other duties as assigned.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

- Strong knowledge base and demonstrated understanding of intellectual property, sponsored research process, and human and animal studies processes.
- Knowledge and experience of applicable federal research conflict of interest policies.
- Strong short- and long-term planning skill.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, and prioritization skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Administrative expertise and experience in areas such as personnel, supervision, organizational management, database development management, and interaction with public and private agencies involved in sponsored research.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality throughout all work situations.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to consistently changing situations and incorporation of new information.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize multiple data points and be comfortable in assessing within flexible parameters and working with ambiguity.

- At least five years of experience in higher education administration.
- Conflict of interest knowledge, assessment, and management as specifically-applied in research within higher education.
- Strong coalition building and collaboration skills, and have a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and collaborative decision making in the workplace.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

The search will remain open until filled.