Director of Research Compliance

Job Summary
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.
The Director contributes in three primary areas:

1. Research Compliance Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership, guidance, education, and oversight across research compliance domains, including human subjects protections, sponsored research, research collaborations, data governance, emerging technologies, and related regulatory requirements.

2. Governance and Institutional Decision-Making

• Advises faculty and institutional leaders on complex research-related matters, helping balance research objectives, compliance obligations, and institutional risk.

3. Team Leadership

• Leads and develops a team responsible for human subjects protections, research compliance, data management, and quality improvement initiatives.

Position Description
Reporting to the Managing Director, Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD) and Research Integrity Officer and working closely with faculty, Research Administration colleagues, HBS and University partners, the Director's responsibilities include:

Research Compliance Leadership

• 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.

Research Collaborations and Partnerships

• 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.
• Governance and Institutional Decision-Making
• 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.

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Skills, Experience, and Credentials Needed for this Position

• 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.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information:
  • ​​​​​​This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

  • #LI-PG1 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.