Director, Office Of Research Development

We are seeking to hire a Director for the Office of Research Development (ORD) at the Cleveland Clinic, which is a world leader in science-based healthcare. The mission of ORD is to provide strategic and catalytic support through research and proposal development to enhance Cleveland Clinic research scientists in their efforts to obtain extramural funding for world-class research that improves human health. The Director is expected to collaborate with research scientists across the Cleveland Clinic enterprise to facilitate the development of highly competitive research grant applications with a priority given to Center/Program Project and Network grants (e.g. NIH P01, P30, P50, U01, U19, and U54 mechanisms). The director will engage with federal, state and private sponsors and support the Cleveland Clinic research community by building grantsmanship skills and capabilities. Our funding portfolio ($140M in new federal awards in 2021) is expected to grow significantly in the next few years through our anchor role in building the new Cleveland Innovation District. As part of the Innovation District, Cleveland Clinic has pledged to double its research footprint and output in the next five years.  

The Director will strategically lead an office of 9 employees and 11 external consultants. Responsibilities of the Director include developing and coordinating competitive grants activities, facilitating and building a community of practice that supports research development, and providing a wide range of services to faculty in support of successful grant seeking. The Director also oversees the Lerner Research Institute’s Internal Funding program (~ $2M/year) and Cleveland Clinic’s Limited Submission program. The Director will report to the Vice-Chair of the Lerner Research Institute and has flexibility to work in person, hybrid or remote after an initial on-site training period.

Applicants should have an advanced degree in clinical or biomedical science (MD, PhD, DrPH or similar) and 3+ years of relevant leadership experience in proposal/research development. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in proposal development for various federal sponsors (NIH, NSF, DoD) and experience in leading and managing a research development team. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required since the position involves the development and delivery of training, presentations to individuals and groups, scientific writing and editing, and grantsmanship. Applicants with a track record in capture management, program development, and building collaborative research teams across multiple scientific disciplines will be considered highly competitive. Rank will be commensurate with experience.

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information of three references to Dr. Donna Driscoll, Vice-Chair, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic at driscod@ccf.org

Cleveland Clinic's vision is to become the best place for care and the best place to work in healthcare. We are committed to providing a safe, stable, and financially fulfilling work environment.  Even in these uncertain times, Cleveland Clinic is ambitiously investing in growth. Being a physician-led organization means doing what is best for the patients, every day. Cleveland Clinic has been recognized by the American Medical Association's 2022 Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program.

Cleveland Clinic is one of the world's largest and busiest health centers.Patients come to Cleveland Clinic from all over the world. We offer advanced treatment for all illnesses and disorders of the body. We enjoy a strong reputation for outstanding quality care. U.S News & World Report Hospitals ranking of 2022-2023 has named us the No. 4 hospital in the nation once again and No.1 hospital for Ohio and metro areas for Cleveland, Akron and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Cleveland Clinic’s heart program has ranked No. 1 in the nation since 1995. 

We are ranked nationally in 13 specialties, including nine in the Top 10 and six in the Top 5.

Other specialties noted for national excellence include ENT and pediatrics. Cleveland Clinic Children's offers highly specialized pediatric care in a family-centered atmosphere. It has been ranked the best children's hospital in Ohio by Child magazine.

In addition, Cleveland Clinic has been recognized as the No. 2 hospital in the world by Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2022 list.

Cleveland Clinic main campus and Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital are ranked internationally while four other locations are listed among the best hospitals nationwide -

• Cleveland Clinic FairviewsHospital
• Cleveland Clinic Florida-Weston
• Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 72,500 employees worldwide are more than 5,050 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,800 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 21 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2022, there were 12.8 million total outpatient visits, 303,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 270,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. 

Cleveland Clinic has been named one of America's Best Employers for Diversity in 2023. 

Cleveland Clinic values a culture where caregivers integrate diversity and inclusion throughout the enterprise. We respect and appreciate our similarities and differences; they enable us to better serve our patients, one another, and our global communities.

Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment/affirmative action employer: Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

Smoke/drug free environment.

Any application submitted without a CV will delay the review process

Please be advised that all information entered in your application will only be shared with Cleveland Clinic and will not be distributed to third parties.

Cleveland is part of Northeast Ohio which is composed of six metropolitan areas. Each of them provides affordable real estate, excellent schools, safe communities as well as an abundance of outdoor activities. Find out here how great it is to live in Cleveland!

Candidates will only be asked to provide personal documents once an offer of employment has been made and accepted. Recruitment scams are becoming increasingly common online, with false advertisements and requests for payment or personal details claiming to come from reputable organizations. Please be assured that our physician recruiters will never ask for payment from candidates at any stage of the recruitment or offer process.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program as well as a COVID-19 vaccine program. You will be required to comply with both programs, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination, COVID-19 vaccination, or an exemption.