Director, Institute Administrative Services - Texas Institute of Restorative Technology (TIRN)

Position Summary:

The Texas Institute of Restorative Neurotechnologies (TIRN) is an institutional level initiative at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) that harnesses advancements and developments in neuroscience, neuro-technology, and neuroinformatics to transform the understanding and treatment of brain disorders. TIRN is composed of faculty from the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology and UTHealth, along with the School of Engineering at Rice University, integrating clinical programs, basic science research, technological innovation, and academic training to target diseases of the brain. The institute’s primary focus is on the evaluation of epilepsy by cutting edge imaging and electrophysiology and its treatment of via innovative medical, surgical and genetic approaches, to continue the visibility of the Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program into a world leader.

The Texas Institute of Restorative Neurotechnologies (TIRN) is seeking an experienced Director of Institute Administrative Services to oversee its personnel, finances, and facilities. Reporting to the Co-Directors of Neurosurgery and the Neural Interfaces Research Group, the Director will provide strategic financial analysis and advise TIRN Co-Directors on clinical research and educational initiatives. Key responsibilities include contract negotiation, budget development and management, program planning and evaluation, and overall operational oversight of the institute.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of six years of relevant experience—preferably within academic medicine—and a comprehensive knowledge of research administration. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, along with strong negotiation capabilities, are essential.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Plans and implements the operational, financial, and administrative activities of the Institute. Develops and maintains continuity of the administrative infrastructure to ensure efficient and financially sound operations. Directs the administrative operations of the Institute.
• Resolves issues/concerns to ensure that the goals of the Institute are achieved.
• Assists with the evaluation, preparation and monitoring of the Institute 's budget(s), including funding sources/grants, and ensures compliance with all grant, legislative and organizational regulations, policies, and procedures. Prepares and interprets financial analyses reports, and cost studies to better support the Institute 's mission.
• Serves as an Institute liaison for UTHealth departments, schools, faculty and staff, and various external agencies and organizations. May represent the Institute at special events and/or functions. Serves on or leads various school, university and/or external professional committees.
• May ensure department IT needs are properly met and helps monitor compliance of department IT infrastructure in accordance with organization policies.
• Responsible for preparing and implementing strategic plans for the Institute that may have concurrent timelines.
• May manage or provide general assistance with procurement activities, equipment purchases and equipment inventory and/or oversee new site developments.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and university and program policies and procedures.
• Models and promotes a team environment, quality care and customer satisfaction.
• Responsible for the design, execution and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Manages Human Resources activities for direct reports in regards to: recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, professional development, mentoring, counseling, performance evaluation, and salary planning.
• May manage contracts for professional services, processes contractual agreements.
• Compiles financial and personnel reports for grants and contracts at the Institute level and ensures fiscal integrity by evaluating budgeted expenses and revenues against actual expenditures by providing monthly updates and plans for variations.
• May act as a designated responsible party for financial reporting for the Institute. Ensures accounts are reconciled in a timely manner and that the adequate separation of duties are established and maintained; and that any contingent liabilities are identified and adequately communicated to the university 's central financial reporting personnel. Affirms that financial information for the Institute reflects actual results of operations.
• Coordinates activities in establishing grant protocol with institutions that may be involved in similar activities as named by the grant.
• Assists Principal Investigator and their staff with pre and post award administration and coordinating, including oversee proper close-out of grants and contracts, including final financial reports to grant agency.
• Distributes to Principal Investigators pertinent information relating to contractual provisions and obligations
• May train staff as necessary; develops and maintains a processes and procedures manual.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Certification/Skills:

• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Database and spreadsheet skills
• Managing pre and post awards

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Healthcare Administration or related field required. Master's Degree preferred.

Minimum Experience:

6 years of experience in healthcare administration, research, or related field required.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.