Executive Director, Investigator Grants and Clinical Payments

Who we are

We’re a global, midsize CRO that pushes boundaries, innovates and invents because the path to a cure for the world’s most persistent diseases is not paved by those who play it safe. It is built by those who take pioneering, creative approaches and implement them with quality and excellence.

We are Worldwide Clinical Trials, and we are a global team of over 3,500+ experts, bright thinkers, dreamers and doers and, together, we are changing the way the world experiences CROs – in the best possible way.

Our mission is to work with passion and purpose every day to improve lives and we are looking for others who value this same pursuit.

Why Worldwide

We believe everyone plays an important role in making a world of difference for patients and their caregivers. From our hands-on, accessible leaders, to our cohesive and supportive teams, we are committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed. We prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to promote collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. Join us!

SUMMARY: The Executive Director, Investigator Grants and Clinical Payments will be responsible for strategic oversight, leadership, and execution of the end-to-end investigator grants and clinical payments process throughout the lifecycle of clinical trials. This role ensures efficiency, compliance, and transparency in financial transactions between sponsors, investigators, and research sites. The Executive Director will collaborate cross-functionally with clinical operations, finance, legal, and external stakeholders to optimize payment processes and drive operational excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a global strategy for investigator grants and payments, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

• Process Optimization: Lead the design and continuous improvement of automated, scalable processes for grants and payments, leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance efficiency.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to applicable financial regulations, contractual obligations, and audit requirements related to investigator payments.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with clinical operations, finance, procurement, and legal teams to streamline payment workflows and resolve issues proactively.

• Vendor and System Management: Oversee payment systems, external vendors, and technology platforms supporting investigator grants, ensuring seamless operations.

• Financial Planning and Analysis: Provide insights into payment trends, budget forecasting, and financial reporting for leadership decision-making.

• Training and Development: Mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability in clinical payments management.

• Issue Resolution: Serve as the escalation point for complex payment discrepancies and investigator site concerns, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.

• Industry Engagement: Represent the organization in industry forums, conferences, and regulatory discussions related to investigator grants and clinical payments.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.     

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience leading global payment processes across multiple regions.

• Knowledge of automation and AI-driven financial reconciliation tools.

• Cashflow management experience.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data for strategic decision-making.

• Strong leadership and change management skills with experience driving operational transformation.

• Proficiency in clinical payment systems, contract management tools, and financial reporting platforms.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, clinical research, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in clinical trial payments, investigator grants, or financial operations within a CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotech industry.

• Expertise in clinical trial agreements, site budgets, and payment regulations (e.g., FMV, Sunshine Act, GDPR).