SRI Executive Search has been contracted by Westat to assist with the search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Vice President and Director of Clinical Research.
About Westat
Westat offers innovative professional services to help clients improve outcomes in education, health and social policy.
Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our approach is rooted in rigorous statistical and data science methods with an unflagging dedication to improving lives—we approach each project with investigative curiosity, data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology. These attributes, unchanged since our establishment in 1963, combined with our innovative thinking, transparency, and adaptability, are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Westat offers a range of services including large- and small-scale surveys, program assessments and evaluation, capacity building and training, clinical trials management and operations, epidemiological studies, and communication and dissemination strategies. Our expertise touches almost every aspect of life—contributing to public policy improvements in education and public health, economic empowerment, mental and behavioral health, youth development, nutrition, housing, military life, and much more. Our clients include the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Treasury, Justice, Energy, Labor, and many other federal agencies. Westat also serves state and local governments, associations and foundations, and the private sector.
As an employee-owned firm, we are highly motivated to produce outstanding work and maintain exceptional client relationships.
For more information, visit www.westat.com.
Role Purpose
As Vice President and Director of Clinical Research (CR), you will direct an extraordinarily talented multidisciplinary team of over 140 staff. You will be the executive business leader and report to the Chief Business Officer. You will guide the strategic planning process and oversee a large portfolio of clinical trials, bioinformatics, health IT and comprehensive epidemiology research projects.
Your key responsibilities as Practice Director will include setting forth and executing the business strategy, being accountable for business development, ensuring project quality, and supervising talent management. Performance will be monitored, in part, by tracking revenue (including revenue growth and ability to meet planned revenue), new business development, and staff utilization.
Key Responsibilities
Business Strategy
- Develop and execute a strategy that (a) enables Westat to expand the meaningful work we do for HHS and commercial clients, and (b) creates continued opportunities for all Clinical Research Practice staff to perform intellectually challenging work, to grow professionally, and to advance in their careers.
- Establish a strategic direction for the Clinical Research practice that is in line with Westat’s business goals.
- Lead the portfolio of business with the Practice’s key clients: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) health agencies including the National Institute of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration as well as commercial clients including the pharmaceutical industry.
- Develop and promote thought leadership that promotes Westat’s expertise to create a competitive edge, attract new clients, and recruit the best talent.
- Foster collegiality while maintaining accountability among the Practice’s management team.
Business Development
- Provide personal leadership in the design and execution of targeted business development efforts to grow the Practice, effectively leveraging current contracts and services, and company-wide resources.
- Oversee capture and proposal development activities to grow the Practice.
- Vet new opportunities that align with strategic plans and corporate business targets.
- Engage routinely with senior staff on bid decisions and priorities.
- Collaborate across Westat to bring the full range of company capabilities to bear to ensure successful business development.
Maximize Revenue
- Establish an operating plan for the Practice in alignment with Westat’s overall strategic direction.
- Establish and monitor practice budgets for direct and indirect expenditures; collaborate with Westat’s Finance and Contracts departments to ensure project-level financial risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated.
Project Execution and Quality
- Maintain our culture of client satisfaction to ensure we continue to achieve the highest client ratings.
- Ensure project risk reviews are completed, and mitigation strategies are developed for all projects.
- As needed, develop or update policies and procedures to continually strengthen the quality of our work, be more cost-efficient, and to streamline operations.
Talent Management
- Mentor leaders within the practice.
- Attract and retain talent for the organization.
- Oversee staff supervision and staff development efforts.
- Assure hiring plans are in place to support project execution.
Profile
- Master’s degree and a minimum of 15 years' experience overseeing/conducting clinical research in a government contracting organization.
- Strong strategic vision combined with experience developing and executing business strategy.
- Demonstrated business development leadership.
- Experience overseeing federal research projects with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
- A proven track record of bringing innovation to health IT, clinical research and clinical trials projects.
- Recognized thought leadership, including conference presentations, published work, and relationships with Clinical Research clients.
- Demonstrated communication skills.
Terms of Appointment
On-site collaboration is highly valued. Preference will be given to local candidates who are able to join colleagues in a Westat office at least three days a week, fostering teamwork and collective engagement. Business travel is estimated at 30-50% per year.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
- Sick Leave (9 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Role Location
Westat’s HQ in Bethesda, Maryland
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please ensure you click Apply and complete the Application Form by 25 May 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT -4). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.
Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.
Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
