Program Operations Director

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

 

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

 

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

 

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD) is a recognized leader in translational and “bench-to-bedside” science. VIDD integrates the expertise and creativity of scientists in basic, translational and clinical research to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases, including known and emerging infections of major global health importance such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and cancer-related infectious diseases. Applying an innovative multidisciplinary approach, VIDD houses three formal research programs that systematically pursue explicit goals aimed at eliminating the burden of death and disease from infection. These programs include Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology; Immunology and Vaccine Development; and Infectious Disease Sciences.

 

The Program Operations Director (POD) for the Immunology and Vaccine Development (IVD) Program provides oversight and direction for a research program of over 50 faculty and $300 million in research awards. The POD leverages broad experience in program leadership, strategic planning, research administration, federal regulatory requirements, financial planning & analysis, human resources management, training & development, research portfolio development including proposal writing, systems and process improvement, and communications. This position reports to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for VIDD.

 

This position works in partnership with program leadership, Principal Investigators (PIs) and VIDD’s Associate Vice President to independently plan and ensure the success of the program faculty in their research pursuits.  The IVD Program Operations Director supervises managers to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant administration of work units within the program: Research Administration, Regulatory Affairs, and Facilities & Operations, which includes oversight of the wet labs housed in the program. They ensure program strategy and objectives align with overall division and organizational priorities and provide input to division-level strategic planning.

1. Program Oversight (60%)

• Ensure program activities are compliant with all federal, sponsor and Fred Hutch requirements and guidelines and ensure operational consistency across the program
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved across the division, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of program operations
• Supervise staff, including, hiring, training, mentorship, evaluating performance, handling disciplinary action, layoff and termination issues
• Provide oversight to the program’s Research Administration activities including grant preparation, budget development/management, forecasting, reporting and report tools development
• Oversee financial operations for the program including forecasting, management, reporting, reconciliations, purchasing and vendor contract management
• Provide financial advice and guidance to program leaders and teams
• Ensure the adherence to regulatory compliance procedures and laboratory protocols throughout the program, including oversight of any agency site reviews
• Provide oversight of human resources management activities, training and communication of Center policies, and administrative process improvement
• Contribute to space planning, allocation, utilization, and management and resolve conflicts as needed
• Collaborate with VIDD leadership to communicate and share programmatic activities, challenges and accomplishments regularly

2. Strategic Planning (15%)

• Facilitate faculty engagement in VIDD strategic planning efforts
• Work with faculty and leadership from IVD, VIDD and the Center to operationalize strategic plans and implement processes to achieve the initiatives and objectives set forth in each plan
• Lead and participate in groups and committees across the Program, Division and/or Center to support strategy, special projects, and process improvement initiatives
• Synergize with other programs and participate in operational planning for the Division
• Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of operational plan & process improvement project implementation

3. Faculty Support (25%)

• In collaboration with VIDD Faculty Affairs Office, coordinate faculty recruiting activities for the program and support the Division office in administration and faculty promotions
• Assist the IVD Program Head in planning all IVD faculty meetings; attend program meetings and events to stay abreast on all milestones, activities and needs for the IVD faculty
• Serve as an advisor to faculty in planning and developing their group or lab including recruitment and retention, conflict management, and offboarding
• Support faculty in cultivating and managing relationships with public and private funders to secure and expand recurring revenue streams
• Assist the Fred Hutch Philanthropy, Business Development, and Communication & Marketing departments in cooperation with the Division to ensure all IVD achievements and donor relationships are appropriately highlighted and managed
• Assist in finding, and developing new funding opportunities for the program, as appropriate
• Proactively engage with faculty and their research administrators to regularly prepare and report out on their funding, awards and highlights of research activities

 

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a related field
• Minimum of 8-10 years of federal research administration management experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory and leadership experience
• Demonstrated success managing and engaging diverse stakeholders across a complex research portfolio
• Experience with translating science into strategy in creating and executing strategic plans
• Strong communication and budgetary skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree
• 3-5 years of experience in supporting faculty in an academic environment
• Understanding of NIH grant policies
• Experience managing operations, including grant and contract budgeting and monitoring, human resources, financial planning & analysis, and strategic planning in a health care, research, biotech or governmental agency environment
• Experience identifying areas for process improvement and implementing associated change management strategies to successfully rollout and sustain initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in data analytics and visualization
• Advanced experience with Microsoft suite (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.)
• Ability to create a positive work culture
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude and sense of humor

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The annual base salary range for this position is from $133,328 to $210,724, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

 

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

 

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the US and not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.