The Associate Director for Administration is a key member of the executive leadership team for the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC). The Associate Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives identified by executive leadership; serving as the lead administrative officer for the Case CCC across consortium partners including Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals; advancing the operations of the Case CCC in alignment with the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG); and ensuring the financial health and long-term sustainability of the center.
This individual serves as a senior advisor and confidant to the Faculty Director and Vice Dean and is an active member of the executive leadership team. The Director identifies and implements growth opportunities in cancer research and education, leads major institutional initiatives, and facilitates collaboration across multiple programs and institutions. The position represents the Case CCC in scientific, philanthropic, and institutional settings.
TO APPLY
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategic Planning and External Relations
Partner with the Director/Vice Dean and leadership of the School of Medicine and Case CCC to develop and implement the center’s strategic plan and scientific vision. Serve as the primary administrative liaison with the National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Centers for CCSG-related activities. Promote the missions of cancer and stem cell research and education by strengthening partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Represent the Case CCC with institutional partners, donors, community organizations, corporate leaders, and government officials. Support the Director/Vice Dean in strategic initiatives including program development, realignment of scientific programs, and multidisciplinary initiatives. Prepare high-level reports, presentations, and strategic documents as needed.
Consortium Coordination and Strategic Communications
Lead regular meetings with leadership across Case CCC partner institutions to strengthen collaboration and share administrative and scientific updates. Foster partnerships among consortium institutions to expand collaborative research opportunities. Develop and implement strategies that enhance internal and external communications, including reports to center members, institutional leaders, and external stakeholders. Provide administrative leadership for key governance and advisory bodies including the Executive Committee, Institutional Advisory Committee, External Advisory Committee, Board of Governors, Institutional Consortium Cabinet, and Community Advisory Board.
Administrative and Financial Leadership
Serve as the senior administrative leader coordinating Case CCC operations across institutional partners. Oversee administrative functions including finance, research administration, communications, human resources, information technology, graduate programs, and faculty affairs. Manage the flow of information across the consortium, establish operational priorities, and support collaborative research activities. Ensure the financial health of the center through budget development, expenditure monitoring, grant oversight, and identification of funding opportunities. Implement continuous improvement processes for communication, budgeting, and reporting. Oversee faculty affairs activities including recruitment processes and space allocation.
Organizational Leadership and Staff Management
Provide leadership and supervision for Case CCC administrative staff, including senior leaders responsible for finance and administration, communications, program operations, clinical research operations, and database management. Oversee administrative offices supporting cancer training and education, community outreach and engagement, and academic and organizational excellence. Work closely with the Deputy Associate Director for Administration to support research programs, shared resources, training initiatives, community engagement activities, and grant management.
Reporting, Evaluation, and Program Development
Report regularly to the National Cancer Institute and consortium institutions on the progress and performance of the Case CCC. Monitor data and performance metrics to ensure program goals are achieved and operational challenges are addressed. Lead planning and development of key publications including annual research reports. Collaborate with associate directors to expand research and education initiatives aligned with the needs of the center, institutional partners, and the broader community.
Philanthropy and Development Support
Collaborate with university and School of Medicine development offices to support fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. Provide strategic guidance on development opportunities and track philanthropic contributions to ensure funds are used in accordance with donor intent.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise directly and indirectly approximately 30 administrative and program staff. Direct and evaluate the work of staff assigned to specific initiatives and projects. Work closely with supervisors to develop staff capabilities and support professional development.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of administrative experience, preferably within an academic medical center, research institute, or cancer center. At least 6 years of management experience supervising and leading programs or teams. Experience leading complex initiatives within a matrix or multi-institutional environment is required. Experience managing large research grants, including the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant, is preferred.
Education/Licensing
Master’s degree required; MBA or PhD preferred.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with institutional leaders, faculty, staff, community partners, and government representatives.
High level of emotional intelligence and ability to influence and work collaboratively across organizational levels and functions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities.
Strategic thinking and the ability to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously.
Sound management and supervisory skills.
Flexibility, creativity, and strong attention to detail under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple initiatives and competing priorities.
High level of integrity and professional judgment.
Working knowledge of enterprise financial systems such as PeopleSoft or similar platforms.
Knowledge of human resources, faculty affairs, research administration, procurement systems, facility management operations, and philanthropy.
Understanding of cancer research and stem cell/regenerative medicine environments preferred.