Updated: Oct 20, 2023
Location: Irvine-Campus
Job Type:
Department: Cancer Research Inst

Position Summary:

The UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is an organized research unit with the mission to catalyze interdisciplinary cancer research and training, building networks at UCI and with our local communities. The CRI has over seventy affiliated faculty and more than 300 undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral trainees embedded within interdisciplinary cancer research labs on campus. We manage a training program funded by a T32 award from the National Cancer Institute that supports six predoctoral and two postdoctoral fellows and we administer the American Cancer Society Institutional Research grant to fund junior faculty research. The CRI hosts seminars and events featuring distinguished faculty from across the country, as well as an annual campus-wide symposium on basic cancer research. These activities are supported by a highly invested and skilled administrative team who also organize community-wide networking events, local scientific conferences, and have started a new community seminar series called “Conquering Cancer”. The CRI also works closely with the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC).

The Strategic Operations Manager – Cancer Research Institute is a critical position providing leadership in the management of financial, personnel, administrative and research operations for the Cancer Research Institute. Reporting to the CRI Director with a dotted reporting line to the Office of Research, the position provides daily management and oversight of an experienced Program Coordinator and part-time fiscal analyst to administer financial and business operations, program and event management, and training program support. With guidance and support from the faculty CRI Directors, the Strategic Operations Manager will demonstrate initiative and autonomy in executing and completing projects of the Cancer Research Institute, the operations of which are significantly complex and / or broad in scope. They carry out strategic planning for the unit and oversee implementation and management of deliverables. Applying strong oral and written communication skills, the Strategic Operations Manager will play an integral role in managing professional communications to ensure the CRI effectively communicates with stakeholders and collaborators (both internally and externally). The incumbent will prepare initial drafts and/or edit reports for internal and external audiences, including funding agencies. They will be expected to prepare non-science portions of grants related to training and to diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), and be responsible for preparing professional outward-facing emails, newsletters, and digital media. The complex management functions encompass training programs, multi-investigator research proposals and training grants, and community outreach components. Because trainee tracking over time is critical for renewing existing training grants and applying for new awards, the Strategic Operations Manager must have excellent organizational abilities and interpersonal skills, including the ability to be polite yet assertive to gain needed information from busy faculty and trainees. As additional training is likely to be needed on the job, the Strategic Operations Manager should be a quick learner and possess a growth mindset. The ideal candidate will be open to feedback from supervisors and able to communicate proactively with supervisors to obtain the support they need to be successful in meeting their goals. Familiarity with event planning and execution, survey instruments, successful fundraising initiatives, University of California systems and accounting, and pre-award and post-award grant administration procedures will be helpful. A willingness to innovate and problem solve are essential for success in this position. The Strategic Operations Manager exercises maximum initiative and sound leadership within the parameters of university policies and regulations to accomplish the goals and objectives of the CRI. Develops and determines innovative solutions and implements actions to resolve issues. Opportunities to work with staff and faculty associated with the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCI Office of Research, and other Organized Research Units on campus will be available for career development opportunities and to meet CRI goals through collaboration. This position models strong professional ethics, exercising tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive and complex matters in a fluid environment and demonstrates authentic commitment to the training and inclusive excellence goals of the CRI. In summary, the Strategic Operations Manager will be a critical partner who will help to ensure that the institute continually evolves and thrives in its mission.

Total Compensation:

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits .

$81,891.36 - $150,503.04 (Annual Salary)

Required:

Five or more years of experience managing programs or grants at an academic institution or equivalent agency. Two or more years managing staff including performance management and hiring.

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines. Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Receptive to constructive guidance from leadership. Proficient in offering constructive feedback to leadership with the aim of enhancing team efficacy. Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service. Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees. Advanced oral and written communication skills, ability to prepare clear graphs, slides, and figures to support grants and contracts. Knowledge of basic principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Preferred:

Masters degree in public administration, finance, Business Administration, Project Management, Communication or Strategic Communications, Organizational Leadership or Management, Educational Leadership or or a STEM-related field preferred.

Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management. Prior success managing direct reports and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and others outside their chain of command (e.g., faculty). Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.

Special Conditions Required:

Occasional travel in and out of state Occasional work on weekends and evenings

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

Background Check and Live Scan

Legal Right to work in the United States

Vaccination Policies

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

Drug Free Environment

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

E-Verify

Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy .

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu .