Centers of Excellence Program Manager

Job Summary:

The Centers of Excellence Program Manager will be a member of the Operations team within the Cancer Center Administration Office and will provide operational leadership and programmatic oversight for the Cancer Center’s Centers of Excellence. This position will initially be assigned to the Katy O. and Paul M. Rady Esophageal and Gastric Center of Excellence (Rady Center), with responsibility for overseeing Center operations and partnering with leadership to advance strategic, research, financial, philanthropic, educational, and programmatic priorities.

The Program Manager will serve as the primary operational partner to Center leadership and will be responsible for translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, managing complex programs and initiatives, monitoring progress toward Center goals, and ensuring effective coordination across faculty, staff, researchers, administrative partners, donors, and other stakeholders. The position is expected to operate with a high degree of independence and initiative, proactively identifying needs, risks, barriers, and opportunities and developing solutions that improve Center effectiveness and support continued growth.

The Program Manager will directly supervise program staff supporting the assigned Center of Excellence, including one Program Coordinator initially assigned to the Rady Center. The position will establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and ensure effective operational and administrative support for Center leadership and initiatives.

As the Cancer Center’s Centers of Excellence portfolio grows and evolves, this position may be assigned responsibility for additional Centers of Excellence and will contribute to the development of shared processes, infrastructure, and best practices that support the Centers of Excellence model across the Cancer Center.

Key Responsibilities:

Center Operations and Strategic Management (40%)

• Provide operational leadership for assigned Centers of Excellence and ensure activities align with Center, Cancer Center, and School of Medicine priorities.

• Partner with Center leadership to develop, implement, and monitor strategic priorities, programs, and initiatives.

• Oversee complex Center programs and projects, including coordination of resources, timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.

• Monitor progress toward Center goals and identify opportunities to improve operations, effectiveness, and overall program impact.

• Develop and maintain appropriate reporting, metrics, and processes to support leadership decision-making and accountability.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement, Communications, and Program Development (25%):

• Serve as a key operational partner to Center leadership and maintain effective relationships with faculty, researchers, staff, donors, administrative partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.

• Support the effective functioning of Center governance, committees, and advisory groups, including planning, coordination, communication, and follow-up.

• Oversee Center communications and reporting efforts in collaboration with appropriate Cancer Center and University partners.

• Provide programmatic oversight for major Center activities, events, and initiatives, ensuring they align with strategic priorities and are executed effectively.

• Support the development of new programs, partnerships, and opportunities that advance the mission and impact of assigned Centers of Excellence.

• Contribute to the development of shared approaches and best practices as the Cancer Center’s Centers of Excellence portfolio grows and evolves.

Financial and Resource Management (20%):

• Oversee the financial management and resource planning for assigned Centers of Excellence in partnership with Center leadership and Cancer Center Finance.

• Lead budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and financial reporting to support effective stewardship of Center resources.

• Ensure financial activities align with institutional requirements, funding restrictions, and Center priorities.

• Identify financial risks, resource needs, and opportunities and provide information and recommendations to support leadership decision-making.

• Oversee financial and business processes that support Center programs, initiatives, and operations.

Research Program Management (15%):

• Support the coordination and advancement of research priorities and initiatives associated with assigned Centers of Excellence.

• Partner with investigators, Center leadership, and Cancer Center research teams to support alignment of research activities with Center goals.

• Facilitate collaboration and communication across clinical, translational, and basic science research stakeholders.

• Support appropriate tracking, reporting, and evaluation of Center-related research activity and outcomes.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen research collaboration, infrastructure, and program development within assigned Centers of Excellence.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Cancer Center stands at the forefront of cancer research and patient care in Colorado. As the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we hold a prestigious distinction that acknowledges our exceptional contributions to the fields of research, clinical trials, prevention, and cancer control. Our guiding vision is clear: "prevent and conquer cancer. Together." At the heart of our mission is the work to “unite our community to overcome cancer through innovation, discovery, prevention, early detection, multidisciplinary care, and education.”

Our more than 300 members, made up of renowned physicians and researchers, conduct patient-centered research to develop innovative, state-of-the-art technologies, and treatments. Crucial to this work is the nearly 300 staff members who help expand the reach of the CU Cancer Center. Our expertise across cancer types helps us provide world-class treatment for common cancers, while offering hope for many patients with difficult or aggressive cancers who have struggled to find treatment options elsewhere.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, business, public administration, health care, educational technology, social science, liberal arts, communications, accounting, finance, library science, or a directly related field from an accredited institution

• 4-6 years of professional experience program management, project management, business operations, healthcare administration, research administration, or a closely related field.

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

  • An advanced degree (Masters or