Under minimal supervision and with broad independent judgment, the Manager of Operations position ensures the successful function of activities necessary for Extramural Research (ER) pre- and post-award operations and operational activities necessary for support of successful strategic and fiscal planning in the office of Senior Vice President, ER. This position will also assist in the management of operational activities required to support ER Program Directors in department-wide activities related to the business goals and objectives of Extramural Research and the Society mission, including: peer review, program development, program management, and special funding operations. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Extramural Research.
- Leads and directs the ER Operations Group team, including the Grants Manager, Applications Review Coordinator, and Pre-Application Coordinator. Makes recommendations regarding team career development and provides staff performance evaluations.
- Directs all existing ER activities for operational support of Extramural Research Program promotion, application receipt and disposition and grant management, including grants that are special-funded. Engages team in process improvement analyses, customer engagement and activity streamlining; leads team in planning and implementing new initiatives and monitors performance against plan.
- Responsible for the relationship with Altum Proposal Central including ongoing operations, testing and implementation of new features, and troubleshooting of problems which arise.
- Directs the activities that support special operations within ER, including: RFA implementation, program development and evaluation, and innovation in peer review platforms and functions.
- Emphasizing good working relationships, manages the interface of all ER operations with other research department offices and Global Headquarters offices, including: ER Grants Program Offices (six), Research Information Management Group, Business Office, Research Integration Office, Corporate Communications, Meetings and Travel, Corporate Counsel, and Cancer Control.
- Ensures appropriate management and maintenance of data related to applications, grants and peer review. Assures appropriate retention of electronic and paper records according to ACS policy.
- Ensures the creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures, the department shared drive of all operational documents, and other manuals and documents as needed to assure transparency and effective functioning.
- Assists Senior Vice President, ER with oversight of ER operational and administrative budgets, and annual reporting obligations between the ER department and ACS senior leadership.
- Coordinates the Grants Management Team Meetings, and participates as needed in Program Director and other department team meetings.
- 5+ years of personnel and project management experience, including group and systems management responsibilities.
- Some familiarity with not-for-profit/charitable research funding organizations is highly desirable.
- A current working knowledge in the operation and management of research and training grant programs, including: grant policies, grant peer review principles, grants administration processes, and related constituent needs and personnel management practices.
- Outstanding written/oral communication skills. Ability to communicate with ACS staff and outside constituents in a collaborative, consultative, and positive manner.
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills and strong attention to detail.
- Excellent group leadership skills and the ability to apply them to collaborate with groups.
- Ability to build consensus and to work through others in achieving desired results and objectives.
- Consistent ability to set and deliver against a work plan in a fast-paced environment.
- Critical characteristics: independent thinking, initiative, interpersonal savvy, and ability to translate complex problems into messages understood by others.
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
- No or very limited physical effort required.
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
- Some travel may be required.
We are committed to providing staff with fulfilling opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact in their local communities. We offer staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental and retirement benefits, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.