DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA BREAST CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM & CANCER INITIATIVES

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Department Overview

The Research Grants Program Office (RGPO) within the Office of Research and Innovation (R&I) oversees a broad grantmaking portfolio of over $100 million a year to support research that is critical to California, the nation and the world. RGPO programs enhance UC's research capacity and excellence, which helps attract top faculty, graduate students, government funding and companies to our state. These grants enable researchers to collaborate and solve the most pressing problems in the state and the world. RGPO also provides grants for training graduate and postdoctoral researchers, whose work will benefit California communities. The RGPO consists of several statewide and systemwide grant-making programs, including the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program, the California HIV/AIDS Research Program, the UC Multicampus Research Programs & Initiatives, the UC National Laboratory Fees Research Program, among others. RGPO also administers one-time state and university special research opportunities. RGPO also includes a central operational unit that provides core administrative support for the grant-making enterprise. This position directs the CBCRP and new cancer initiatives, as well as contributing to the overall mission of the RGPO and the Office of Research & Innovation at the UC Office of the President.

Position Summary

The Director of CBCRP & Cancer Initiatives is a recognized expert in cancer research and a visionary leader with demonstrated ability to deliver results. The Director's primary responsibility is to serve as strategic and administrative lead for the California Breast Cancer Research Program, a statewide research funding program established in 1995, and administered by the University of California on behalf of the State (https://www.cbcrp.org/). With an annual budget of ~$8 million, CBCRP promotes, funds, manages, and disseminates research on breast cancer through investigator-initiated grants to California researchers, targeted research initiatives that address key gaps in breast cancer prevention, treatment, or cure; and wide dissemination of research results. In addition to the primary responsibility directing CBCRP, this role includes leadership or co-leadership of RGPO special research initiatives in related areas, particularly cancer and addressing health equity, among others. Recent examples include the $7 million state-funded California Firefighters Cancer Prevention and Research Program, co-funded initiatives in COVID-19, among others.

The Director reports to the Executive Director, RGPO, and has the overall responsibility for personnel and budget management, program planning, oversight of the scientific merit review, funding, and monitoring of all grant and contract proposals and awards made by CBCRP. The Director engages with and provides program information to the CBCRP Research Council, which advises on CBCRP funding priorities and new initiatives. The incumbent acts as on-going liaison with research institutions, industry, community organizations and the advocates that constitute the key Program stakeholders. In conjunction with UC's State Governmental Relations office, the incumbent liaises with California state agencies, the legislature, and other governmental entities involved in research, services and policy related to breast cancer prevention and treatment. The incumbent oversees the development of reports to the University or the Legislature on the progress, accomplishments, evaluation, and directions of the CBCRP or other research initiatives under their purview. The incumbent directly supervises the CBCRP professional and administrative program staff. The Director may also guide or indirectly supervise staff assigned to projects led by the Director on behalf of RGPO or Research & Innovation.

As a member of the RGPO leadership team, the Director contributes to advancing RGPO's overall mission by collaborating on and contributing expertise to RGPO- or Research & Innovation-wide special project teams. The Director also contributes to RGPO-wide planning, including developing and updating of RGPO policies, ensuring RGPO-wide goals advancing equity and best practices in grantmaking, data system refinements, and high priority initiatives.

Thjs position is remote eligible within California (California resident or willing to relocate to California).

The incumbent has the option to work Hybrid in the office upon request, but the default is remote.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% Strategic Planning and Research Program Management: Guides the overall research program strategy and leads short-and long-range strategic planning; applies state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and research methods in cancer, including rapidly evolving scientific theories and research findings, and analysis of the scientific and policy implications of these developments, as well as the priorities of the State of California, the National Institutes of Health, and other major cancer research funding programs, to develop and lead innovative programmatic strategies. Leads engagement with the CBCRP Research Council (BCRC) or other advisory committees. In collaboration with the BCRC, develops long-range goals and objectives for major new initiatives and leads the BCRC in strategic planning and priority-setting for CBCRP funding. Identifies and recruits qualified researchers and advocates to serve on the BCRC and supports the meetings and actions of the BCRC in fulfilling its advisory role to CBCRP. Oversees and guides all program components of CBCRP's grantmaking portfolio; directs integration of program goals and activities. Formulates plans for and directs administration of research program activities, including oversight of the merit peer review, awarding of new research grants and contracts, and designing new initiatives in collaboration with scientific staff and advisors. Oversees research dissemination, the development of periodic reports and other public-facing representations of program activities, portfolio of grants, and research priorities to the University, California legislature and other entities. Ensures compliance with and adheres to applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and organization / University guidelines. Resolves complex issues. Serves as point person and key liaison to advocates and state agency partners for emerging cancer research initiatives or other research program development aligned with areas of expertise. Consults with advisory bodies and content experts to advance the goals of special research initiatives.
• 15% Resource Development & Management: Plans and oversees the development, forecasting, and management of multi-year budgets, and ensures appropriate expenditures for the CBCRP funds (~$7-8 million annual budget) in accordance with relevant statutes and UC policies. Determines allocation of resources across the program portfolio. Tracks expenditures and allocations for research awards, program administration, evaluation of grant applications, and program research activities. Oversees program portfolio of approximately $25 million in active research awards. Identifies potential new funding sources and in consultation with the RGPO Executive Director and Research & Innovation colleagues, and pursues opportunities to augment program funding through philanthropy, extramural contracts, or other funders. Manages agreements with other funders, and related budget allocations, to advance research funding opportunities that align with CBCRP or other cancer research initiatives. Oversees budgets for extramural grants to RGPO or CBCRP for which the Director is PI. May be asked to develop and manage budgets and resource allocations for RGPO special initiatives, such as the CA Firefighters Cancer Prevention and Research Program, or other one-time funding allocations in areas of relevant expertise. Consults with the RGPO ED and the RGPO Operations Director on matters related to resource allocations impacting centralized services utilization.
• 15% Cancer Research Leadership and Partnerships: Advances CBCRP's role as a leader in breast cancer research and policy by representing the Program to external agencies and national and international organizations. Makes presentations about CBCRP activities and cancer research at scientific meetings and conferences. Serves as primary spokesperson for the Program to multiple audiences, including the State legislature, scientists, donors, and the public; fosters and maintains close working relationships with a wide variety of cancer organizations in California, and nationally. Pursues novel partnerships to facilitate innovative research, and to implement effective methods of coordinating cancer research investments with other agencies and cancer research funders. Upon request, advises UC systemwide and campus research leaders on matters related to cancer research and epidemiology or other areas of relevant expertise. Collaborates with UC campuses, other California research institutions, and other partner organizations to develop appropriate linkages and joint projects to raise the profile of UC research. May develop or manage new cancer research initiatives or strategies for advancing state priorities for cancer research.
• 15% People Management: Supervises CBCRP Program Officers and administrative staff, including their recruitment, selection, evaluation and development. Fosters teamwork, providing leadership and oversight to ensure a high level of collaboration, idea sharing, and a culture of inclusion and respect. May provide guidance to, and indirectly supervise, cross-RGPO teams created to meet RGPO-wide goals, or to fulfill specific special initiatives or R&I goals. Provides cross-training for staff across multiple areas of expertise. Implements performance standards and metrics. Evaluates staff performance; assesses employees' developmental needs and provides growth opportunities that enhance employees' capabilities to contribute to the achievement of organizational goals.
• 15% RGPO-wide Collaboration & Grantmaking Innovation: Identifies and supports opportunities for collaboration across RGPO, Research & Innovation, and between R&I and the UC campuses. Develops goals and objectives in conjunction with the RGPO Executive Director to ensure alignment with RGPO and with Research and Innovation. As a member of the RGPO Leadership Team, the Director consults with and advises the Executive Director, the RGPO Operations Director, and the other RGPO Program Directors to support collaborative development of new grantmaking procedures and RGPO policies to streamline and strengthen RGPO administrative, structural, and programmatic directions, and to achieve RGPO goals to be leaders in research grantmaking. Encourages and allows others to explore new cross-unit collaborations. Makes time and resources available for new collaborative projects and initiatives.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• At least ten years of relevant experience, with at least five years research experience in field relevant to cancer research.
• Minimum of five years of experience in research grant funding or research grants management, either managing a cancer-related research portfolio or overseeing a research program.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Strong research background and experience in cancer including extensive record of publications in related fields required. Expertise is breast cancer research, and health equity/disparities research preferred.
• Visionary leadership with demonstrated ability to deliver results and advocate effectively for research in general, and cancer and breast cancer research in particular.
• Demonstrated success and creativity in program development required. Experience in research grant funding with proven record of building and managing innovative, effective research grant programs.
• Demonstrated outstanding ability to supervise a workforce, including organizing workflow to accomplish objectives, delegating responsibility, identifying training needs, evaluating effectiveness, and managing performance.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and mutually supportive working relationships with faculty, researchers, administrators, staff, other UCOP and campus units, and sponsoring agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, motivate, and influence others in a positive manner to achieve results.
• Experience in the development and management of large and complex multi-year research and operating budgets demonstrating fiscal responsibility while achieving program goals.
• Strong ability to formulate solutions, identify options and opportunities, and assess implications for implementation, particularly in relation to highly complex projects.
• Strong ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a with highly integrated, complex organization.
• Excellent negotiation skills, including ability to resolve conflict among diverse stakeholders and individuals.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills and ability to tailor communications to a wide range of audiences, stakeholders, staff, policymakers, and others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with grantmaking or philanthropy, particularly research grantmaking.
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing health disparities and advancing equity through research and collaborative engagement with public health and patient advocates strongly preferred.
• RGPO is an organization strongly committed to benefiting California and the people of California, and advancing social and health equity, through research grantmaking. The ideal candidate will share this passion and contribute skills and commitment to realize these goals.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Earned Doctorate (PhD; MD; DrPH; etc.), with cancer research expertise. Relevant fields may include, but are not limited to, oncology, medicine, chemistry, psychology, social/behavioral science, biochemistry, radiology, or other relevant fields.

Travel Requirements
5% Travel is typically within state to research meetings; Sacramento; academic institutions. May also include out of state travel to research meetings or conferences 1-4 times per year. Travel may be up to 10% on an annual basis.

Job Title
Research Grant Program Manager 2

Job Code
005913

Salary Grade
Grade 26

Payscale:
$170,000 - $196,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is September 23, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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